HAT The Producer

By Leisa Reid Fisicaro Writer, Producer, Voiceover & Member Services Manager at The VoiceOver Network

And a 5,6,7,8….

I was 6 the first time I saw a dance recital. Watching from the lower-level seats, the stage looked like a shiny gold ray of sunbeams.

I was hooked from that moment on and it was one of the biggest turning points of my early life.

It’s funny when you think back on how a certain place and moment can direct your life unbeknownst to you at the time.

Dance was my first love, my first true calling. I gave it my all - my life revolved around it. Thousands of hours at the studio, hundreds of competitions, too many to count, dance trips throughout America… It was a life-time ago yet I can still remember all the chills, nerves, excitement and joy.

Every year we had something to look forward to. Dreams, Goals, Plans. So at the time, you don’t think about your life like that…it’s just your life planned out and you just do it.

I studied everything: Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern / Contemporary and Musical Theatre. I performed them all and loved every second of it. I even spent my summers in Los Angeles studying with the industry’s best choreographers and dancers. Absolute dream come true!

No surprise, musical theatre was the style that resonated and shined through. Most of my competition dances were choreographed to Barbara and Liza… that’s Streisand and Minnelli In case you didn’t know.

As this edition is about Dance, I’ve spent some time reminiscing and I wanted to write this article as I whole-heartedly believe without a ride it has been. I’ve met so many wonderful kind folks and I’m happy to say I built some loving friendships along the way. I truly believe this is the most amazing community in the industry.

Dance early in my life, the goal-driven, determined, focused woman I’ve become might not have started on that path and I’m so incredibly thankful for the direction early on in my life.

You see, those days set me up to understand the importance of organisation, priorities, dedication, hardwork, determination, production, team-work and the thrill of making others smile, enjoy life, and helping others.

Rachael and I have been through so many memorable experiences during this time and every day there’s something new to explore. To say the least, it’s an exciting roller-coaster ride that just keeps on going. If I could write a book. LOL Rachael is a whirlwind of energy that I’ve learnt over the years how to roll with. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her and I’m thankful for the ride.

As I continue to grow my own voiceover career, it’s been so rewarding to train and coach with the incredible teachers that The VoiceOver Network is fortunate enough to bring onboard.

I’ve had several professional careers since including 19 years strong as a TV/Media writer, producer for international networks - PBS, NBC Digital and Discovery Channel - winning national awards and recognition. I travelled most of America for nearly 8 years interviewing physicians, scientists, researchers, and everyday people, listening and telling their stories.

Plus as most of you know, I’ve been with The VoiceOver Network for nearly 8 years now wearing many hats. What

A Producer’s Hat can mean many things to different people. For me, I’ve always had the attitude ‘make it work’, ‘never let them see you sweat’ and ‘keep smiling’. Throughout my life so far that’s exactly what I do. Behind the scenes of a welloiled machine, production, or show will be a producer making things happen. If you don’t notice them, even better.

I dedicate this article to my guardian angels: Mom, Dad and Judy, my dance teacher. Every ‘Shuffle-step’ I take wherever I go lifts my soul.