Please welcome, Meg Paul, ballet & Broadway dancer and presently associate artistic director for world-renowned contemporary ballet company, Complexions and the Complexions Academy director. If you are a parent of a young dancer specializing in and passionate about ballet and contemporary dance, this episode will give you insight and an opportunity to see into the life of an extremely successful dance artist at the top of her field. Learn what it takes and the perspective, drive and grit necessary to win. Meg shares her early days as a dancer, her mother’s trust in her to travel on tour at a young age and the details of how she landed on Broadway in Movin’ Out. She goes on to explain how she navigated the industry and how her and her husband created their own dance agency, World Arts, Inc. A former principal dancer for the Joffrey Ballet in NYC, she has been a professional performer, a choreographer, a director, a business woman, an educator and mentor, and an advocate for dancers of all ages. She has taught at the college level and has been instrumental in melding the worlds of ballet and Broadway through the National City Stars of Ballet & Broadway in Detroit. A huge thank you to you, Meg for joining me to kick off Season 3 of Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts. Listen wherever you get your podcasts and watch on youtube -Subscribe and Like @makinithappenwithleesacsolak @megpaul_dance @complexions_ballet @complexions_academy For more information on how to curate a professional career in the arts, Watch the full versions of the Podcast on YouTube or Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Guest Annie Nunes shares how her daughter, Norah Nunes landed the role of Young Anna in the National Tour of Disney's Frozen, the Musical, the steps she took as a parent to offer her young daughter opportunities beyond her small town in Texas, and how she navigated it. If you have a young child or teen who can perform acting, singing, or dancing and is asking to get on bigger stages, listen and learn from a mom who made it happen for her young daughter. Norah was just seven years old when she booked the role and spent this past Summer happily singing, dancing and acting on the 'big' stage across the country. You can do this for your child, too. Check out all the ways I can help guide and inform you about how this elusive industry functions from the inside out and how you, too can give your child opportunities to perform on stages, including Broadway, in film, on television and much more. Subscribe, Download, Like, and Follow For more information visit https://www.lbctalent.com Instagram: @leesacsolak_lbctalent Facebook, Threads, TikTok, Twitter: @leesacsolak Follow Norah @norahsingseverywhere #frozenbroadway #frozen #disneysFrozen #younganna #broadwayshow #broadway #careersintheperformingarts #performingarts

Dancer, Singer, Actress and Choreographer, Karla Puno Garcia is making huge waves this Summer and this season as the 'it' girl for new works in the stage performance world and for TV and film. Based in NYC, Karla most recently was the first Filipina and First woman of color to choreograph the Tony Awards. Her work is seen in the Opening Number and the tribute to Joel Grey and John Kander. This past spring, Karla co-choreographed DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES at the Atlantic Theater. She also completed Season 3 of the Starz Network series Power Book III: Raising Kanaan as lead choreographer. Favorite choreography credits include additional scenes in the Netflix film Tick, Tick ... BOOM!, directed by Lin Manuel Miranda; ENCORES Off-Center production of GONE MISSING; the world premiere of Other World at Delaware Theatre Company; Somewhere at the Geva Theatre; Duncan Sheik and Kyle Jarrow’s Noir at the Alley Theatre, and IN THE HEIGHTS at VA Rep, where she received the Artsie for Best Choreography. Her choreographic style pays homage to musical theater pioneers like Jack Cole, Jerome Robbins, and Bob Fosse while adding a modern-day edge. Upcoming projects are RENT at Theatre Aspen and an exciting NYC nightlife experience called TIPSY WHISPERS. For more info and videos of her Choreo, visit www.karlapunogarcia.com and follow her on socials @karlapunagarcia Take Class with Karla https://www.broadwaydancecenter.com/faculty/karla-puno-garcia

