Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts
Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts podcast gives you inside information on how to break into the professional performance arts industry; on stage including Broadway, in film, on television, commercials, print, voice over and more. Host, Leesa Csolak features a line-up of professional performers, directors, musical directors, choreographers, casting directors, agents and managers as well as parents of minors; all here to help you understand their world, their journey and how you, too can be a part of it all. For more information on how to create, curate and navigate a career in the performing arts, visit https://lbctalent.com
Episodes
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 advice for pare...
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 reps, l...
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...
Welcome to "Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts," where we dive deep into the journey of breaking into the performing arts industry. In this episode, Leesa Csolak sits down with Broadway talent Dan Rosales to discuss the realities behind the scenes, the importance of resilience, and the value of relationships in the industry.
Dan shares his experiences, from facing rejection to landing major roles, and offers invaluab...
Welcome to "Making It Happen, a Career in the Performing Arts," where we discuss how to break into the performing arts industry for yourself or your child, teen, or young adult. Join host Leesa Csolak as she chats with professionals passionate about helping talented individuals land professional representation and have successful careers in the arts.
In this episode, Leesa interviews Dan Rosales, a talented performer currently star...
Join host Leesa Csolak in this exciting episode of "Making It Happen, A Career in the Performing Arts" as she chats with Kevin Csolak, now playing the role of Tulsa in the upcoming highly acclaimed Gypsy on Broadway and previous cast member of the Tony Award-winning show "The Outsiders." Recorded at the iconic Bernard B. Jacobs Theater in New York City, Kevin shares his experiences of returning to Broadway post-pandemic, his transi...
Welcome to "Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts," where host Leesa Csolak, CEO and founder of Makin' It Happen, delves into strategies for breaking into the performing arts industry. This episode features a conversation with Anthony Meindl, renowned acting coach and founder of Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop.
Anthony shares his insights on the importance of passion, perseverance, and the evolving nature of acting. He ...
Welcome to "Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts," where we delve into the intricacies of breaking into the performing arts industry for yourself or your child, teen, or young adult. Join Leesa Csolak, CEO and founder of Making It Happen, as she converses with passionate professionals dedicated to helping talented individuals achieve successful careers in the arts.
In this episode, Leesa sits down with Anthony Meindl, ...
Discover the story of Jake, a shining talent in the performing arts, as his mother Ellen Sauchelli joins Leesa Csolak on the Making It Happen podcast. This episode emphasizes the importance of spotting and nurturing talent early on, guiding young performers through the industry, and the essentials of finding effective training programs. Moreover, the discussion tackles the crucial role of networking for parents and the balancing ac...
Join Leesa Csolak, renowned CEO and founder of 'Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts', as she hosts a special guest, Glenn Cook, in Part 2, an enlightening podcast episode focused on guiding young talents into the performing arts industry. This episode provides an in-depth exploration of Glenn's own experiences, nurturing his children, Ben and Emma Cook's artistic talent while ensuring their safety, innocence and educa...
In this compelling episode of "Making It Happen - A Career in the Performing Arts," Leesa Csolak, the CEO, founder and our seasoned host engages with Glenn Cook, a parent who has effectively steered his children's careers in the entertainment world. Glenn shares about his journey, full of audition misadventures and Broadway triumphs, and how he supports his children in the demanding performing arts industry.
With Glenn's insightful...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com