Should You Follow Your Dream in Musical Theatre?
Wondering if a career in musical theatre is really worth it? You’re not alone. Every performer — whether fresh out of school, returning after years away, or starting later in life — wrestles with that same question. Let’s unpack what it actually means to “follow your dream” in today’s industry and how to make it work on your terms.
Redefining Success in a Post-Broadway-or-Bust World
As someone who’s performed, directed, taught, and coached across the country — from New York City to Southern California — I’ve seen how deeply performers tie their worth to the dream of Broadway.
But here’s the truth: your career doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.
Success isn’t defined by a Broadway contract or an agent. It’s defined by the creative life you build — one that feels aligned, sustainable, and uniquely yours.
💬 If you’ve ever thought, “Will it still be worth it if I never book Broadway?” the answer is yes — if you’re building a career that fulfills you.
Why the “Stability Myth” Needs to Go
Let’s talk about money .. the question everyone avoids. “Is musical theatre even stable?”
Here’s the reality: no job is truly stable anymore. The 9–5 world has changed just as much as the arts world. The difference is that as a creative, you can build multiple income streams that keep you in the driver’s seat.
This is where strategy meets artistry. You can perform, teach, coach, create digital products, work behind the scenes, or even start your own creative business.
💡 Want inspiration? Check out my free guide:
👉 50 Creative Ways to Make Money Between Shows
This guide is filled with ideas that real performers (myself included) have used to pay the bills and build freedom.
Build a Life That Feeds Your Art
It’s not about giving up your dream — it’s about designing your life around it.
Your journey might include teaching, creating content, directing, or developing a coaching business alongside performing. These roles don’t mean you’ve “settled.” They mean you’ve evolved.
Performers who stay fulfilled long-term are the ones who keep their art alive while building a lifestyle that supports their well-being.
🎥 You might love my YouTube video on this topic:
5 Things Every Musical Theater Grad Needs to Know
It covers what matters most right now when building a performing career in a modern, online-driven industry.
Stop Waiting Until You’re “Ready”
Perfectionism keeps more performers stuck than anything else.
You don’t need to wait until you’re ready to start — you get ready by starting.
Start auditioning. Start filming self-tapes. Start reaching out to collaborators. Each experience teaches you more than another year of waiting ever could.
If fear or confusion about your next steps is keeping you frozen, I’d love to help.
📅 Book a 1:1 Coaching Session — let’s create a clear plan for your next chapter in this industry.
The Financial and Emotional Truth
You can absolutely make money as a performer — but you have to treat it like a business.
This doesn’t mean selling out your passion. It means building a structure that supports it.
That’s the foundation of the Million Dollar Artist Mindset: thinking like a CEO, not just a creative.
Whether you’re performing full-time, balancing side gigs, or stepping into online entrepreneurship, your art can coexist with abundance.
Your Dream, Your Timeline
Maybe you’re 18 and just starting out.
Maybe you’re 40 and rediscovering your voice after years away.
Maybe you’re 60 and finally ready to live for you.
There’s no expiration date on creativity.
Musical theatre is not just an industry — it’s a lifelong relationship with storytelling. Your path may change, but your artistry never expires.
💌 Keep your motivation strong with my free resource:
The 5-Minute Daily Performer Reset Ritual — a simple routine to stay grounded, inspired, and confident between auditions.
Final Thoughts
Following your dream in musical theatre isn’t about chasing a single destination — it’s about building a creative life you’re proud of.
You don’t need validation from Broadway to matter. You just need clarity, consistency, and courage.
Your dream still counts. It always will.
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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.
Want to keep this conversation going? Every Tuesday, I send my best strategies straight to your inbox — no fluff, just the tools and real talk you need to grow your creative career with clarity, confidence, and joy.
