Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts

In this episode Leesa Csolak interviews casting director Michael Cassara about his path from musical‑theater kid to an established casting professional. He shares how internships, mentorships, and unexpected detours shaped his career and led him to work across theater, film, and TV.

Michael also explains how casting works, how self‑tapes changed the industry, and gives practical advice for young actors and parents: know the reperto...

In this episode Leesa Csolak interviews Donovan Dreyer about guiding young people from “nest life” to their “best life.” They discuss identity work, building an inner compass, and practical steps for young performers and their parents to choose between college and professional training.

Donovan explains his three-level mental health triage (green/yellow/red), the importance of ongoing training, creating a re...

Host Leesa Csolak talks with Broadway performer, Daniel Beeman about his path from small-town music and Irish dance to Broadway, how private training and smart choices opened doors, and the role of grit and community in a performing arts career.

They cover practical advice for parents and young performers, when to seek high-level training, how showcases and casting classes help, the realities of survival jobs and auditions, and the...

In this episode, host Leesa Csolak interviews performer and teacher Eureka Nakano about her training in ballet, overcoming injury and personal struggles, building a diversified performing career on stage, in film and on television, and landing a role on the U.S. national tour of Phantom of the Opera. Eureka shares candid stories about intense training, the challenges of finding work without citizenship, the grit required for low-pa...

In this episode Leesa Csolak interviews singer-actress Solea Pfeiffer about her path from childhood violin and theater camps to studying musical theatre in college and breaking into professional work.

They discuss college audition strategies (Unifieds, pre-college programs), preparation tips, managing setbacks like vocal surgery, finding representation, and responsibilities of leading a cast. Solea shares practical advice for young...

Join Leesa Csolak and Broadway performer Jess LeProtto as they discuss Jess’s journey from childhood dance classes to multiple Broadway shows. They cover audition mindset, embracing your type, navigating school while working professionally, and the importance of persistence and teamwork in the performing arts.

Listeners will get practical advice for young performers and parents about agents, workshops, competitions, and balan...

Host Leesa Csolak interviews Sandra Valls — producer, actress, writer, comedian and Broadway star — about her long, nonlinear journey from a musical childhood in Laredo to stand‑up, writing Latina Christmas Special, surviving the pandemic and finally making her Broadway debut at 59 in Real Women Have Curves.

They discuss family dynamics, training, the grind of comedy, developing roles with playwrights, and practical adv...

Welcome to Making It Happen, A Career in the Performing Arts, where host Leesa Csolak talks with PACE graduate Madison Embrey - a dancer, singer, and actress known for arena shows.

Madison shares her early training, the role of a supportive studio and parent, her BFA in commercial dance at PACE, and how relationships and soft skills shaped her touring career from a Jurassic Park stunt show to the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bail...

Leesa Csolak interviews dancer, singer, actor, Brandon Burks about his journey from early dance training in San Diego to his Broadway debut in Audra-Gypsy at the Majestic Theatre plus roles in A Chorus Line and Gotta Dance. Brandon reflects on perseverance, audition technique, mentorship, and creating his own opportunities in New York.

He offers practical tips for performers and parents—bet on yourself, stay versatile, seek r...

Host Leesa Csolak shares her personal journey and decades of industry experience, explaining how she helped her sons and clients break into Broadway, film, and television.

This episode offers practical advice on agents vs. managers, the importance of preparation, juggling auditions and training, and the stepping-stone approach to a sustainable performing career.

Resources mentioned include online courses, the podcast with industry ...

Welcome to "Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts," where industry expert Leesa Csolak shares invaluable insights into navigating the performing arts world.

In this episode, Leesa delves into crucial topics such as avoiding scams, understanding industry terminologies, and setting up self-tape auditions.

She offers her wealth of experience to parents and young talents eager to break into the industry, emphasizing the imp...

Welcome to "Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts," where Leesa Csolak dives into the secrets of breaking into the entertainment industry. In this episode, she addresses the common questions parents and aspiring performers face when considering a career in the arts.

From understanding the role of managers and agents to determining when a child is ready for professional work, Leesa provides invaluable insights drawn from...

Welcome to "Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts," where we explore the intricate journey of breaking into the performing arts industry. In this episode, host Leesa Csolak chats with Katerine Moner about her daughter Isabela Merced's remarkable path from a talented child to Broadway performer (Evita) and Film (Superman 2025) & Television Star (The Last of Us).

Together, they discuss the balance between supporting a...

Welcome to 'Making It Happen,' where we delve into the world of pursuing a career in the performing arts. In this episode, host Leesa Csolek chats with Maggie Devine, a mother who shares her personal journey of supporting her daughter Lucy's burgeoning career in the arts.

Discover the challenges and triumphs that come with navigating the industry, from identifying talent at a young age to understanding the roles of managers and age...

In this captivating episode of 'Making It Happen,' Leesa Csolak sits down with the renowned choreographer AC Ciulla, as they delve into his extraordinary journey into the performing arts industry.

Discover the moment a young, self-taught gymnast decided to pursue dance, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities, which ultimately led to his successful career as a choreographer revered for his unique style and vision.

Gain insi...

Welcome to "Making It Happen," a podcast dedicated to guiding individuals in the performing arts industry. Join host Leesa Csolak as she interviews Mariah Reives, a Broadway performer known for her exceptional talent and inspiring journey.

Mariah shares her story, from her early days as a shy child in North Carolina to gracing the Broadway stage. Discover the challenges she faced and how she navigated the competitive world of perfo...

Welcome to this episode of Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts, where host Leesa Csolak engages in conversation with Broadway star and Tony nominee, Taylor Louderman. Taylor shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Missouri to the bright lights of Broadway, highlighting the significant milestones and challenges along the way.

In this insightful discussion, Taylor opens up about the crucial role of familial su...

Join host Leesa Csolak on Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts as she delves into the inspiring journey of Michael Kushner. Discover how childhood performances led to Broadway stages and gain invaluable insights on breaking into the performing arts industry.

Explore the challenges, achievements, and the support systems that shape a successful career in the arts.

Whether you're a parent of a young performer or an aspiri...