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
Jan 18, 2026
Jan 18, 2026
1hr 4 min
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.
Aug 31, 2025
Aug 31, 2025
29 min
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.
Jul 20, 2025
Jul 20, 2025
24 min
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!
Jul 13, 2025
Jul 13, 2025
31 min
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.
Jul 6, 2025
Jul 6, 2025
1hr 9 min
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.
Jun 8, 2025
Jun 8, 2025
1hr 7 min
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 agents. Maggie offers insightful advice for parents embarking on this path, discussing the importance of professional training, creating quality self-tapes, and balancing family life with career aspirations.
Whether your child has dreams of performing on stage or screen, this episode provides valuable perspectives and tips on nurturing their talents and preparing for the opportunities and hurdles in the performing arts industry.
Jun 1, 2025
Jun 1, 2025
1hr 20 min
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 insights into how AC turned raw energy and passion into award-winning choreography, and learn valuable advice for performers and parents aiming to carve a niche in this competitive field.
Whether you're passionate about dance, curious about Broadway, or simply love an inspiring story, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and encouragement.
May 18, 2025
May 18, 2025
1hr 20 min
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.
May 11, 2025
May 11, 2025
55 min
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.
May 4, 2025
May 4, 2025
52 min
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.
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.