Guest actor, singer, dancer, Kurt Csolak shares details of what it takes to understudy a leading role on Broadway. Having had his debut just one week prior to this interview, Kurt explains his methods and preparation leading up to taking the stage at the August Wilson Theatre in NYC as Nick Arnstein in the hit musical revival of Funny Girl.   Playing opposite the phenomenal Julie Benko as Fanny Brice, Kurt discusses not only the physical processes of the days leading up to the performance but the emotional and mental focus necessary to excel when given rehearsal time is limited and sporadic. Understudies are the super heros of all live theater and keep the shows running in the event of an absence.  Balancing a very featured ensemble role eight shows a week and being prepared to step into a leading role can seem daunting. Kurt gives tips and tricks to making sure a performance can be successful and enjoyable despite the stressors surrounding it. Subscribe, Download, Like, and Follow Kurt @kurtcsolak For more information visit www.kurtcsolak.com

Listen as Keerati Jinakunwiphat shares her journey becoming a professional choreographer and dancer, A.I.M. dancer/choreographer, named one of Dance Magazine's 25 choreographers to watch, and being the first Asian female choreographer to create for New York City Ballet and much much more. The past few years have been particularly busy for Keerati, whose parallel careers as a dancer and choreographer essentially launched simultaneously. Shortly after graduating from SUNY Purchase with a BFA in dance in 2016, she became an apprentice with A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, joining the company full-time in 2018 and creating her first major commission, Big Rings, for her colleagues there a year later. While continuing to dance with A.I.M, she has since made works for companies nationwide, including PARA.MAR Dance Theater, Houston Contemporary Dance Company, Whim W’Him, New Victory Dance, and more. Born in Chicago, IL, Jinakunwiphat credits her Thai family’s support for her various endeavors as essential to where she is today. Follow Keerati on socials @thekeeratikid

Listen as Broadway singer, dancer, and actress Amy Laviolette shares her journey. Her honest and reel conversation from a young girl dreaming of the Broadway stage to her recent success on various New York City stages that culminated with her Broadway debut at the August Wilson Theater in the highly acclaimed Funny Girl with Lea Michelle offers an insider look at training, networking, decision making and overcoming fears. A must listen for anyone in the game, struggling or not, who is feeling their career is not moving fast enough. Growing up within a musically influenced household along with the vibrance of the Crescent City, it was inevitable for her to fall in love with music and the performing arts. In pursuit of this career, Amy studied dance at Giacobbe Academy and graduated from the LSU School of Music with a Bachelor in Performance (voice) and Music Education. Instagram - amy_laviolette https://www.amylaviolette.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE @makinithappenwithLeesaCsolak Makin' It Happen; A Career in the Performing Arts Follow on Instagram; @leesacsolak_lbctalent For more information on how to create, curate and navigate a career in the performing arts, visit https://www.lbctalent.thinkific.com or https://www.lbctalent.com If you are enjoying my content, please like and subscribe. Contact me thru email leesa@lbctalent.com Schedule a strategy session consultation. https://calendly.com/leesacsolak/one-on-one-consultation #careers #careerssolution #musicaltheatre #professional #actor #singer #dancer #actorslife #singerslife #dancerslife #stageactor #filmactor #entertainment #howto #consultant #mentor #manager #agent #talentagent #broadway #funnygirl #careers #careerssolution #musicaltheatre #professional #actor #model #modeling #broadway #amylaviolette #leesacsolak

Recently signed to professional representation, commercial dancer, Carolyn Chester and her mom, Patty candidly share their journey from determining readiness as a young dancer through the collegian experience to obtaining a top agent and literally falling into top choreographic opportunities via networking. This episode is perfect for parents of competition or conservatory dancers considering a career in professional commercial dance.   Follow Carolyn on Socials @carolynchesterr Learn more about how you can follow the same steps to help your child, teen or young adult kicks start their performance career, gain professional representation and curate a career in the arts; Click here. If you are an adult seeking to break into the performance space as a dancer, singer, and or actor; Click here. LIKE and SUBSCRIBE @makinithappenwithLeesaCsolak Makin' It Happen; A Career in the Performing Arts Podcast on YouTube For more information on how to create, curate and navigate a career in the performing arts, Click here.  If you are enjoying my content, please like, download, and subscribe. Contact me thru email leesa@lbctalent.com Schedule a free, no-obligation strategy session here.  Thank you for listening.

