Before the Curtain

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 storytelling through movement.
Tune in for candid stories, practical process tips, and a message about slowing down, kindness, and trusting your creative journey.
Follow Allison on Instagram: @allison__burke (two underscores)
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

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-inspired piece and a rock-and-roll flash mob, and why she prioritizes meaning, respect for performers, and doing things her way.
 
Follow Hope on Instagram: @hopebbiz
Follow Base of Operations (BOO Crew): @boocrewproduction
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

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 Forget‑Me‑Nots. The episode explores live performance, the unseen work behind big productions, and the personal stories that drive an artist’s passion.
Follow Khalid on TikTok @khalid.greens
Follow Khalid on Instagram @khalidfreeman 
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

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 with personal life.
 
Follow Johanna on Instagram: @Johannasapakiereal
Watch the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pILCn6VO_RU&list=RDpILCn6VO_RU&start_radio=1
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

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 

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

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

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

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

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