We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tianna Cohen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tianna , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

In 2020, my partner Frankie Zabilka and I, like many others, were yearning for a creative outlet. We collaborated with an Outdoor Adventure Park in Lemont, IL (a suburb approximately 30 minutes from Chicago) to establish an outdoor concert series that prioritized the safety of both performers and audience members.

Our first venture was a compact 60-minute show titled “The Forge Sings Disney,” where friends from Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago united to present a free event for families. This allowed us, as singers, to return to the stage and provided a delightful and secure experience for children.

The Forge Sings Concert Series has since evolved into an annual event that Frankie and I consistently produce, host, and perform in. We’ve explored themes such as Disney, Country, and the 80s, and we eagerly anticipate our return in Summer 2024!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Certainly! Hailing from Ventura, CA, I am a California native. My journey into the entertainment industry has been fueled by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. It all began when I expressed my dream of being on the Disney Channel to my mom, who wholeheartedly supported me by signing me up for community theatre.

I pursued my passion further by studying theatre and earning my Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from California State University, Northridge. During my college years, I embraced various leadership roles outside of my major, setting the foundation for my success as a producer and overall creative.

Currently, I proudly serve as the Associate Producer of Broadway @ The, a monthly musical series showcasing top artists from the Broadway, Film/TV, and music communities. This platform fosters celebration, connection, and inclusion for audiences, performers, and theatre organizations in Los Angeles. Additionally, starting in 2024, I will be hitting the road as a Swing Live Event Host with Monster Jam.

In terms of products and services, my expertise lies in producing captivating content, hosting engaging events, and delivering memorable performances. Whether acting in compelling roles, producing innovative projects, or hosting dynamic events, my goal is to provide high-quality entertainment that resonates with audiences.

What sets me apart is my versatility, seamlessly transitioning between acting, producing, and hosting, offering a unique and comprehensive perspective. I take pride in being adaptable and creative, consistently exceeding expectations.

I am most proud of co-establishing and curating ‘The Forge Sings Concert Series,’ an annual event that not only showcases my creative abilities but also brings joy to families through themed performances. Working alongside my partner, Frankie Zabilka makes this initiative even more rewarding.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that I am dedicated to excellence in every project I undertake. Whether you’re seeking a compelling performance, a well-executed production, or an engaging event, my commitment to professionalism and creativity remains unwavering.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In 2020, we attended a musical called ‘Found,’ which revolved around the theme, “I want to do something I love, with the people I love.” This concept has since become the driving force behind not only my career but also my life. In 2020, I shifted my mindset to focus on doing something I love, with the people I love, considering it a fulfilling aspect of my life. This philosophy has also guided my decisions regarding the projects I choose to undertake.

Broadway @ The serves as a tangible manifestation of this motto. Working alongside mentors, friends, and loved ones, we create a safe space for the LA theatre community that perfectly embodies the idea of “doing something I love with the people I love.”

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn is the notion that certain achievements must be met at specific times in life. Particularly as a creative, I used to feel the pressure of comparing my journey to those of my friends and others in the arts. The belief that our lives should follow a linear path often leads to unnecessary stress. The significant backdrop to this unlearning process was the transformative year of 2020.

The events of 2020 served as a stark reminder that life doesn’t always adhere to a linear trajectory. The pandemic disrupted plans and shattered the illusion of a predetermined timeline for success. It forced me to confront the reality that sometimes things click into place, and other times they don’t.

I realized that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for a creative career. Each journey is unique, and success doesn’t adhere to a strict schedule. Instead, it’s about recognizing and seizing the opportunities that present themselves. This unlearning process has allowed me to approach my creative endeavors with a more flexible and patient mindset, understanding that the doors to success may open at unexpected times, and it’s crucial to be ready to walk through them when they do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tiannalcohen.wixsite.com/website/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiannalouisecohen/
• Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tiannalouisecohen

Image Credits
Purple backdrop photo, Black dress photo with name in the background, Photo with B@T step and repeat – Peter Carrier Photography Red dress photo – Abel Armas Photography Holiday Show photos (White Dress), black and white photo, full stage shot, in the audience shot – Ian Zandi Photography The Forge sings Disney, Green outfit – Rachel Leigh Lenses, LLC. Monster Jam shots were on my phone!