Listen as Broadway star, tap dancer, singer, actor John Manzari shares his journey and insight on the professional performance space, how to navigate it and succeed. His honest conversation on how he landed at the top of the stage performance industry as a tap dancer, singer and actor without professional representation is refreshing. A true entertainer and entrepreneur, John is a focused and hardworking artist finding his way to the top. He is a standout in Funny Girl on Broadway and understudies the starring role of Eddie Ryan. A must listen for anyone in the game, struggling or not, who is feeling their career is not moving fast enough. John Manzari is an Ovation Award and Helen Hayes Award nominated dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and teacher. Stage credits include the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, Bessie Award winning production Ayodele Casel: Chasing Magic, 42ND Street, Maurice Hines: Tappin’ Thru Life, The Wiz is 40: A Celebration in Dance and Music, and Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies. Concerts include NYPopsUp, Spoleto Festival,, Fall for Dance, Fall for Dance North (Canada), Amelia Island Dance Festival, and Gold Coast Dance Festival. John can be seen in the documentary about his mentor Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back, the award winning short film Slip, and Leonard Soloway’s Broadway. John partners with the Luther S. Allison trio at venues such as Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Birdland Jazz Club, Little Island NYC, and many others. Instagram - johnmanzari https://www.johnmanzari.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE @makinithappenwithLeesaCsolak Makin' It Happen; A Career in the Performing Arts Podcast on YouTube For more information on how to create, curate and navigate a career in the performing arts, visit https://www.lbctalent.thinkific.com or https://www.lbctalent.com If you are enjoying my content, please like, download, and subscribe. Contact me thru email leesa@lbctalent.com Schedule a strategy session consultation. https://calendly.com/leesacsolak/one-on-one-consultation

Meet Tim and Kelly Anne Kieffer, parents of professional child actor and singer, Tayten Kieffer. Tayten has been signed to professional representation for 3 years and auditions regularly for top of the industry Stage, Broadway, Film, TV, Commercials and Voice Over. Tayten has booked national commercials and voice over and has performed in live stage shows as well, yet his journey is just beginning. Tim and Kelly Anne share their story, inside information, perspective, and the how-tos; all that can help you make decisions if you are thinking of starting your child or young teen in the professional side of performance. For more information on how to create, curate and navigate a career in the performing arts, visit https://www.lbctalent.thinkific.com or https://www.lbctalent.com If you are enjoying my content, please like and subscribe. You can also watch the interviews on YouTube @makinithappenwithleesacsolak Contact me thru email leesa@lbctalent.com Schedule a strategy session consultation. https://calendly.com/leesacsolak/one-on-one-consultation Follow on Instagram and Facebook @leesacsolak_lbctalent and @leesacsolak respectively.

The magical photographer & make-up artist team of David & Lena Kaptein have created top of the industry headshots for hundreds of new faces entering the performance arts and modeling industry. Many of whom became well known in their chosen areas of performance. A List film and television actors, world renowned music artists, and top models have all sat in Lena's chair and stood in front of David's camera. And these star performers continue to work with David and Lena year after year.  Listen to this insanely informative interview where David and Lena speak from their own experience as career models and commercial actors.  They both traveled the world and worked for the very top of the modeling and commercial print industry having worked in London, Paris, Milan and New York City.   They know the business inside and out and give amazing advise to those seeking similar opportunities. Visit David at https://www.davidkaptein.com Visit Lena at https://www.lenakapteinmakeup.com For more information on how to create, curate and navigate a career in the performing arts, visit https://www.lbctalent.thinkific.com or https://www.lbctalent.com If you are enjoying my content, please like and subscribe. Contact me thru email leesa@lbctalent.com Schedule a strategy session consultation. https://calendly.com/leesacsolak/one-on-one-consultation Follow on Instagram and Facebook @leesacsolak_lbctalent and @leesacsolak respectively.

