Before the Curtain

Host Abbie Campbell interviews dancer, choreographer and educator Eric Bean Jr., tracing his path from early training in Bermuda to UArts, Koresh Dance Company, cruise ships, and a nearly decade-long run with Disney's The Lion King. The episode highlights his teaching philosophy, creative projects like the Off Strip Costume Party & Cabaret, and how community, resilience, and versatile skills b...

Abbie Campbell interviews Las Vegas performer and entrepreneur Lisa Marie Smith about her journey from youngest Strip headliner to founder of LMS Entertainment, Live Music Society, and LMS Voice Studio. Lisa discusses the evolution of Vegas entertainment, her vocal injury and rehabilitation, and why she started a company to pay artists fairly and deliver high-quality live music for corporate event...

Abbie Campbell revisits powerful moments from Before the Curtain, featuring artists who reveal what happens before the final bow. Guests share stories about serving audiences like Tina Turner, performing through physical and emotional challenges, and finding purpose in shifting careers. Practical tips include nervous-system grounding, breathwork, physio tools for longevity, and the discipline of m...

Host Abbie Campbell interviews dancer, choreographer, and educator Cindy Reid-Bluhm about her path from Wisconsin and New York to Las Vegas, her teaching career, and joining Royal Lasers to win a Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent. The episode covers career pivots, differences between New York and Las Vegas performance cultures, the tech and teamwork behind a laser dance act, and practical advi...

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Eric Jordan Young, a multifaceted performer, director, and creative director, to trace his journey from gymnastics and small-town theater to Broadway, national tours, and Las Vegas residencies. Eric discusses his writing process for Sammy and Me, the differences between performing in New York and Vegas, memorable onstage moments, and why commitment, technique, an...

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Alison Burke — Cirque du Soleil performer, choreographer, educator, and movement director — to explore her path from competitive dance in Texas to a decade on the Las Vegas stage. Alison discusses blending artistry with business, how limitations and discipline shape creativity, her transition into teaching and movement direction, and the importance of storytellin...

Host Abbie Campbell interviews Hope Bouck, an award-winning Las Vegas event producer and creative director. Hope discusses her journey from dancer to producer, her passion for storytelling, and how she builds immersive, high-impact experiences with a hands-on team. The episode covers her inspiration (music, music videos, and live moments), creative processes behind standout shows like a TV-inspire...

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Khalid Freeman (aka Khalid Greens), a multi‑talented dancer, choreographer, musician and six‑time Super Bowl field choreographer. They discuss the origins of body percussion, Khalid’s family roots and name change, his start with the Young Americans, major shows like Stomp and Cirque du Soleil, and his transition into acting and a one‑man show, Khalid and the Forg...

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Johanna Sapakie, an aerial acrobat, dancer, choreographer, and coach to trace her path from a Midwestern dance kid to performing with Cirque du Soleil and choreographing for Hustlers and the Super Bowl. The episode covers career pivots, the rise of specialty choreography, industry battles over credit and pay, and practical advice on balancing creative ambition wi...

Sarah Sutter shares her journey from a small Colorado town to the stages of Jubilee and Crazy Girls, performing with top artists and teaching the next generation. She discusses the glamour, mystery, and history of the Las Vegas showgirl, her work preserving costumes and stories, and her mission to keep arts education alive. This episode explores behind-the-scenes life in Vegas, costume craftsmansh...

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Megan Wilson — dancer, creative producer, and life coach — to trace her journey from Las Vegas performer to co-founder of Libra Productions and creative producer of The Last Show. They discuss Megan’s early career on the Strip, the nervous-system work that shifted her life, and how real performer stories inspired a new musical born backstage in Vegas. The episode...

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with aerialist and acrobat Michael Raddiff to explore his journey from cruise-ship dancer to Iron Jaw specialist and Guinness World Record holder for supporting three aerialists by teeth (409 lbs). He discusses his training, performance credits in Las Vegas and abroad, and the unique challenges of Iron Jaw and other circus arts. The episode also covers his creative pr...

