Before the Curtain

026 Hailey Brooks: From Sidelines to Punchlines

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

025 Don Mirault: 50 Years in the Industry and the creation of TAPS

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

024 Tyrese Parker: Who we are really Performing for

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

023 Gina Pero: Creating Choreography to Move Through Life

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
 

022 Bill Cook: The Magic of Joy

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

021 Vinh Duong: DJ Livinvh

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

CURTAIN CALL: Passion, Perseverance and the Price of Performance - Season 2 Finale

Host Abbie Campbell presents a special "Curtain Call" episode of Before the Curtain, pulling powerful, educational moments from past guests who work in dance, choreography, casting, and production.
Guests share personal journeys—from learning to dance later in life and touring with artists to transitioning into agency and casting roles, building teams like Twerk Team USA, and creating platforms like Boujee Block. They discuss persistence after rejection, ethical business practices, writing clear contracts, dealing with burnout, and the value of mentorship.
This episode highlights the passion, resilience, and community that fuel careers in entertainment, and offers practical lessons for anyone pursuing creative work behind and in front of the curtain.
Susan Salgado 1:06-8:04
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/unveiling-the-secrets-of-the-dance-industry-with-susan-salgado/
Douglas Johnson 8:04-15:05
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-small-town-dreams-to-showbiz-titan-the-doug-johnson-story/
Nicolette Pantaleo 15:06-19:59
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/behind-the-twerk-nicolette-pantaleos-journey/
Raf Adame 19:59-24:04
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/the-tenacity-of-raph-adame-from-ghost-towns-to-silver-screens/
Zelda Fairfax 24:04-28:08
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/breaking-barriers-zelda-fairfaxs-journey-to-stardom/
Paul Campanella 28:09-35:00
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-vegas-dreams-to-al-pacino-paul-campanellas-passionate-pursuit-in-entertainment/
Sarah LeClear 35:01-43:02
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-nba-dancer-to-vegas-visionary-sarah-leclercs-journey/
Brendon Paredes 43:02-48:17
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/behind-the-dance-brendan-paredes-vegas-legacy/
Tony Coppola 48:27-54:34
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-gymnast-to-tap-legend-the-tony-coppola-story/
Kaci Machacyk 54:32-1:01:04
https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/sweet-siren-vegas-nights-broadway-roots-burlesque-heart/
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

020 Kaci Machacyk: aka The Sweet Siren

An award-winning vocalist, actress, songwriter, and burlesque performer, Kaci Machacyk aka The Sweet Siren sits down to explore her journey from musical theatre to Las Vegas mainstages. Abbie and Kaci discuss her signature acts (including a one-song harmonica bit), songwriting, and what it takes to create confidence, comedy, and creativity onstage.
This episode shares funny backstage stories, practical advice for aspiring burlesque artists, and an inside look at life performing across venues from cabarets to stadiums. A playful, honest conversation about identity, craft, and staying true to yourself before the curtain rises.
Follow Kaci on Instagram and Facebook: @thesweetsiren
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

019 Tony Coppola - Rhythm, Resilience and Reinvention

Join host Abbie Campbell as she sits down with Tony Coppola — gymnast-turned-percussionist-turned-dancer and choreographer — to explore his unconventional path into dance, influential mentors, commercial and theatrical work, outreach programs, and the creative drive that keeps him performing and teaching.
Tony shares stories from touring with Donnie & Marie and the Osmonds, developing a signature tap shoe with Capezio, teaching at Tremaine Dance Conventions as one of their founding teachers, UNLV, choreographing for gymnastics and commercials, and the lessons he learned about musicality, versatility, and mentorship.
Tony is a walking legend. This is an episode you do not want to miss. 
Follow Tony on Instagram: @thedefianttapper
Follow Tony's Stories on Instagram: @tonycoppola_worthtelling
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

018 Brendon Paredes aka Boujee: Boujee Block

We unravel the story of Brendan Paredes, a beloved figure in the Las Vegas dance community. Known for founding Boujee Block, Brendon shares his inspiring journey from organizing casual park sessions to establishing a platform that celebrates dance, creativity, and community culture.
Join us as we explore Brendon's insights on street dance culture, the challenges of creating unique events, and his passion for providing dancers with opportunities to shine. Discover how Boujee Block became a beacon for dancers, fostering growth, inspiration, and artistic expression in a post-COVID world. Whether you're a dancer or an enthusiast, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into what goes on before the curtain rises.
Follow Brendon on Instagram: @brendon2boujee
Follow Boujee Block on Instagram: @boujeeblocklv 
Check out Boujee Block's website: www.boujeeblock.com
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain