Turn Your Musical Theatre Dream Into Reality
Pursuing a career in musical theatre is equal parts thrilling and challenging. The industry is full of rejection, uncertainty, and outside voices telling you what is or isn’t realistic. But here’s the truth: turning your dream into reality starts with one essential factor — your mindset.
In this post, I’ll share three key mindset shifts that can help you move from “someday” to “right now” in your performer journey.
Why Mindset Matters More Than Anything Else
Yes, auditions, self-tapes, casting profiles, and networking all matter. But without the right mindset, none of those tools will carry you forward at a sustainable pace. What you say to yourself daily has the power to either hold you back or move you closer to your dream.
1. Reframe Rejection
In college programs and audition seasons, “rejection” is a word we hear constantly. But rejection isn’t the truth — you simply didn’t get that particular offer.
Every “no” still means your work was seen, your name was remembered, and another opportunity may circle back years later. By reframing rejection, you keep the door open instead of closing it on yourself.
2. See Every Audition as an Opportunity
Every audition, self-tape, or callback is an opportunity — not just a test. It’s a chance to perform, to connect, to take a free class, or to build a relationship that might circle back in the future.
Viewing auditions as opportunities keeps your momentum alive and your energy focused on growth instead of scarcity.
3. Claim Your Independence
You cannot live your artistic life based on what others think is realistic. Parents, partners, or friends may not understand your passion and that’s okay.
Independence means creating a life aligned with your own goals, not theirs. A performing career may look different than you imagined when you were 18, and that’s part of the journey. Your dream can evolve as you do, and that doesn’t make it any less valid.
The Truth About “Realistic” Careers
Musical theatre is unpredictable, but so is every other career path. The difference is, this is the one you’ve chosen.
If the dream is in you, it’s worth exploring. Even if your path shifts — from performing to teaching, to coaching, to creative entrepreneurship — your time invested is never wasted. It all builds into the unique career and life you’re meant to create.
Final Thoughts
Your dream of being a musical theatre performer doesn’t have to stay a dream. By shifting your mindset around rejection, opportunities, and independence, you give yourself permission to step into the reality you’ve been chasing.
The truth is, no one else gets to define what’s possible for you. That’s yours alone to claim.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
✨ Free Download: Grab my 5-Minute Daily Performer Reset Ritual — a simple practice to help you build confidence and refocus on your goals every day. [Download it here].
🎭 Work With Me: I work 1:1 with performers, educators, and creatives to build bold, burnout-free careers in musical theatre and beyond. If you’re ready to turn your dream into a plan, [book a Power Hour session here].
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers and artist-entrepreneurs build bold, burnout-free creative careers onstage and off. With two decades of experience and a unique bi-coastal perspective, Ashlee blends mindset, marketing, and business strategy to help multi-hyphenate artists grow their visibility and income without sacrificing their well-being. Through 1:1 coaching, free weekly resources, and digital tools, she helps creatives design careers that feel as good as they look — and pay them well too.
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