Let’s go! Is it time to jump into the world of hiring a publicist? Or do you wait? This is a question that comes up quite often for performers navigating their performing arts careers. LA based entertainment publicist, Melissa Berger explains it all and shares her personal journey to working in one of the fastest paced jobs in the industry. Listen and learn what it takes to be successful in this space, do great things for your clients’ careers and the share the of their success are discussed. Love the entertainment industry but being in front of the camera isn’t for you? Consider this fabulous career. Follow and contact Melissa @mbergerpr Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch and subscribe on YouTube @makinithappenwithleesacsolak Please Like and Subscribe! For more information on how to create, curate and navigate a career in the performing arts, visit https://www.lbctalent.thinkific.com or https://www.lbctalent.com

Cameron Richardson is one of the most sought after voice teachers literally in the world. He instructs vocalists of varied experience levels from all over the world. Cameron Richardson-Eames is a pianist and tenor based in London and New York. A graduate of The Juilliard School and Cambridge University, he has performed in many of the world's most prestigious venues, on major radio stations and extensively on commercial recordings. His students currently appear in Broadway shows and in Hollywood movies.  Listen as Cameron shares his personal story and offers insight and knowledge to understanding the professional performance industry.  Cameron gives tips and tools you can use to help you child, teen or young adult or yourself understand and navigate the professional space as a singer, songwriter or musician. Follow Cameron @cameronorichardson Visit his online school TheVocalCoaches.com

Jake Vincent shares his journey to becoming a professional concert dancer in the world famous Paul Taylor Dance Company. One of only sixteen dancers that make up the company, Jake was the last new member added to the company by Paul Taylor himself (prior to his passing). Listen as Jake explains what it takes, physically and mentally, to continue to impress audiences across the globe with the technique, form, strength and fitness so well-known by this amazing concert dance organization.  Follow Jake @sliceofjake.  Paul Taylor Dance Company @paultaylordance Jake's episode will be on YouTube beginning Sunday, April 30th at 8pm EST. Subscribe; YouTube Channel, MakinItHappenwithLeesaCsolak Follow; @leesacsolak_lbctalent Happy listening! For more info visit... Makin' It Happen; A Career in the Performing Arts

Listen as guest, Amanda LaCount shares her story, her journey, and her perspective to becoming a sought after professional commercial hip hop dancer, choreographer and model. Her credits speak for her talent, grit and fortitude. She shares details of her challenges along the way and her mission to break the stereotype and seek equality for performers of all sizes. Amanda is a huge social media influencer. Here are some of her notable performances; Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Rihanna, Ozuna, The Emmy's, The Ellen Show, Meghan Trainor, Katy Perry, DWTS, The Voice, and her National Dance Tour "Amanda LaCount Live," The Real Daytime. And she has over 2.4M subscribers. Find her on YouTube -  @AmandaLaCountOfficial   Website - https://www.amandalacount.com Instagram - @amandalacount Bookings - @cleartalentgroup Merch - Amanda-lacount-myshopify.com 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, dancers, choreographers, casting directors, agents and managers; all here to help you understand their world, their journey and how you, too can be a part of it all.  Subscribe to the YouTube Channel; @Makinithappenwithleescsolak Website Makin' It Happen Online Courses

Anthony Abeson is the most sought after Acting Teacher, Coach and Mentor in the NYC area. His methods for developing great actors for stage, television and film go unsurpassed. Listen as he shares what inspired him and drew him to a career in the arts. You will be surprised and intrigued by his experience working in the room as a young adult actor with Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg, who together with Sanford Meisner, became the trinity of major American acting teachers of the twentieth century. This episode is a must for any serious actor. Connect with Anthony at https://www.anthonyabeson.com Follow him on Instagram @anthonyabeson 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, teachers & coaches, casting directors, agents and managers; all here to help you understand their world, their journey and how you, too can be a part of it all. Follow on Instagram; @leesacsolak_lbctalent

