Can You Still Book Theatre Roles With Tattoos or Bold Hair?
Are visible tattoos, piercings, or bold hair choices going to hurt your chances of booking a musical theatre job? Or are we living in a new era where authenticity matters more than conformity? In this post, we’ll unpack the outdated rules, shifting norms, and what it really means to build a sustainable career—while showing up fully as yourself.
Why Performers Were Told to Play It Safe
For decades, musical theatre training pushed the idea that actors should keep their appearance “neutral” to fit as many ensemble roles as possible. The logic: the more generic you look, the more flexible you are.
But here’s the problem: that mindset doesn’t support long-term, sustainable careers—or authentic humans.
You Are a Human First, Performer Second
Every morning, you wake up as a person, not a product. And the longer you work in this industry, the more important it becomes to build a life and identity that reflect your authentic self.
Want to dye your hair blue?
Thinking of getting a tattoo?
Ready to finally chop your hair short?
The question is not “Will I get cast?”
The question is: Will this change reflect who I really am?
Can You Still Get Cast with Visible Differences?
Absolutely. Let’s break down what’s actually true in most professional auditions today:
Tattoos? Most can be covered with makeup, costuming, or left visible when it fits the story.
Piercings? You can remove them temporarily, or work with the team if they’re relevant.
Hair? If you make a major change, get updated headshots so casting sees the real you.
🎯 Confidence is more important than conformity. When you show up aligned with who you are, it reads as truth in the room.
Real Talk: I've Been There
From long, blonde, princessy hair to a short pixie cut—I made a dramatic change in my own appearance because how I looked didn’t match the roles I wanted or the person I was becoming.
The shift didn’t just help my career. It changed my confidence as a human, and that confidence followed me into the room.
Headshots Matter—So Plan Ahead
If you’re making a change to your hair, piercings, or style:
Update your headshots as soon as possible
Be transparent in the audition room
Let your materials match your look—it sets realistic expectations
Remember: casting directors want the truth. They can work with truth. What’s hard to work with is a façade.
Your Career Will Last Longer When You're Fully You
If you’re waiting to express yourself because of fear—pause and ask:
Will this change make me feel more at home in my body?
Will it boost my confidence, not for others, but for me?
You’re not just an artist. You’re a human being. And sustainable careers are built by artists who know who they are and own it.
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.