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Dani Elizabeth, a former Las Vegas showgirl, dancer, and choreographer who has reinvented her performance career as a comedy magician. Dani shares her journey from dancing alongside stars like Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears to learning magic with her husband and mentor, touring, and appearing on Masters of Illusion Season 12. She discusses blending aerial and...

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Brazilian-born dancer and choreographer Ferly Prado to trace her path from early ballet training in São Paulo to performing and choreographing for A-list artists and major productions. Ferly shares candid stories about training, overcoming eating disorders, influential teachers, and pivotal career moments with Tina Turner and Dita Von Teese. The episode explores...

Closing out Season 3 with a Curtain Call, host Abbie Campbell curates powerful highlights from the past 10 performers, featuring honest stories about purpose, perseverance, and the craft behind entertainment. Conversations cover magic, dance, auditions, mentorship, building a career in Las Vegas, and practical advice for creatives navigating success and setbacks. Find a podcast you're interested i...

Abbie Campbell sits down with Steve Judkins to trace his journey from suburban Melbourne to the West End and Las Vegas, highlighting his roles in major musicals, his work as a vocal coach at TAPS, and his time as dean of the Mayfair Supper Club. They discuss audition technique, storytelling through song, work ethic, and share memorable backstage moments—from Rocky Horror callbacks to a mischievous...

Abbie Campbell interviews Michael Forsch about his journey from Las Vegas performer to filmmaker and the making of A-List Casting Season 2, including a dance-heavy episode, indie production challenges, and the importance of cross-training for performers.   If you enjoyed his first appearance on the show, you definitely are going to want to hear his encore performance!  Watch and subscribe to A-Lis...

A dancer, choreographer, fire artist, and community advocate, BridgieNix shares her journey from performing on big stages to running for lieutenant governor of Nevada. They discuss her career, nonprofit work, and commitment to labor and civil-rights advocacy. The episode explores balancing art and activism, Nevada’s current policies, industry labor standards, tourism, policy proposals, and how cre...

Host Abbie Campbell interviews Tara Foy, a world-renowned ballet mistress whose career spans the Royal Ballet, Cirque du Soleil, Siegfried & Roy, and Nevada Ballet Theatre. The episode traces Tara’s training, international performance career, and evolution into a sought-after coach, choreographer, and dance medicine specialist. Through stories of resilience, teaching, and innovation, including...

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Vegas comedian and creator Hailey Brooks, a former sports reporter turned in‑arena host, mom, and producer of the silent disco comedy show "Silent But Deadly." The episode explores Haley’s path from theater and sports media to stand‑up, her creative process, crowd work, resilience through motherhood and COVID, and the practical hustle behind building a career in...

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Don Mirault to trace his unlikely path from the Navy and modeling to Broadway, TV, and film, exploring landmark roles, career-defining mentors, and the hard work behind the spotlight. He shares backstage stories of working with Michael Bennett, Michael Peters, Betty White, and Bea Arther that will leave you with a smile.  They discuss Don’s founding of Theater Ar...

Tyrese Parker shares his journey from Minnesota to cruise ship stages to performing and creative directing in Las Vegas with Cirque du Soleil. He speaks about the challenges of ten shows a week, finding artistic balance, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the joy of performing for his younger self. In this episode, he discusses leadership, auditions, the meaning of fame, and why staying true to you...

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Gina Pero — ICF Master Certified Coach, former Radio City Rockette, somatic dance educator, and author — to explore her journey from overcoming scoliosis and a traumatic brain and spinal injury to finding healing through Simonson technique, coaching, and spiritual practice. The episode covers practical approaches to alignment and recovery, building a coaching pra...

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with award-winning magician Bill Cook to explore his beginnings with a childhood magic kit, the mentors and competitions that shaped his career, and the TV and stage highlights that took him around the world. They discuss the realities of the profession: touring, corporate and cruise gigs, nursing-home performances, creative process, communication challenges, and why...

Host Abbie Campbell interviews DJ Vin Duong (DJ Livin) about his move from Hawaii to Las Vegas, his transition from dancer to full-time DJ, and the founding and rebrand of his company to tackle large-scale, theatrical productions. They cover his open-format style, blending dance and emcee work, a memorable server-to-dancer reveal at an industry event, personal challenges he overcame, and his visio...