Healing from Trauma in Musical Theatre: How to Reclaim Your Power and Rebuild Confidence
Navigating trauma from your musical theatre training is more common than you think—and healing is possible. If you’ve ever questioned your place in this industry or felt held back by painful experiences, this post is for you.
While I’m not a licensed therapist, I’ve spent two decades in the musical theatre industry as a performer and nearly 10 years as a professor and coach. Here’s what I’ve learned—and what I teach—to help you take your power back.
🔍 Step 1: Identify Your Artistic Trauma
The first step is awareness. Ask yourself:
Do I avoid certain auditions, songs, or directors because of past experiences?
Are there roles I fear because someone once told me I “wasn’t right” for them?
Do I carry shame or doubt from feedback that was harsh, inappropriate, or outdated?
Your trauma might show up in how you submit (or don’t), how you show up in rehearsal rooms, or how much self-trust you have as an artist. Recognizing these patterns gives you power.
🧠 Step 2: Understand Where It Came From
Trauma in musical theatre training can come from many sources:
A well-meaning teacher who overstepped
Peers who made offhand comments
Roles or casting decisions that reinforced limiting beliefs about your body, voice, or identity
🎭 You may have been typecast in a way that didn’t align with who you are—or you may have internalized standards that were never meant for your growth.
Understanding this doesn’t mean blaming. It means reclaiming your narrative and separating fact from fiction. You get to decide who you are now.
🗺️ Step 3: Do the Discovery Work
Ask yourself:
What stories do I want to tell?
What kinds of roles light me up?
What version of myself feels the most aligned?
Reconnect with why you started in this industry. Whether it was the thrill of performing, the healing power of storytelling, or the joy of collaboration—go back to that. It still matters.
Download my (free) Audition Book Blueprint if you need help updating your book to align with your current casting goals.
📝 Journaling, vocal coaching, audition book audits, and artist vision boards can help reignite your spark.
💪 Step 4: Take Back Your Power
Once you name your triggers and realign with your truth, you can begin to:
Say no to projects that don’t serve you
Set healthy boundaries in auditions and rehearsal rooms
Reframe feedback as data—not identity
🎤 Remember: Most feedback says more about them than it does about you. You are not for everyone—and that’s a good thing.
Every audition, self-tape, and coaching session is an opportunity to show up as you—not the version someone else tried to mold.
These 10 books by women in theatre changed my perspective and inspired me with their stories.
🎉 Step 5: Celebrate Every Win
Small wins build confidence. And confidence is the antidote to fear.
Landed a callback? Celebrate it.
Finally updated your resume or website? That counts.
Set a boundary that protected your peace? Huge.
📣 Share your wins in safe spaces—mentorship groups, coaching communities, or trusted peers. Don’t wait for permission to feel proud.
✨ Final Thoughts
Healing from musical theatre training trauma isn’t about ignoring the past. It’s about integrating your experience, reclaiming your voice, and redefining success on your terms.
You deserve to be seen, heard, and respected—not just as a performer, but as a human being. And yes, you can build a sustainable, joyful career rooted in authenticity.
🎭 You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. You’re becoming.
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.
