Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts

From Shy Dancer to Broadway Star: Mariah Reives' Journey

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 performing arts, including her debut in "Funny Girl" and her role in "The Great Gatsby."
Mariah also introduces her program, The Performer Circle, aimed at helping aspiring artists hone their skills and succeed in the industry.

Navigating the Performing Arts Industry with Tony Nominee, Taylor Louderman

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 support in pursuing a performing arts career and the importance of remaining grounded amidst the industry's rollercoaster ride. She also offers valuable advice to parents of budding performers on nurturing talent and navigating the challenges of the profession.
Tune in to learn how Taylor embraced the ups and downs of her career, the lessons she garnered from iconic roles like Regina George in Mean Girls, and her thoughts on balancing personal life and career ambitions. This episode is packed with invaluable wisdom for performers at any stage of their journey.

Michael Kushner - Unlocking the Performing Arts: A Journey from Childhood Dreams

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 aspiring artist yourself, this episode offers a roadmap to navigating the complexities of a life dedicated to the theater.

Dan Rosales - Insights for Navigating a Broadway Career - Part II

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 invaluable advice for young performers and their parents. He emphasizes the importance of cross-training, mental preparation, and staying positive. Whether you're an aspiring performer or supporting a young talent, this episode provides crucial insights to help you navigate the performing arts world successfully.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that sheds light on what it truly takes to succeed in the performing arts.

Dan Rosales - His Journey to The Great Gatsby, Broadway Part I

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 starring in "The Great Gatsby" on Broadway. Dan shares his journey from his early days in afterschool drama programs and choir, to his collegiate training at the Boston Conservatory, and ultimately, to his Broadway debut. Learn about the importance of staying open to opportunities, the value of collegiate programs, and the significance of kindness and collaboration in the industry.
Discover how Dan navigated his career path, the serendipitous events that led him to Broadway, and his advice for aspiring performers. Whether you're a parent of a talented child or an adult pursuing a career in the arts, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Don't miss this engaging conversation that sheds light on the dedication, hard work, and passion required to make it in the performing arts industry.

Kevin Csolak - From Broadway to Hollywood, The Outsiders & More

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 transition to film and TV, and the unique challenges performers face in maintaining their craft.
Discover Kevin’s journey from his early days on Broadway to his recent work in TV series like "Animal Kingdom." He discusses the adaptations necessary for self-taping auditions during the pandemic, the differences between performing on stage and on screen, and the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life.
Kevin also provides valuable advice for aspiring performers on finding their niche, the importance of continuous learning, and the realities of sustaining a career in the performing arts. This episode is packed with insights for parents, young performers, and anyone interested in breaking into the industry.
Don’t miss Kevin’s heartfelt stories and practical tips on navigating the performing arts industry. Tune in to get inspired and learn how to make your dreams a reality!

Anthony Meindl -Unlocking Success in Performing Arts - Part II

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 emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adapting, whether you are a young performer or an adult entering the industry. Leesa and Anthony discuss the significance of letting children lead their journey in the arts and how parental support should foster rather than pressure.
Discover how Anthony’s global schools operate and the core philosophy that guides his teaching. This episode is packed with valuable advice for parents, young actors, and adults looking to thrive in the performing arts. Tune in to learn how to navigate the challenges of this dynamic field and find joy in the process.
For more resources, visit lbctalent.com and connect with Anthony at anthonymeindle.com.

Anthony Meindl - Renowned Acting Coach, Writer & Director - Part I

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, a renowned acting coach and founder of Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop. Discover Anthony's unique journey and his philosophy on acting, teaching, and navigating the ever-evolving entertainment landscape. From the impact of technological advancements to the importance of staying versatile and connected, this episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring artists and their families.
For more information about Leesa's courses, how-to videos, live webinars, in-person seminars, and free guides, visit lbctalent.com. To connect with Anthony and learn more about his actor workshop, visit anthonymeindel.com and follow him on social media at @anthonymeindelstudios.
Tune in next Sunday at 8 p.m. Eastern for part two of the interview with Anthony Meindl.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for notifications!

Ellen Sauchelli - A Parent's Guide to Navigating A Performing Arts Career with a Child - Part I

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 act of supporting your child's dreams amidst family life.
Experience the auditions, triumphs, and trials of a young actor's journey to theater success in this intriguing podcast episode. Learn about the highs and lows, the friendships and experiences that are part and parcel of the theater industry, as narrated by a supportive family. The episode further showcases how pursuing a career for young talents can be a family adventure, especially when balanced with relationships with agents and managers. The podcast is an invaluable guide for budding actors or their families.
In this insightful episode, the unique challenges and demands faced by parents of talented youngsters in the performing arts industry are explored. Our guest Ellen, a veteran of managing her child's rise in the industry, offers a wealth of advice on communication, balance, informed decision making, schooling, audition techniques, and industry expectations.
Alongside, she also underscores the importance of understanding your child's passion, supporting their dream, and maintaining their happiness amidst the whirlwind of performance art. Special insights into dealing with teachers, varying curriculums, and juggling educational and show-business commitments offer listeners a real-world understanding of the intertwined life of stage and school.
Join us for part one of the interview, and don't miss the sequel where we continue to delve into practical advice based on Ellen's experiences. Ellen's work with Stage Door Designs can be found on Instagram at @StageDoorbway. For specific industry advice or to kickstart your performance career, check out Leesa's website at lbctalent.com and schedule a free consultation.
Tune in next Sunday at 8 pm Eastern for part two of our enlightening chat with Ellen.

Glenn Cook - The Road to a Successful Performing Arts Career - Part II

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 education are uncompromised.
Drawing from his son's journey through Broadway's Billy Elliot and Newsies, Glenn offers a unique insight into the significance of professional schooling for touring performers, maintaining academic balance, and the vital role played by child guardians in this industry.
Further into the episode, Glenn talks about the complexities of maintaining relationships while touring, the unique benefits of being educators themselves, and his children's transition into adulthood in this industry. The discussions make an intriguing shift as he details his own journey as a writer, touching various topics around the performing arts, their challenges and rewards.
Equally beneficial to parents of budding stars, aspiring young performers or anyone simply drawn by the dazzling world of performing arts– this episode promises to offer invaluable insights. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and stay updated with more enriching narratives. For more information, check out lbctalent.com.