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://www.lbctalent.com

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Episodes

Sunday Sep 29, 2024

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.

Sunday Sep 22, 2024

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.

Sunday Sep 08, 2024

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!

Sunday Sep 01, 2024

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.

Sunday Aug 25, 2024

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!

Sunday May 26, 2024

Welcome to the latest episode of Making It Happen, a Career in the Performing Arts. Join host Leesa Csolak, CEO and founder of Making It Happen, as she delves into the intricacies of breaking into the performing arts industry. This episode features a conversation with Ellen Sauchelli, founder of Stage Door Designs, who shares invaluable insights on supporting your child or teen's journey in the arts.
From managing auditions and creating professional resumes to building essential digital portfolios and websites, Ellen and Leesa discuss the importance of having a solid support system and the right tools. They also explore the balance between pursuing a career in the arts and living a well-rounded teenage life. Ellen shares personal stories of her son's journey, highlighting the importance of taking breaks and enjoying life outside of the industry.
Whether you're a parent considering this path for your child or a young adult looking to navigate the industry, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories. Don't miss out on learning how to make your or your child's performing arts career a reality!
For more information on professional performance industry support, visit lbctalent.com and schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with Leesa Csolak. Connect with Stage Door Designs on Instagram at @stagedoorbway or visit their website at stagedoordesigns.com.

Sunday May 19, 2024

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.

Sunday May 05, 2024

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.

Sunday Apr 28, 2024

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 anecdotes and Leesa's insider expertise, they discuss the significant parental role in cultivating talent and shaping the career of a young actor. This interaction provides not just engaging storytelling but also invaluable advice from auditions to representation, confronting rejections, being resilient, and discovering the profession's unexpected benefits.
This episode highlights the importance of a quality performing arts school in sparking a young performer's career and the unique challenges one may face living outside conventional professional work areas. It also underlines the significance of teamwork and passion in an acting career. As Glenn talks about his son's Broadway debut and the mantra steering their journey, both budding performers and their parents will gain insightful tips to fuel their progression in the industry.
Join us in this enlightening conversation that showcases a firsthand perspective on personal growth, grit, and fervor in the performing arts. Tune in, get inspired and discover how to efficiently and elegantly "Make it Happen" in this vibrant world.
Don't forget to look into our numerous resources such as webinars, seminars, free guides, and online courses that could be the essential guidance you've been looking for. All resources are available at lbctalent.com.

Sunday Apr 21, 2024

In this enlightening episode of 'Making It Happen', host Leesa Csolak speaks with Shannon Tubman, a mother, who successfully guided her daughters' journey in the performing arts industry. Shannon opens up about the importance of nurturing unique talents, learning industry etiquettes, and the reserve of parents in the face of challenges and auditions. 
Dive headfirst into the reality of managing anticipated hurdles and overwhelming triumphs when your child chooses a career in acting. Discover the shared elements between a child's journey in acting, sports, and music requiring equal parts sacrifice, spontaneity, and adaptability. Shannon shares crucial advice on making the acting journey an enjoyable stress-free experience for the child and the corresponding family.
Understand how school plays a crucial role amidst auditions and callbacks while maintaining a balance with a demanding acting schedule. From sharing unique audition experiences to offering expert advice on academic achievements, Shannon unravels the unknown aspects of a child's journey in the acting industry. Learn the importance of embracing a child's unique character and the impact parental attitude can make in their professional journey.
Lastly, get a real-time peek into the life of high school student and actor Echo, her rhythm in academics, and her audition experiences. Cheer for Echo's academic accomplishments and discover her sister Sophie's passionate involvement in school theater. The episode brings to light the enriching impact of arts in a child's life, striking the right balance with academics, and creating priceless memories through their journey.
As the episode progresses, Shannon shares her trusting relationship with their agents, their unified bonding activities outside auditions, their collective enthusiasm for animals, and their treasured experiences as volunteers. She also talks about their involvement in The Trevor Project and how it impacted their lives profoundly.
Come, be a part of this enlightening journey, as Shannon recounts the journey of nurturing and balancing her children's professional career with the unforgettable family bonds they created along the way.

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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.

 

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