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
Listen on:
Episodes
Sunday Oct 15, 2023
Sunday Oct 15, 2023
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.
Sunday Oct 01, 2023
Sunday Oct 01, 2023
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
Sunday Jul 30, 2023
Sunday Jul 30, 2023
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
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
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
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
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
Sunday Jul 02, 2023
Sunday Jul 02, 2023
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
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
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.
Sunday Jun 18, 2023
Sunday Jun 18, 2023
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
Sunday Jun 11, 2023
Sunday Jun 11, 2023
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.
Sunday May 28, 2023
Sunday May 28, 2023
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.
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.