Success Stories
Success Stories
Testimonials
For 40 years parents and clients have sung the praises of our seminar, guidance, training, mentors, and overall network. Leesa has helped parents find talent agents for their children and teenagers. They have gone on to professional performance opportunities as children and teens, obtained college scholarships, and pursued professional adult careers with great success. Read here a sampling of testimonials from parents and clients.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share.
Kurt Csolak
CREDITS:
BROADWAY – FUNNY GIRL, STAGE – NYCC THE TAP DANCE KID, CARNEGIE HALL, AYODELE CASEL’S CHASING MAGIC (MASS), THE NEW 42ND STREET (MN), TOP HAT (LAB) (NYC), WHITE CHRISTMAS (NY), TAP DOGS (WORLD TOUR & DOMESTIC)
“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.
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)
“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.
Teal DePaola
CREDITS:
KNICKS CITY DANCER (NBA TOURS, NYC, LONDON, CHINA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC), FEATURE FILM- TRAINWRECK, YANDEL MALAVE NEW YEAR’S EVE TIMES SQUARE, LOS PREMIOS JUVENTUD PITBULL & ENRIQUE IGLESIAS
“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. Having worked with her being my close mentor for 15+ years, I am different in my daily perspective of life while working through the right mindset to more quickly move up levels in a career.
Cameron Clifford
CREDITS:
STAGE; BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL – BROADWAY AND INTERNATIONAL TOUR (MICHAEL), WAITING FOR GODOT, BROADWAY (THE BOY), ON GOLDEN POND (BILLY RAY JR.), FIRST WIVES CLUB (JASON)
“At a young age, Leesa Csolak saw my potential and immediately guided me into the right acting, dancing, and vocal training to prepare me for the industry. She gave me the understanding and skills to take on my auditions with excitement, focus, and joy.
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.
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)
“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.
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.
Alex Apgar
CREDITS:
TV; THE DEUCE, EVIL LIVES HERE, STAGE DAD, FILM; THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH PAUL, THE SEARCH FOR THE MORTICIAN’S APPRENTICE, TAKE MY BREATHE AWAY, ANDRES, SECRET POOL
“It is really difficult to move from being a lead in a school production to working professionally as a child performer. It is critical to learn from someone who knows the industry and Leesa, the Principal at LBC Talent, really prepared Alex for what it takes to make it. She works with industry leaders in dance, acting, and singing to ensure that young performers stand out from the rest.
Tayten Kieffer
Credits:
Signed with Edge Talent January 2021, The Polar Express by Rail Events Productions – Hero Child, Google Fiber Commercial Rom Com, Google Fiber Commercial Spelling Bee, Heinz Commercial Radio Spot, Super Wings Cartoon- Eric S6, E 609, Judge Junior Podcast S1 E1, Lhadalord in James and the Giant Peach, LBC Talent’s ProKids On-Tour Vocal Troupe, Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka Jr.
“Tayten always wanted to be in theatre, and had fun in the elementary school shows. When he wanted to learn more, we found the Leesa’s school in 2019 and he immediately found his second home!
Megan Gecik
credits:
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
credits:
2021 PACE UNIVERSITY MUSICAL THEATRE GRADUATE ○ OFF-BROADWAY; THE BIG BANG THEORY: MUSICAL PARODY! REGIONAL THEATRE; KINKY BOOTS (LAUREN),
“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”
Lauren Maria Medina
credits:
REGIONAL THEATRE; WEST SIDE STORY (MARIA), 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!”
Lindsay Gloriana Bohon
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’s expertise is professional, caring, and up-to-date on the requirements for success in today’s industry. The training is catered to each person’s specific needs, and Leesa knows how to showcase unique talents & versatility amongst each performer. Even in a short amount of time, progress and a deeper understanding of the craft will become prevalent.”
Samantha Brynildsen
credits:
BFA in Musical Theatre – Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Educational Theatre at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Step by Step! Berklee Assistant Teacher, Director of Elementary Children’s Theatre
“Training through programs by LBC Talent was one of the best decisions I could’ve made as a growing artist. The dance classes were top notch. The vocal lessons were tailored specifically to my voice type and helped me strengthen my confidence and technique. I learned exciting and rigorous material that pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me to start exploring who I was as an artist. Some of my favorite memories was being in the production of Grease and a member of The Professional Kids & Teens Holiday Vocal Troupe! If I could go back in time to my those days, I would do it again in a heartbeat!”
