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 built a sustained career in performance.

Follow Eric on Instagram and TikTok: @ebjdance

Follow OFF STRIP on Instagram: @OffstripLV

Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

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 events and weddings.

The episode also explores balancing family and career, the business value of live entertainment, and practical advice for performers and event planners.

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram: @singlisamarie

Follow LMS Entertainment: @lmsentertianmentlv

www.lmsentertainmentlv.com

Follow Live Music Society: @livemusicsocietylv

www.livemusicsocietylv.com

Follow her voice studio: @lmsvoicestudio

www.lmsvoicestudio.com

Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

Sources and articles mentioned:

https://www.eventmarketer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/eventtrack-2026-executive-summary.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4179700/

https://experts.mcmaster.ca/scholarly-works/1621258

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4841601/

https://www.ustravel.org/news/us-travel-association-announces-new-national-chair-governing-committee-members

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 maximizing practice time. This episode celebrates the healing power of performance and encourages artists to embrace transformation and authenticity.

Listen to their episodes:

Ferly Prado 1:06-8:49

https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-sao-paulo-to-the-spotlight-burly-prado-s-rise-in-dance/

Dani Elizabeth 8:50-13:03

https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-stage-to-sorcery-dani-elizabeth-s-dazzling-leap-into-magic/

Michael Radiff 13:03-18:21

https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/biting-into-danger-michael-raddiff-s-iron-jaw-and-a-guinness-world-record/

Megan Wilson 18:22-24:50

https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-showgirl-to-storyteller-the-birth-of-the-last-show/

Sarah Sutter 24:51-31:53

https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/behind-the-feathers-sarah-sutter-on-jubilee-dita-and-preserving-the-showgirl-legacy/

Johanna Sapakie 31:53-39:55

https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/flight-fame-johanna-sapaki-on-cirque-hustlers-the-super-bowl/

Khalid Freeman 39:56-47:52

https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/khalid-greens-from-stomp-to-super-bowl-%e2%80%94-the-rhythm-behind-the-curtain/

Hope Bouck 47:53-52:06

https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-ballet-to-big-stages-inside-an-immersive-producers-mind/

Allison Burke 52:07-56:38

https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/from-cirque-to-choreography-alison-burke-s-journey-behind-the-curtain/

Eric Jordan Young 56:39-1:03:43

https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/eric-jordan-young-from-gymnastics-to-vegas-%e2%80%94-a-life-before-the-curtain/

Cindy Reid 1:03:44-1:08:19

https://beforethecurtaininfo.podbean.com/e/golden-buzzer-glow-cindy-reed-bloom-and-the-rise-of-royal-lasers/

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 advice on training, discipline, and work–life balance.

Watch the Royal Lasers in the AGT Semi-Final Round on September 15th

Follow Cindy on instagram: @cindy__reid__bluhm

(double underscore on both) 

Follow the Royal Lasers on instagram: @royal.lasers

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, and service to the audience define his work.

This episode explores the hustle and opportunities of Las Vegas entertainment, the value of collaboration, and practical advice for aspiring artists about training, resilience, and staying curious.

Follow Eric on Instagram: @ejyshakin

Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

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