Before the Curtain

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/ [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 [https://www.tiktok.com/@the_iron_jaw?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe to Michael's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BroSisSynopsis [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/ [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/ [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/ [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/ [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/ [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/ [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/ [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/ [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/ [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/ [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