Jake Urban
credits:
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.”
Bella DePaola
credits:
Pace University Musical Theatre Major, Minor in Commercial Dance, Twelfth Night the Musical (Assistant Choreographer), Chicago (Velma Kelly), Anything Goes (Reno), Curtains (Robert/Bambi U/S), Oklahoma (Skidmore Sister), Hunterdon’s Home for the Holidays (Featured Vocalist)
“Working with Leesa Csolak on my college auditions was the best decision I made throughout the process – her detailed and professional coaching made me stand out from other candidates and with her I’m attending my dream school!”
Sophie Sun
Coming Soon
“I have personally benefited from Leesa Csolak’s advisory in the entertaining business on various different dimensions. I am headed to New York University’s Tisch School of Arts to major in theater, due thanks to Leesa’s mentorship, guidance, and honesty. I am beyond grateful to her professional direction and her tireless commitment to the trade; she is one who teaches, exemplifies, and provides the opportunities for so many students to grow and enjoy their passions.”
Delaney Dean
credits:
Plot Against America – HBO, Pandora’s Box – Discovery Channel, Home Sweet Home – Seton Hall University, The Haunting on the River – Pre-production, Kjersti Long Band – Back Up Backup Vocalist, The Bitter End, NYC, A-1 Lounge, NYC, The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ
“Leesa Csolak and the staff at LBC Talent are amazing! I have been taking dance, vocal and acting with LBCT for the past six years. The training I’m receiving is some of the best in the industry. I’m so grateful to have been able to train virtually with LBC Talent’s Online Training School during the pandemic. Dancing kept me sane during lockdown and kept me growing as a dancer and performer. Without LBC Talent’s dedication and training I would not be a semi-professional minor working in the industry. LBC Talent’s Pro Seminar enabled my parent’s to gain insight they could not find elsewhere. It made them feel confident and safe allowing them to help me start my career early.”
Alex Carr
credits:
Montclair State University Musical Theatre Graduate, Oliver – Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, Peterborough Players – New Hampshire, Mac-Haydn Theatre – Upstate New York, The Lost Nation Theatre – Vermont.
“I can’t thank Leesa enough. She believed in me and my talents from the start, and was always looking for new ways and opportunities to help me grow, both professionally and personally — and she’s still looking out for me to this day. She’s the best!”
Brynn Simonelli
“We feel very lucky to have met Leesa Csolak and worked with her and LBC Talent. She has opened up doors for our girls that we never could’ve dreamed possible, especially at such a young age. She introduced us to the top professionals in NYC for voice, dance and theatre. My daughters would not be the performers they are today without her guidance and support. We will be forever grateful!! Thank you, Leesa and LBC Talent!!”
Brianna Kraucheunas
“My daughter has been singing, acting, and dancing under the direction of Leesa Csolak since she was five years old. Leesa’s expertise and first hand experience of the performance industry has been a guiding light throughout the years. Her Seminar for parents details the steps to take to begin the process of auditioning. She remains a constant force and will answer any and all questions promptly as your performer embarks on his/her journey. She seeks out top-notch, professional instructors that train performers in a way that will motivate them to reach their full potential. My daughter has accomplished so much thus far, but she certainly couldn’t have done it without Leesa by her side. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!”
Masen Chen
“Leesa at LBC Talent possesses a deep knowledge of the business. She prepares not only our daughter Masen, but for us as parents, for auditions, callbacks, meetings with directors, and more. Her parent seminar has educated us on necessary elements of the field, such as work permits, child actor bank accounts, headshots, social media presence, and expectations when getting started. Through LBC Talent, Masen receives excellent and professional training in voice, dance, and acting, all of which continue to build her confidence and experience. They know talent, foster it, then seek opportunities to let talents shine at LBC Talent. Leesa and LBC Talent take our daughter’s love of performing to the next level! We are so grateful!”