Listen as Broadway & film actor, singer, dancer, director and filmmaker Kurt Csolak shares his journey and insight on breaking into the professional performance space.  His focus and philosophy of creating balance and assessing one's career desires with a healthy perspective cleared an atypical path to booking the original cast of Funny Girl on Broadway and much more. He offers members of the artistic community and parents of kids and teens considering the field, tools and tips and his take on perspective. A must listen for anyone in the game, struggling or not, who is looking for a clearer understanding and clues to how to 'play' and win. Follow Kurt @kurtcsolak @solarcproductions or visit https://www.kurtcsolak.com Find out how you can follow the steps Kurt and I took to build his career by visiting; Makin' It Happen; A Career in the Performing Arts  Subscribing; YouTube Channel, MakinItHappenwithLeesaCsolak Follow; @leesacsolak_lbctalent Happy listening!

Listen to sixteen year old actor, AJ Landy share the intimate details of his first booking on NBC's Law & Order. We discuss how he got connected, how he was signed to professional representation, and began auditioning for film and television opportunities at the highest level of the industry.   His story gives you a bird's eye view of what it was like to go to his first wardrobe fitting, his first time walking on a set, his first time working with professional team, actors, and crew. Share in his excitement when he shares what it was like to see himself for the first time on national television. Listen and learn from AJ's story, details of what got him there, and tips you can use today to make it happen for you, too! Find out how you can follow the steps AJ and I took to build his career by visiting; Makin' It Happen; A Career in the Performing Arts  Subscribing; YouTube Channel, MakinItHappenwithLeesaCsolak Follow; @leesacsolak_lbctalent Happy listening!

Professional actor, singer, dancer, and musical theater performer extraordinaire, Jake Urban shares his journey and details about how he recently gained professional representation and was given huge audition opportunities that put him in three consecutive musical theater shows back to back. This detailed account of his experiences will most definitely help those navigating the space between University programs and the real world of professional performance. Listen and learn from Jake’s story, details of what got him there, and tips you can use today to make it happen for you, too! Find out how you can follow the steps Jake and I took to build his career by visiting Makin' It Happen; A Career in the Performing Arts at https://www.lbctalent.thinkific.com, Subscribing to my YouTube Channel @makinithappenwithleesacsolak, and follow me on socials @leesacsolak_lbctalent Happy listening!

Listen as international inspiration speaker, Fabio Marques talks perspective, mindset, and more discussing the tools and guidelines to be your best confident self in every situation.  Learn how to sense and read a room, whether that be for interviews, auditions, or in rehearsals.  How you can be the artist they seek to hire over and over again. Learn how you can believe and make a difference in your trajectory in the performing arts industry. Fabio has trained and enlightened hundreds of thousands of people. He will change your perspective, give you tools to use in multiple situations, give you confidence and motivation to take charge of your career. Check out his one-day virtual event coming soon.  To learn more about Makin' It Happen; A Career in the Performing Arts, and how my online courses, free newsletters, free guides and videos can ensure your success as a professional artist, click here, subscribe to my YouTube Channel, or follow me on socials @leesacsolak_lbctalent.

Casey Garvin, professional dancer, actor and singer shares his journey from being a child actor to navigating the business through adult hood.  Listen to his journey from loving the art of performance as a young boy, navigating the professional performance space as a child and teen, to landing six Broadway Shows including Some Like It Hot at the Shubert Theatre, NYC. Find out how you can follow the steps Casey took to build his career by visiting; Makin' It Happen; A Career in the Performing Arts  Subscribing; YouTube Channel, MakinItHappenwithLeesaCsolak Follow; @leesacsolak_lbctalent Happy listening!