In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts

What happens when a little girl who fell in love with the stage grows up to become one of your most beloved teachers? In this episode, Robin sits down with Meghann Potter, EMC alumna, solidcore coach, and current Team member at EMC Performing Arts Studio, for a candid, laugh-filled conversation about what it really means to grow up in the dance world. Meghann takes us from her earliest days at a competitive studio in Glen Burnie, MD to training at EMC with Robin, to earning a BFA at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, to chasing her dreams in the studios of New York City. She opens up about the pivotal ACL injury that stopped her mid-aerial and how instead of shattering her dream, it quietly shifted it. This episode is a beautiful reminder that your path in the performing arts rarely looks the way you planned and that's often a very good thing. Whether you're a dance parent, a studio kid, or someone who lived this life, you'll hear yourself in Meghann's story. Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

What if dance and performing arts studios could become a direct bridge to professional opportunities without losing sight of confidence, character, and care for young artists? In this episode of In the Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts, Robin sits down with award-winning talent agent, studio owner, and founder of Studio Talent Collective, Josephine Lancuba, for a powerful conversation about talent management, access, and advocacy in the entertainment industry. Josephine shares her journey from performer to studio owner to representing over 500 young talents worldwide, and why she believes studio owners are uniquely positioned to support students beyond the classroom. Together, they explore the growing movement of in-house talent agencies and how studios can ethically and effectively prepare students for professional opportunities through self-taping skills, audition techniques, resume building, and regular headshot updates. They also dive into: Why parents often struggle to navigate auditions and industry platforms on their own How agents protect young performers from unfair contracts, scams, and predatory practices The importance of teaching students how to speak to camera and show up confidently on screen How audition experiences, booked or not, build resilience, confidence, and real-world skills Ways studios can create new revenue streams while increasing student retention and engagement At its core, this episode is about access with integrity. Josephine reminds us that talent management isn’t just about landing jobs, it’s about helping young performers grow into confident, informed, and empowered humans. Whether you’re a studio owner, educator, or parent supporting an aspiring artist, this conversation offers practical insight, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on what leadership in the performing arts can look like. About Josephine: Josephine Lancuba is an award-winning talent agent, podcast host, and the Founder of Studio Talent Collective. With a background as a performer for over 2 decades, Josephine spent years on stages and screens before moving behind the scenes. That lived experience shapes her work today as she supports talent and studios to better understand how the industry actually works, not just how it looks from the outside. Josephine now works with performing arts studio owners to build in-house talent agencies and create pathways for their students into professional work within the entertainment industry. She is the creator of Talent Manager Bootcamp, a world-first program designed to help people step into talent management with confidence, structure, and care. She also hosts the popular show, Studio Talent Collective ~ the podcast, from her home in Sydney, Australia. Josephine believes in the social, emotional and physical benefits of the performing arts. She is an advocate for creating inclusive, accessible and positive opportunities for talent and industry alike. Performing Arts Business Coach and Talent Agent Director of Studio Talent Collective Ph: 0410 621 791 hello@josephinelancuba.com SOCIALS: @‌studiotalentcollective and @‌josephinelancuba Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

In this episode Robin sits down with Britt Mergler, Kreative Kidz Director at EMC Performing Arts Studio, for an in-depth conversation about Showstoppers, EMC’s youngest performing company. Together, they walk families through what Showstoppers really is: a carefully designed introduction to dance company life for young dancers, typically ages 7–10. Miss Britt explains how dancers are invited into the program (and why auditions aren’t part of the process at this age), what teachers are truly looking for in the classroom and on stage, and how performance quality, focus, kindness, teamwork, and leadership all play a role. They also break down: The structure of the Showstoppers class and how it fits alongside Dance Foundations Performance opportunities throughout the year, including Holiday Celebration, Spring Concert, Fall Tour, and more Attendance expectations and why consistency matters (with practical ways families can help dancers catch up when life happens) Summer requirements, including the Mini Intensive and why it’s such a cornerstone of the program How mentorship, community, and “big sister” relationships shape the EMC experience Perhaps most importantly, Robin and Miss Britt address what it means not to receive an invite, why “not yet” is not the end of the story, how families can seek feedback, and how perseverance, patience, and steady effort are central to a dancer’s long-term growth. Whether you’re an EMC family exploring Showstoppers for the first time or a parent at another studio curious about why performing companies are structured the way they are, this episode offers transparency, encouragement, and insight into how young dancers are supported, challenged, and prepared for what comes next, on and off the stage. Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

In this episode, Robin Snyder-Wiencek interviews Menina Fortunato, a seasoned dancer and entrepreneur, sharing her journey from a competitive dancer to a successful business owner in the performing arts industry. Menina discusses her background, including her early exposure to dance through her family's dance studios and her eventual move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in commercial dance. She highlights the challenges dancers face in transitioning from training to professional work and emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in both artistic and business skills. Menina explains her mentorship program, which offers guidance to dancers aiming for careers in various aspects of the performing arts, from commercial dance to Broadway. She also stresses the significance of networking, self-promotion, and developing a strong online presence for dancers today. The episode concludes with Menina offering advice for parents and studio owners on preparing students for potential careers in the performing arts and encouraging them to pursue their dreams with determination and a well-rounded skill set. Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here