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
Listen on:
Episodes
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
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 artists and parents and previews her upcoming projects.
Sunday Mar 15, 2026
Sunday Mar 15, 2026
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 balancing training with schooling, plus insights on social media, networking, and staying true to your craft.
Sunday Mar 01, 2026
Sunday Mar 01, 2026
Veteran Broadway musician Bob 'BB' Beck (Robert J Beck) shares his life in music, from early gigs to Broadway and L.A., and how networking, persistence, and skill opened doors.
He also explains how he integrates movement, martial arts, and mindfulness into teaching, and offers practical advice for parents and young performers on building careers in the performing arts.
Sunday Feb 22, 2026
Sunday Feb 22, 2026
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 parents and artists about persistence, authenticity and turning setbacks into opportunities.
Sunday Feb 15, 2026
Sunday Feb 15, 2026
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 & Bailey tour.
This episode offers practical advice for parents and performers on training, resilience, networking, and sustaining a long-term career in the performing arts.
Sunday Jan 18, 2026
Sunday Jan 18, 2026
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, listen and learn, and use relationships and consistency to build a sustainable career in the performing arts.
Sunday Aug 31, 2025
Sunday Aug 31, 2025
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 interviews, and the offer of a strategy call to map personalized next steps.
Sunday Jul 20, 2025
Sunday Jul 20, 2025
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 importance of training and proper representation.
Leesa also touches on the dynamics of self-tape auditions and how they are changing the landscape of auditions. With her extensive experience, Leesa provides guidance on local hire opportunities and the nuances of working with professional agents and managers.
Tune in for practical advice aimed at helping your child or young talent excel in this competitive field. Subscribe to stay informed and inspired!
Sunday Jul 13, 2025
Sunday Jul 13, 2025
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 her 40 years of experience.
Join the conversation as Leesa discusses key topics such as age considerations, the importance of headshots and resumes, and the balance between training and opportunities.
Whether it's Broadway, film, or voiceovers, discover how to navigate this competitive field with confidence. Perfect for parents seeking guidance or individuals at any age looking to embark on a performing arts journey.
Sunday Jul 06, 2025
Sunday Jul 06, 2025
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 child's dreams and maintaining a healthy family dynamic, offering insights into the world of professional representation and career growth in the arts.
Discover heartfelt stories, valuable advice, and the challenges parents face in nurturing young talent while navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. Join us as we delve into the lessons learned and the rewarding experiences shared along the way.
Leesa Csolak
In Her Own Words...
"I have been obsessed over the course of the past forty years about why the performance industry is such a closed-door industry with no real information available to the average person. The idea of trying to ‘break into’ the business is thwarted by most parents and adults throughout the United States and abroad, honestly due to the lack of available honest and true information.
Of those who are in the business whether just starting or successfully navigating a career, many remain confused and travel blindly. Much of which breeds a sense of fear and subsequent ownership of what knowledge and understanding they have, creating the need to keep information close to the chest.
As a professional in the industry, an entrepreneur, and a parent of three children, one of whom dabbled at a young age and the other two who successfully worked in many aspects of the child, teen and now are in the adult professional performance industry working on Broadway, in Film and Television, Commercials and Voice Over successfully. (Thank you, Claire, at Gilla Roos, NYC and Shirley, Dave, and Laura of Shirley Grant Management for the early years) I have vowed to change that mantra."
My ground-breaking Online Courses, 'Professional Kids & Teens 101; A Primer for Parents' and 'Professional Biz 201; Young Adults, College Students & Grads' teach everything you need to know to create, curate and navigate this elusive industry. I share inside information that no one else will to not only get your career or your child or teen's career started but I give you all the tools you need to secure professional representation (getting a manger or agent).
If you are looking to do this right the first time and not get lost trying to navigate this business by trial and error, I am your best resource. My track record speaks for itself as I have helped 100's of clients bridge from being talented in Acting, Dance and or Voice into the professional career they always dreamed of... If you are a parent of a talented child or are considering a life in the arts yourself, this is THE door into succeeding in this industry.
My podcast gives you inside info featuring a line-up of professional performers, directors, musical directors, 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.
You, too can have the career of your dreams.
Don't let anyone tell you, you can't.