Strategic Persistence in Musical Theatre Careers
In the world of musical theatre, where dreams dance between spotlights and stage doors, talent is only part of the equation. The performers who build careers that last aren't necessarily the most gifted—they're the most strategically persistent. If you feel like you're spinning your wheels between audition seasons or watching others book jobs while you stall, this post is for you.
Let’s talk about the difference between staying in the game and burning out.
The "Gym Membership" Problem: Burnout vs. Consistency
Think about the performers who only ramp up their efforts during audition season. They dust off their book, rush to voice lessons, and hustle for a few months. Then it's silence until next year. I call this the "gym membership" problem: starting strong, then fading out when the motivation dips.
Now think of those who consistently train, submit, and evolve—even in the off-season. They treat their career like a lifestyle, not a short-term sprint. That mindset? That’s strategic persistence.
What Is Strategic Persistence, Really?
Strategic persistence is showing up with purpose. It’s not just about working hard—it’s about working smart and staying adaptable in an ever-changing industry. Here’s what that looks like:
Consistent training (voice, dance, acting)
Routine submissions and networking
Evaluating and updating your materials
Tracking auditions and responses to see what’s working
Learning from setbacks without spiraling
Success isn’t built in a month. It’s built across seasons of showing up.
My Story: From Small-Town Dreams to NYC Reality
After graduating from a small program in Oklahoma, I had a decision to make: stay comfortable or move to New York and start fresh. I chose the uncomfortable path. That leap of faith became the foundation for my entire career—and it was just the beginning of many more course corrections ahead.
Years later, I submitted a dance tape for a dream Broadway tour and realized I hadn’t kept up with my training. The tape wasn’t great. But instead of spiraling, I chose to recommit. I saw the gap, accepted it, and got back to work. That’s strategic persistence in action.
Real Talk: What You Can Do Right Now
Here are five simple ways to implement strategic persistence today:
Train Weekly – Set a recurring schedule for voice, movement, or acting. Keep your skills fresh.
Track Your Work – Use a spreadsheet or tracker to monitor your auditions, callbacks, and outcomes.
Update Your Materials – Refresh your resume, headshots, and reels every few months.
Check Your Mindset – Notice if comparison or bitterness is creeping in. Reframe it.
Set Career Goals – Choose one big goal for the next six months. Break it into weekly actions.
This is how you stay in the game.
Free Resource: Build Income Beyond the Stage
Looking to diversify your income streams while staying connected to your artistry? Download my free guide:
→ 50 Ways I Make Money Off Stage
Whether you're between gigs or building something new, there's a path forward.
Your musical theatre journey doesn’t have to be feast-or-famine. It can be rooted in joy, strategy, and momentum. Strategic persistence is how we build a life in this industry—not just a season.
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers thrive onstage and off. She brings over two decades of experience and a unique perspective from her bi-coastal lifestyle as a working artist. A former college professor, she now splits her time between performing, coaching, and creating digital resources to support other artists. Follow her on Instagram or check out the Musical Theatre Mentor YouTube channel for weekly career advice.
