Before the Curtain

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

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

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

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

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 entertainment.
Follow Hailey on Instagram: @Haileybrooksishere
Follow Hailey on TikTok: @haileyshappyhour
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

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 Arts Preparatory School (TAPS), his philosophy on versatility and marketing for performers, and the practical advice he shares with young artists after five decades in the industry. This is an episode you don't want to miss.
 
Follow Don on Instagram: @donmirault
Follow TAPS on Instagram: @tapstheschool
Connect with Don: www.donmirault.com
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

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 your creative timing matters — a candid conversation about life before the curtain.
Follow Tyrese on Instagram: @tyreseparker
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

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 practice, founding the Las Vegas Holistic Center, and the lessons in Gina’s book "Lipstick, Lashes, and God" for performers seeking resilience, purpose, and sustainable training.
Follow Gina on Instagram: @ginajpero
Find her book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/ginajpero
Buy "Lipstick, Lashes, and God: Reviving the Spirit Within": https://www.amazon.com/Lipstick-Lashes-God-Reviving-Spirit/dp/1959471465
Check out Gina's Website: www.ginapero.com 
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain
 

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 magic continues to bring connection and joy.
Follow Bill on Socials: @billcookmagic
Check out Bill's Website: www.billcookmagic.com
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

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 vision for immersive, participatory weddings and live events.
Follow Vinvh on Socials: @djlivinh
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain