Helping You Navigate the Industry

Kurt Csolak

CREDITS:
STAGE – THE NEW 42ND STREET (MN), TOP HAT (LAB) (NYC), WHITE CHRISTMAS (NY), TAP DOGS (WORLD TOUR & DOMESTIC), THIS GAME FOR TWO, LAST FIVE YEARS, HOT SHOE SHUFFLE, RHYTHMIC CIRCUS (TOURING), DORRANCE DANCE, CALEB TEICHNER & COMPANY, 80’S LIVE (AC), RAT PACK (AC), THE BURLESQUE SHOW (AC), THE JAM PROJECT, WORLD DANCE O-RAMA, TAP UNITED, CAPEZIO GALA, A GREAT BIG WORLD, XBOX KINECT, TARGET SPECTACULAR, CATS PAYING DUES, TV/FILM- SPEED RACER, THE NEXT GENERATION (SPEED), NBC’S WORLD OF DANCE (S1), ALIENTOLOGISTS. NYU – BA FILM PRODUCING & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS, CEO – SOLARC PRODUCTIONS, NYC

“Striking the right balance between having years of experience, industry connections, standards for success, relentless drive, and being a mother of children who are currently working in the industry, Leesa is probably the most qualified person to find, nurture, elevate, and launch talent into successful performing arts careers.

I’ve seen time and time again my mother go above and beyond for every one of her students and clients, treating them with the same consideration and care like her own children. My entire life, she has instilled in me and my brothers a positive work ethic and mindset about the industry and life that continue to ground me with everything I do. Of course, it’s cliche to say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her, but I wouldn’t have had a quarter of the opportunities and growth of my own talents if it wasn’t for her direct actions of networking and pushing me into the right circumstances and rooms of people. The fact that I’ve gotten to travel the world performing is because of actions she’s taken to get me with the right people, in the right place, at the right time.

If you are reading this, either as a parent of a talented child or are considering a life in the arts yourself, you’ve stumbled upon THE best resource and door into succeeding in this industry. Endeavoring into the arts as a professional is one of the hardest industries to break into and the rejection and confusion of how the industry operates can be crushing. I’ve witnessed first hand the lives Leesa and LBC Talent have changed over the years: not just helping various children, teens, and adults land roles and launch careers in the performing arts, but gifting them with direction, purpose, and newfound confidence in who they are as human beings and that their wildest dreams are indeed possible.”

Megan Gecik

2014 RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR TOUR – ROCKETTE
BFA DANCE PERFORMANCE – MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY

“Leesa Csolak and LBC Talent helped shape me into the strong dancer and performer I am today. The training I received through LBC Talent’s affiliates, got me into the college dance program at Montclair State University and prepared me for future career opportunities. After performing as a Radio City Rockette, I found my passion for teaching dance. LBC Talent has given me many job opportunities to feed my passion for teaching dance to all ages and technical levels. Whether you are looking for somewhere to learn and train in dance, voice and/or acting or create relationships to help launch you into a professional performing career, LBC Talent is here to help you succeed.”

Hannah Bonnett

2021 PACE UNIVERSITY MUSICAL THEATRE GRADUATE ○ OFF-BROADWAY; THE BIG BANG THEORY: MUSICAL PARODY!

“Ms. Leesa is not only an accomplished educator, but she also emulates the true meaning of what a mentor should be. Thanks to her extensive knowledge, I have received the best training in voice/acting/dance, college prep and how to properly navigate the industry. I owe my entire career to the kindness, expertise and dedication of Leesa Csolak”

Jake Urban

CREDITS: THE BFA MUSICAL THEATRE BOSTON CONSERVATORY AT BERKLEE CLASS OF 2023, MAMMA MIA (ENSEMBLE), KINKIY BOOTS (ANGEL) THEATRE BY THE SEA, RI, SHREK, THE MUSICAL (SWING/ENSEMBLE), MR. BURNS, A POST ELECTRIC PLAY (SAM), BLUE NEIGHBORHOOD (PHILO).

“I’m eternally grateful to Leesa and LBC Talent for taking me in, allowing me to explore and fall in love with performing, and for believing in me enough to put in the time to help me realize my potential. Leesa has been a home base that I know will always be there for me as I continue my career in the arts. I could not be where I am today without the training she instilled in me and the guidance in navigating this crazy business that I’ve decided to make my career.”

Andrew Plinio

CREDITS: THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR (PATRICK), HBO’S “THE YOUNG POPE” STARRING JUDE LAW AND DIANE KEATON (BILLY), THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN’S PRODUCTION OF AS YOU LIKE IT (OLIVER), GORDON GREENBERG’S READING OF THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE CURSE OF COUNT DRACULA (DRACULA), JAMES THE MANY, A NEW AIR SUPPLY MUSICAL (BILLY), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/WRITER TO TELLY LEUNG FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN’S PRODUCTION OF GODSPELL, COMPOSER/LYRICIST/LIBRETTIST FOR NEW PARODY MUSICAL, STRANGER SINGS, BASED OFF OF THE NETFLIX HIT SERIES, STRANGER THINGS

“Wow. Leesa Csolak and LBC Talent have truly changed my life. As a young kid who liked to “sing and dance”, I really had no direction until I found Leesa and LBC Talent. Immediately I was directed towards top notch training with industry professionals that would get me to the level that I needed to reach in order to make my way into the entertainment industry. Leesa helped me get set up with my first manager and in turn, book my first professional gigs. Additionally, LBC Talent helped guide me through the college audition process which led me to get in to my top pick school, The University of Michigan for a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre – something that I will be forever grateful for. LBC Talent develops a personal connection with each of its clients. With LBC Talent, I felt encouraged to embrace the aspects of myself that make me unique and to believe in myself. LBC Talent is a support system that will ALWAYS have your back as you find your path through this unpredictable entertainment world. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Lauren Maria Medina

2021 GRADUATE CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DRAMA – RAPUNZEL IN “INTO THE WOODS,” JEANIE IN “HAIR,” IOWA’S CLINTON AREA SHOWBOAT THEATRE – PHOEBE IN “A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER,” PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE NEW VOICES – MARIA IN “WEST SIDE STORY”

“Leesa’s guidance through LBC Talent gave me the necessary industry business insight I needed as a young performer. I left her seminar feeling not only like an artist, but an empowered business person. The LBC Talent seminar allowed me to feel more in control and excited about the ins and outs of the industry. She helped me secure professional management and an agent. The tools she gave me from her guidance have allowed me to walk into this dizzying business with clarity on how to take charge of my brand and career choices. That’s a gift I couldn’t be more grateful for!”

Teal DePaola

CREDITS:
DANCER/SINGER (CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE), CHRISTMAS PAST IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL (MCCARTER THEATRE), CAN CAN DANCER (CEDAR POINT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT), BA IN MUSICAL THEATRE FROM JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY

“Leesa provides more than just professional advice to those interested in furthering their career, she provides the fire beneath believing in yourself. She brings out your best strengths and teaches you the ways to utilize them in ways to become successful doing what you love. Her expertise is focused in the talent and arts industry but can offer much more to help you with how to overcome with growth from known weaknesses. I could never have guessed with each new small step forward all of the accomplishments to come about. The tools LBC Talent has to offer are of wide variety, and at a high quality standard. I can’t express enough of the gratitude I have towards LBC Talent, I would not have reached my greatest potential otherwise.”

Hailey DeStefano

CREDITS:
FILM; THERE WAS A BEGINNING (LEAD 1), TV; HUNTERS, THE UNBREAKABLE KIMMIE SCHMIDT (AVA), STAGE; GREEN ROOM 42- NYC, THE DUPLEX-NYC, FEINSTEIN’S 54 BELOW-NYC, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (TI MOUNE), THE WIZARD OF OZ, GREASE, AWARDS; TOP VOCALIST AWARD- ONSTAGE NY, FINALIST – 101.5 BIG JOE HENRY’S TALENT SHOW

“When we first realized our daughter’s passion for acting and singing, we had no idea what to do with it! Thankfully we found LBC Talent, where Hailey began training in acting, dance, and voice. Leesa and LBC Talent helped Hailey realize her strengths and develop them into serious skills. Further, Leesa helped Hailey find representation and the confidence to audition, get callbacks and build her resume with small roles on Netflix and Amazon Prime. Hailey loves working with Leesa on her self tape auditions; Leesa’s coaching is top notch! As a “Momager,” I appreciate the guidance I received in LBC Talent’s helpful seminar on navigating the business with my child. Not gonna lie, it’s pretty scary; there’s a lot to know, but I certainly felt so much more informed and prepared after the seminar. It’s been a few years, and I still refer back to the binder of notes that we received! I would not hesitate to recommend LBC Talent to anyone with a talented kid serious about getting into performing arts professionally!”

Echo Picone

CREDITS:
FILM; THORP (NOT YET RELEASED) STAGE; ANNIE WITH ANDREA MCARTLE (ANNIE), THE BEDWETTER, BROADWAY WORKSHOP, VOICE OVER; PINKALICIOUS & PETERIFIC (KENDRA), WEATHERING WITH YOU (KANA), THEATRE DEMO WORK; GRETEL, THE MUSICAL (GRETEL), MUSIC INDUSTRY; ROCK ‘EVERYTHINGIST’ DEVIN TOWNSEND, NATIONAL COMMERCIALS, EDUCATIONAL CONTENT FOR WEB SERVICES AND INDUSTRY VIDEOS AND WILL BE PERFORMING WITH MR. TOWNSEND IN ROYAL ALBERT HALL IN LONDON SOON.

“Echo Picone began with Leesa’s programs when she was four years old. By this time her talent was outpacing what we felt we could support and foster, but the other music schools we brought her to had no idea what to do with her, with suggestions that ranged from group Kindermusik classes to working with a vocal coach one on one. Nothing seemed even remotely a good fit. We were lucky enough to find Leesa who immediately saw Echo’s potential and proposed a plan of action that was fun and supported Echo’s needs and drive to get her talent out there! When I realize I am working with someone who knows what they are doing I am confident letting them be in charge, and that is exactly what we did, with confidence, with Leesa. I took Leesa’s seminar on navigating the world of professional kids and it was invaluable. It gave me solid expectations and it also gave me a knowledge base to not be the parent that accidentally weeds their child out of the industry by acting in ways that are not appreciated by the people who call the shots (and that happens too often!) Thanks to Leesa’s guidance and her connections, Echo was signed by CESD bi-coastally across all departments by age 5. Echo is grateful to Leesa and her experience for opening the right doors for her to be able to do what she loves to do!”

Jeremy Bonnell

CREDITS:
TV – BOARDWALK EMPIRE; COMMERCIAL – NUTELLA, RONZONI, CHUCK E CHEESE, LORD & TAYLOR, MICROSOFT, SHOPRITE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, WORLD’S ASTONISHING NEWS

“Leesa’s experience and expertise were unquestionably the keys to Jeremy’s success as a young actor. With her deep industry ties, she was able to introduce us to a manager who she knew would be a good fit for Jeremy. She provided ongoing guidance to both Jeremy and me throughout the audition, call back and production processes. She recommended a top photographer, arranged solo and group lessons as needed, and made herself available to answer questions, provide moral support, and calm the nerves of the actor and mom-ager when we were facing new situations. We would highly recommend LBC Talent to those seeking guidance in navigating the professional acting world. Leesa made the dreams of a young actor attainable, and she shared in the joy of his success. We loved calling Leesa to say, “He booked it!”

Kevin Csolak

CREDITS:
FILM: STEVEN SPEILBERG’S WEST SIDE STORY MOVIE (DIESEL), DISCONNECT (SHANE), WE COULD BE NINJAS (ERIC) TV: ANIMAL KINGDOM ON TNT (ANDREW), BOARDWALK EMPIRE (WILLIAM THOMPSON), JESSICA JONES (KEITH), THE MICK (STEWART), INSIDE AMY SCHUMER (BOY BAND), MYSTERIES OF LAURA (SPENCER SCHOFIELD), KC UNDERCOVER (ADAM), MORTIMER GIBBON’S LIFE ON NORMAL STREET (ELLIS), BLUE BLOODS (LUKE RYDER), AS THE WORLD TURNS (DANIEL HUGHES), ALL MY CHILDREN, GUIDING LIGHT. STAGE: WEST SIDE STORY OG BROADWAY (A-RAB), MEAN GIRLS OG BROADWAY (SHANE OMAN U/S AARON SAMUELS), JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE PEPSI SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW, VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS WITH HAYLEY KIYOKO, THE PROM LAB & NATIONAL THEATRE, DC (KEVIN), KNICKS CITY KIDS, BURNT PART BOYS (DUSTY), CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S WINTUK (JAMIE), HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL (BUGSY-WHO U/S DANNY-WHO), MULTIPLE COMMERCIAL, VOICE OVER AND INDUSTRIALS.

“It is remarkable how inspiring and influential Leesa and LBC Talent has been for so many in and around the industry. Being Leesa’s son I got a first hand look at how she utilizes her years of experience to selflessly guide her clients, recognize their goals and dreams (that once were fantasy), and make them a reality. I also got to witness how many producers, directors, casting offices and talent alike appreciated her professionalism and drive. I never dreamt of working with Steven Spielberg, being in three Broadway shows or holding a recurring role on a tv show. LBC Talent instilled a work ethic and mentality that supported and boosted me and others alike to understanding that our wildest dreams are right there for the taking. It is vehemently challenging to find words to describe the gratitude I hold for her and LBC Talent’s team. I would not be where I am today in my career if it wasn’t for Leesa and her expertise. I owe it all to her. LBC Talent is the catalyst that everyone needs to properly understand their potential, be given the spark to ignite their career and to fully understand the entertainment industry as a whole. Leesa is constantly diving deeper and learning more to remain relevant and abreast of what’s what in the industry today. If you feel like you have that spark and/or want to enter the entertainment industry correctly, look no further.”