Before the Curtain

035 Sarah Sutter: Preserving the Las Vegas Showgirl Legacy

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 craftsmanship, collaborations with Dita Von Teese, and the importance of supporting youth arts and cultural preservation.
Follow Sarah on Socials: @sarahsutter_vegas @sarahsuttercreative @sarahsutter_choreography
Connect with Sarah through her website: Sarahsuttercreative.biz 

034 Megan Wilson: The Last Show

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 covers the show’s collaborators, workshops, and readings at the Smith Center, plans for a concept album and limited runs, and practical somatic tools Megan shares for performers to manage nerves and reclaim their power.
Follow The Last Show on Instagram: @LastShow – A New Musical
Support The Last Show:  thelastshowmusical.com
Follow Megan on Instagram: @The_Megan_Wilson
Connect with Megan: https://www.themeganwilson.com/
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

033 Michael Radiff: The Iron Jaw and Biting into a World Record

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 projects like the queer-themed show Alphabet Mafia, his teaching and body-care routines, and the resilience required to create and sustain a daring career in the performing arts.
Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_iron_jaw/
Follow Michael on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_iron_jaw?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Subscribe to Michael's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BroSisSynopsis
 
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

032 Dani Elizabeth: Unlocking your Girl Magic

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 dance elements into her illusions, the challenges of learning sleight of hand, and her passion for inspiring young female performers through her "Girl Magic" brand.
Dani's Website: https://danielizabeth.com/
Follow Dani on Instagram: DaniShowgirl & ShowgirlMagic
Facebook: Dani Elizabeth
TikTok: DaniElizabeth7
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

031 Ferly Prado: Discipline with Heart

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 Ferly’s approach to choreography, the importance of studying dance history and culture, audience service, and practical advice for working dancers about professionalism, resilience, and advocacy in the industry.
 
Follow Ferly on Insragram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube: @FERLYPRADO
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

CURTAIN CALL: 10 Performers on 1 Stage - Season 3 Finale

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 in? Click the links below to bring you straight to that artist's full episode. 
Vinh Duong 1:06-4:20
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/aloha-to-las-vegas-how-dj-livin-danced-his-way-to-the-decks/
 
Bill Cook 4:20-10:16
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/bill-cook-the-young-master-of-magic-%e2%80%94-behind-the-tricks/
 
Gina Pero 10:16-15:13
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-braces-to-rockettes-gina-pirro-s-journey-of-grit-and-healing/
 
Tyrese Parker 15:14-17:59
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-ship-decks-to-center-stage-tyrese-parker-s-vegas-leap/
 
Don Mirault 18:00-25:18
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-navy-hospital-to-broadway-don-merle-s-50-year-dance-journey/
 
Hailey Brooks 25:19-29:23
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-press-box-to-punchlines-haley-brooks-vegas-comedy-rise/
 
Tara Foy 29:24-34:34
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-royal-stages-to-vegas-spectacles-tara-foy-s-dance-odyssey/
 
BridgieNix 34:35-43:11
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-spotlight-to-statehouse-bridgie-nix-s-fight-for-nevada-s-entertainers/
 
Michael Forsch 43:12-49:07
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/a-list-casting-returns-behind-the-curtain-with-michael-forth/
 
Steve Judkins 49:08-56:05
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-country-kid-to-vegas-stages-the-steve-judkins-story/
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

030 Steve Judkins: From Country Life to Vegas Lights

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 prank with Debbie Reynolds—offering practical advice and inspiration for performers. 
Follow Steve on Instagram: @stevejud
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

029 Michael Forsch: A-List Casting Returns for Season 2

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-List Casting: https://www.youtube.com/@A-ListCasting
Follow A-List Casting on Instagram: @Alistcastingtvshow
Follow Michael on Instagram: @MichaelForsch
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

028 BridgieNix: A Passion for Policy

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 creativity, spirituality, and resilience fuel her grassroots campaign.
"Only an Entertainer can save Entertainment tourism."
The name on the ballot will legally read as Scheiner, Bridget N "BridgieNix" 
Follow BridgieNix on Instagram tiktok: @bridgienix4nevada
For Production, choreo, and creative film services: @bncreative.art
Learn more about her campaign: https://www.bridgienix4nevada.com
Learn more about her creative services: https://www.bncreative.art 
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

027 Tara Foy: Ballet, Cirque, and the Art of Innovation

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 her Pilates work and the T‑Foy method, the conversation explores what it takes to teach, heal, and inspire dancers across generations while balancing life in Las Vegas and beyond.
Follow Tara on Instagram and Facebook: @tara.foy.ballet
Follow Tara's Ballet page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eliteballet
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain