Why Pursuing a Musical Theatre Career Feels So Hard
What No One Tells You About the Emotional Cost of This Career
If you’ve ever sat alone after another audition with no callback, stared at yet another self-tape deadline with zero motivation, or wondered quietly if you should keep going in this career then this post is for you.
As someone who’s spent over 20 years in this industry as a performer, professor, and coach, I want to pull back the curtain and talk about what most people don’t: the emotional toll of pursuing a dream in musical theatre.
You can watch the full video version of this post here:
The Heartbreaking Truth About Chasing a Musical Theatre Dream
💔 Why This Career Hurts So Much (and Why We Keep Going)
Let’s be honest. Musical theatre is demanding in ways most people don’t see:
Endless auditions and rejections
Virtual submissions that often go unanswered
Balancing side jobs, life logistics, and constant emotional vulnerability
Hearing “no” over and over without knowing why
And through it all? We’re expected to keep smiling, keep pushing, keep showing up with 110%—even when we’re barely hanging on.
🧠 We’re Taught to Be Resilient—But Not How to Heal
In training programs, we learn how to sing, dance, act, and show up.
But we're rarely taught how to emotionally recover.
Every audition is a judgment. Every self-tape is a performance with no audience. Every callback—or lack of one—can feel like a personal failure. And in between those moments, we're still supposed to keep creating, submitting, and thriving.
But what happens when you hit a wall?
🔄 Rejection Isn’t the End—It’s Information
Here’s one of the most powerful mindset shifts I’ve made:
Rejection is data—not a definition.
If you didn’t book it, it doesn’t mean you’re not talented.
It could mean:
The casting shifted.
They hired someone they’ve worked with before.
You’re actually closer than you think.
Your materials might need a 1% adjustment.
🎯 Instead of spiraling, ask:
What’s one thing I can improve for next time?
Is there something in this process that can serve me even if I didn’t book it?
🧘♀️ How I Protect My Energy as a Performer
Being a musical theatre performer isn’t just about talent.
It’s about emotional management.
Here’s what I’ve learned helps when things get hard:
Journaling or reflecting on why I chose this path
Taking breaks—guilt-free—to rest and recharge
Talking to friends or mentors who get it
Moving my body (even a walk helps)
Focusing on one small action: update a reel, submit to one project, learn one new song
👏 You Are Not Too Old. It’s Not Too Late.
I’ve coached performers in their 20s, 30s, 40s—even their 60s—who decided they were ready to give this dream a real shot. And you know what?
There is no age limit on passion.
Your journey doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s timeline. If you still feel pulled toward the stage, trust that.
💡 When You Want to Quit, Ask Yourself:
What part of this dream still lights me up?
What do I want people to say about my work when I’m gone?
Am I tired or am I doubting myself?
Sometimes, yes, it is time to pause, pivot, or shift. But make that decision for you, not because of fear, rejection, or someone else’s timeline.
🎯 Your Dream Is Worth Fighting For—But You Don’t Have to Fight Alone
This career is full of highs and heartbreak. But if the stage still calls you, if performing still feels like home, don’t walk away without giving it your full, authentic shot.
I created my entire YouTube channel and this blog to help performers like you build sustainable, emotionally grounded, and fulfilling careers in the arts.
🔗 Ready to Keep Going? Start Here:
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.
