Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts

About 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

Publisher

Leesa Csolak

Category

arts · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Sept 2022

Latest episode

6 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

64 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Sept 2026

   Showstopper's Host, Julian Thorn shares his Journey from Performer to Iconic MC

   Host Leesa Csolak interviews Julian Thorn, veteran performer and longtime Showstopper MC, about his path from school choirs and Saturday dance classes to a 35+ year career onstage and behind the scenes. Julian shares clear, practical advice on finding your voice and training, navigating auditions, staying connected with agents, using downtime productively, and embracing every body type and background in the arts.

2. 

   30 Aug 2026

   Bethany Tesarck’s Unscripted Journey to a Professional Life on Broadway

   Host Leesa Csolak talks with Bethany Tesarck about her journey from booking her first Broadway show, Gypsy at age seven to swinging on Broadway at twelve, originating a track in Diana, and filming the show for Netflix during the pandemic to Death Becomes Her and more. They discuss backstage life, quick changes, the role of stage crews, and emotional challenges unique to swings and child performers.

3. 

   23 Aug 2026

   Becoming a NYC Casting Director, Jason Styres Story

   Leesa Csolak interviews casting director Jason Styres about his journey from Alabama to New York and his approach to casting for theatre. They discuss auditions, first appointments, callbacks, internships, mentorship, and the practical realities of working in casting.

Who has been a guest on Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Katerine Moner
• Maggie Devine
• AC Ciulla
• Mariah Reives
• Taylor Louderman

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

18,454

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

44

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

32

Contact Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts