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Welcome to “Behind the Curtain, your go-to resource for everything you need to succeed in the performing arts industry.
Whether you’re a parent navigating the business for your talented child or an adult performer chasing your dreams, this blog delivers expert advice, step-by-step guides, personal stories, and insider tools to help you break into the professional world.
Learn how to land top representation, prepare industry-standard materials, nail auditions, and build a sustainable career.
With over 40 years of experience in the performing arts industry, Leesa Csolak shares real-world insights to set you up for success.
About the Author
Leesa Csolak is an international expert career consultant specializing in the performing arts.
With over four decades of experience, she has guided hundreds of parents, children, and adult performers in securing top-tier representation and professional opportunities on Broadway, in film, television, commercials, commercial dance, voice-over, and modeling.
As a mother of three successful performers, including Broadway and film actor Kevin Csolak, Leesa understands firsthand what it takes to break into and thrive in the entertainment industry.
She is the creator of Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts Online Courses, a sought-after speaker, and the host of the Makin’ It Happen podcast.
Her mission is to provide aspiring performers and their families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to succeed in this competitive business.
Understanding the Business Side of Performing Arts
Author: Leesa Csolak
Date: April 16, 2025
Heads Up:
Talent alone isn’t enough—you need to understand the business side of the performing arts to succeed.
So What?
The performing arts industry operates like any other business. Knowing how contracts, unions, and negotiations work can protect your interests and advance your career.
The Point:
Learn the Basics: Understand the common terms in contracts and how unions like SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity work.
Protect Your Rights: Know when to negotiate and when to seek legal advice.
Build a Team: Having an agent, manager, or legal advisor can ensure you’re making informed decisions.
And...
A performer once signed a contract without reading it thoroughly, only to find out later they were locked into unfavorable terms. Another performer who consulted an agent before signing landed a much better deal.
Take a course or workshop on the business of performing arts.
Always read contracts carefully and consult an expert if unsure.
Familiarize yourself with the unions and their benefits.
Free Checklist:
Download our FREE, Comprehensive Career Checklist now.
About the Author:
Leesa Csolak specializes in helping performers navigate the complexities of the performing arts business to achieve long-term success.
Mastering Audition Etiquette
Author: Leesa Csolak
Date: April 11, 2025
Heads Up:
How you behave in auditions can make or break your chances.
So What?
Professionalism and etiquette show casting directors and agents that you’re someone they can count on. Poor etiquette can leave a lasting negative impression.
The Point:
Arrive Early: Punctuality demonstrates respect for everyone’s time.
Be Polite: Treat everyone with kindness, from the receptionist to the casting director.
Stay Prepared: Bring all required materials and know your lines inside and out.
And...
A performer’s rude comment in the waiting room reached the casting director’s ears, costing them the role. On the other hand, a polite and prepared performer impressed the entire room, leading to a booking.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to every audition.
Double-check the audition notice to ensure you have all necessary materials.
Practice professionalism in every interaction, even off-camera.
Free Checklist:
Download our FREE, Comprehensive Career Checklist now.
About the Author:
Leesa Csolak has decades of experience coaching performers to excel in auditions and secure top-tier roles.
The Power of a Polished Resume
Author: Leesa Csolak
Date: April 04, 2025
Heads Up:
Your resume is your roadmap to opportunities. A polished, professional resume sets you apart.
So What?
Agents and casting directors rely on resumes to assess your experience and fit for roles. A sloppy resume can cost you auditions and representation.
The Point:
Highlight Key Roles: List your most relevant experiences and keep descriptions concise.
Use a Clean Layout: Avoid cluttered designs and use industry-standard formatting.
Update Regularly: Always include your latest credits and remove outdated information.
And...
A performer with a cluttered resume missed out on callbacks. After reformatting and emphasizing key roles, they saw a significant uptick in interest. A clean, professional resume makes a world of difference.
Review your resume and remove irrelevant or outdated credits.
Use templates designed for the performing arts to create a professional layout.
Proofread carefully to ensure no typos or errors.
Free Checklist:
Download our FREE, Comprehensive Career Checklist now.
About the Author:
Leesa Csolak’s guidance has helped performers craft resumes that catch the attention of top agents and casting directors.
Networking Without Being Pushy
Author: Leesa Csolak
Date: March 28, 2025
Heads Up:
Networking is key to building relationships and advancing your career.
So What?
The performing arts industry thrives on connections. Strategic networking can lead to representation, auditions, and insider opportunities.
The Point:
Be Authentic: People appreciate genuine connections over aggressive self-promotion.
Stay Curious: Ask questions and learn from others in the industry.
Follow Up: A thoughtful thank-you note or email can leave a lasting impression.
And... A dancer met a choreographer at a workshop and sent a follow-up thank-you. Months later, they were called in for a major project. Relationships matter.
Action:
Attend industry events and introduce yourself to key players.
Keep a contact list and follow up with people you meet.
Offer value in conversations; avoid only talking about yourself.
Free Guides:
Parents: Get the Comprehensive Career Checklist - Click Here.
Adult Performers: Get the Comprehension Career Checklist - Click here.
About the Author:
Leesa Csolak has built a career on helping performers connect with agents, managers, and casting directors and navigate a successful career in the performing arts.
Self-Tapes That Get You Noticed
Author: Leesa Csolak
Date: March 21, 2025
Heads Up:
Self-tape auditions are here to stay. Mastering them is crucial for landing roles and representation.
So What?
A polished self-tape demonstrates your professionalism and ability to take direction. Sloppy submissions can leave a bad impression and close doors.
The Point:
Quality Matters: Invest in good lighting, sound, and a neutral backdrop.
Follow Instructions: Always adhere to the casting office’s guidelines (file format, labeling).
Be Prepared: Rehearse your lines and understand your character before filming.
And...
A client submitted a poorly lit, rushed self-tape and heard nothing back. After improving their setup and technique, they booked a major callback on their next submission.
Action:
Set up a dedicated self-tape space with proper lighting and sound.
Practice reading with a partner to improve delivery.
Watch successful self-tapes online to learn what works.
Free Mini Webinar:
Watch and Listen to my Free Webinar now. Get insights and learn more about how you can get connected to top industry, world class training and get signed to professional representation, and have a successful career in performance.
About the Author:
Leesa Csolak’s expertise has guided performers to successfully navigate auditions, callbacks, and more.
Why Your Headshots Need to Be Top-Notch
Author: Leesa Csolak
Date: March 14, 2025
And...
A performer’s candid photo in their submissions left a casting director unimpressed. After investing in professional headshots, their callbacks increased tenfold. Your photo tells your story—make it count.
Action:
Hire a photographer with experience in performing arts headshots.Prepare for the shoot by choosing clothing and looks that reflect your type.Update your headshots regularly (every 1-2 years or after significant changes).
Free Guide:
Download the free "Headshot Guide" to get the most out of your photo shoot.
Adult Performers Click here to get your Free Guide!
Parents Click here to get your Free Guide!
About the Author:
Leesa Csolak, Expert Career Consultant Specializing in the Performing Arts, has helped hundreds of performers book top-tier representation and professional roles.
Heads Up:
Your headshot is your calling card in the industry. It’s often the first thing casting directors and agents see.
So What?
A professional headshot immediately communicates your commitment to your craft. Poorly lit, amateur photos can undermine even the most talented performers.
The Point:
Casting Directors Expect It: Your headshot should match industry standards and represent your type authentically.
First Impressions:
A professional headshot makes you stand out and increases your chances of being called in.
Versatility:
Multiple looks (e.g., commercial, theatrical) can showcase your range to potential representatives.
The Importance of a Professional Digital Presence
Author: Leesa Csolak
Date: March 7, 2025
Heads Up:
First impressions matter, and your digital presence is often the first thing an agent or manager sees.
So What?
In today’s digital age, agents and managers often search for you online before offering representation. A clean, professional online presence signals that you’re serious about your career and worth investing in. Conversely, a poorly maintained digital presence can instantly disqualify you.
Let's Go!
Your Social Media: Ensure your posts are positive, aligned with your personal brand, and free from controversy. Avoid sharing negative industry stories or inappropriate content.
Professional Website: A simple, professional website showcasing your headshots, demo reels, and resume makes you stand out. Make it easy to navigate and free from distractions.
Google Yourself: Search your name regularly to see what others see. Remove outdated or inappropriate content that doesn’t reflect your professional image.
The Point:
A performer once had a promising audition but lost an opportunity because their Instagram was filled with unprofessional posts. Conversely, another performer was contacted by an agent who admired their polished website and cohesive brand. It pays to put in the effort.
Action:
1. Audit your social media profiles. Remove unprofessional content.
2. Build or update a simple professional website with your portfolio.
3. Set up Google Alerts for your name to monitor your online reputation.
Get My Free Guide:
Adult Performers Download the "Cleaning Up Your Digital Footprint Checklist" to clean up and enhance your online image. Click here to get your free guide!
Parents Download the "Designing A Safe Digital Presence" for your child or teen. Click here to get the free guide!
Copyright 2023 Leesa Csolak | LBC Talent, LLC All Rights Reserved | New Jersey, US 08822
Contact: [email protected]
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Disclaimer: Each client testimonial that you see is based on what our clients tell us. Getting results in building a career takes work on both the parent and the child/teen’s part or the adult performer's part. Each of our clients works really hard to get results. We don't guarantee results and you should know that building a career is based on many factors. We give you the tools you need to succeed.