Megan Simonelli
“We feel very lucky to have met Leesa Csolak and worked with her and LBC Talent. She has opened up doors for our girls that we never could’ve dreamed possible, especially at such a young age. She introduced us to the top professionals in NYC for voice, dance and theatre. My daughters would not be the performers they are today without her guidance and support. We will be forever grateful!! Thank you, Leesa and LBC Talent!!”
Carolyn Chester
“I’ve been training in dance for years and with Leesa’s guidance I enrolled in voice lessons as well as acting class. I became fully prepared for anything that could be asked of me in auditions. From the numerous performance opportunities she provided me, to the professional advice she’s given me, I feel much more prepared for a career in performance!”
Sarah Buonocore
“During my time with LBC Talent’s training and programs, I was able to prepare for college auditions, make connections, and learn from a variety of professionals working in the performance industry. Not many other dance schools bring in esteemed dancers and choreographers from New York City and Los Angeles on a regular basis. I greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to learn choreography and take class from many excellent instructors!”
Quinn Fucci
“Recently signed to a top Youth Agent in NYC. Credits: Principal Role – Wetlands – Surfer Girl’s Daughter, The Many Saints of Newark – Neighborhood Kid
When we found Leesa Csolak and LBC Talent, Quinn had already been working in the industry since the age of 5. Mostly small, local jobs booked through her agent in Allentown, PA. We were really looking for a place to expand her acting, voice, and dance abilities and were so happy that her school had all of that together in one place! What I didn’t know, is that Leesa had the added bonus of understanding the ins and outs of the industry and was a consultant to parents like myself trying to help their child achieve their dreams. Leesa is a one-of-a-kind person in an industry of many. It is not every day you meet someone that is so willing to help you every step of the way. She will sit with you, talk to you, guide you, and help you curate a path that will lead to success. She will also be the first to congratulate you and your child when something awesome comes their way! It was the combination of the amazing school and the guided confidence that led us to search out talent agencies in New York for Quinn to continue on her journey in this industry. Quinn was officially signed to Take 3 Talent in NYC in June and she is now auditioning for roles of a lifetime. If you are a parent like me, trying to navigate this industry, or a parent looking for an amazing dance, voice, and acting school, Leesa and LBC Talent has everything you need!”
Kurt Csolak
CREDITS:
BROADWAY - FUNNY GIRL, STAGE – NYCC THE TAP DANCE KID, CARNEGIE HALL, AYODELE CASEL'S CHASING MAGIC (MASS), 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.”
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.”
Teal DePaola
CREDITS:
KNICKS CITY DANCER (NBA TOURS, NYC, LONDON, CHINA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC), FEATURE FILM- TRAINWRECK, YANDEL MALAVE NEW YEAR’S EVE TIMES SQUARE, LOS PREMIOS JUVENTUD PITBULL & ENRIQUE IGLESIAS, GENTE DE ZONA FT. LOS DEL RIOS ,CHIQUIS RIVERA, UNIVISIONS COPA AMERICA, THE LEXINGTON LINE & LIFESTYLE FASHION MAGAZINE, ACUVUE COMMERCIAL
“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. Having worked with her being my close mentor for 15+ years, I am different in my daily perspective of life while working through the right mindset to more quickly move up levels in a career. Using some of these tools can help you in any passion for the future, her expertise is focused in the talent and arts industry but can offer much more to help you find your natural strengths and how to overcome and grow beyond known weaknesses. She teaches the importance of networking, and having humbleness while growing confidence retrospectively. Not knowing where the first leap into the industry would take me after my competitive dancing lifestyle, I could never have guessed with each new small step forward all of the accomplishments to come about. Not only was I able to continue dancing becoming a professional at the age of 18, but I ended up finding myself along the way of the dance career making it much more through print modeling jobs, a commercial, a well-known movie, brand ambassador events, and performances with numerous high listed artists. The tools LBC Talent has to offer are of a 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.”
Cameron Clifford
CREDITS:
STAGE; BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL - BROADWAY AND INTERNATIONAL TOUR (MICHAEL), WAITING FOR GODOT, BROADWAY (THE BOY), ON GOLDEN POND (BILLY RAY JR.), FIRST WIVES CLUB (JASON), FILM; THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS (ED), COMMERCIAL; KLEENEX, MCDONALDS, VERIZON WIRELESS, TV; 30 ROCK, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, TEAM UMIZOOMI, AWARDS; 2013 BROADWAYWORLD AUSTIN, TX – BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL TOURING PRODUCTION – BILLY ELLIOT, 2013 INDEPENDENT REVIEWERS OF NEW ENGLAND (NOMINEE) – BEST PROMISING PERFORMANCE BY A CHILD ACTOR – BILLY ELLIOT, 2012 BROADWAYWORLD LOS ANGELES, CA – BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN MUSICAL TOURING PRODUCTION – BILLY ELLIOT
“At a young age, Leesa Csolak saw my potential and immediately guided me into the right acting, dancing, and vocal training to prepare me for the industry. She gave me the understanding and skills to take on my auditions with excitement, focus, and joy. Less than a year after gaining representation I made my Broadway debut, and two years later booked my second Broadway show along with several national commercials, voice overs, and a movie. I owe these experiences to Leesa and LBC talent. Her understanding of the professional world and commitment to help me succeed steered me exactly where I wanted to go. Thank you for everything!”
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!' "
Echo Picone
CREDITS:
FILM; THORP (NOT YET RELEASED) OFF BROADWAY- TREVOR, THE MUSICAL (MARY) REGIONAL; 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!"
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!”
Alex Apgar
CREDITS:
TV; THE DEUCE, EVIL LIVES HERE, STAGE DAD, FILM; THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH PAUL, THE SEARCH FOR THE MORTICIAN’S APPRENTICE, TAKE MY BREATHE AWAY, ANDRES, SECRET POOL, THE CANNIBAL KILLER, THE KILLER CLOWN MEETS THE CANDYMAN, THE ADVENTURES OF CHEAP CHAD, MUSIC VIDEO; BAD TATOO, COMMERCIAL; UNCO JAPANESE TOY COMPANY, KIDZLANE TOY COMPANY.
“It is really difficult to move from being a lead in a school production to working professionally as a child performer. It is critical to learn from someone who knows the industry and Leesa, the Principal at LBC Talent, really prepared Alex for what it takes to make it. She works with industry leaders in dance, acting, and singing to ensure that young performers stand out from the rest. I attended one of her seminars and learned the business from the inside. I watched her prepare Alex for auditions – her advice was always honest and well informed. Alex has been working professionally for the last five years, only auditioning for and accepting paid work! Work permit in hand – he is called to audition for every role to which he applies! He has done it all – music videos, television, film, and advertising. Whether he decides to pursue a career in acting or not, Alex has gained valuable skills and experience which will make him a success in any profession. LBC Talent has been a big part of his success.”
Tayten Kieffer
Credits:
Signed with Edge Talent January 2021, The Polar Express by Rail Events Productions - Hero Child, Google Fiber Commercial Rom Com, Google Fiber Commercial Spelling Bee, Heinz Commercial Radio Spot, Super Wings Cartoon- Eric S6, E 609, Judge Junior Podcast S1 E1, Lhadalord in James and the Giant Peach, LBC Talent's ProKids On-Tour Vocal Troupe, Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka Jr.
“Tayten always wanted to be in theatre, and had fun in the elementary school shows. When he wanted to learn more, we found the Leesa's school in 2019 and he immediately found his second home! Dance, acting, and vocal groups filled up his week, as we watched him create meaningful friendships while building confidence. Not long after, we attended Leesa's Professional Kids & Teens Seminar, and our eyes were opened to the unique professional side of what he simply loved to do. We had no idea how to navigate this world, and Leesa was an amazingly supportive resource as we started to dive into youth acting. Learning so much from the classes and lessons and working directly with Leesa to prepare an audition set, Tayten was signed with Edge Talent in early 2021. He booked his first commercial that April. Now, Tayten is doing a few auditions a week and is thrilled with each unique experience. Having a local professional with so much knowledge is the reason Tayten found success so quickly. Whether he continues in this business, or not, he will always know that Leesa is the mentor that put him on the starting block. As parents, we will always be thankful for the perspective we learned from Leesa. It's a big industry with rewards and challenges, and her guidance during and throughout this process has made all the difference.”