10 Must-Read Books by Women in the Performing Arts
The Real Stories You Don’t Hear in School
Ever wonder what it’s really like to build a life in the performing arts?
Not the polished, social-media-perfect version—but the truth. The mess. The triumphs. The quiet resilience it takes to keep going in this business.
In this post, I’m sharing 10 books written by or about women in the performing arts—books I wish I could’ve assigned when I was a college professor, and ones I now recommend as a career coach and mentor. These stories offer raw, unfiltered insights into the lives of women artists across stage, screen, music, and beyond.
If you’re looking for real inspiration to fuel your next chapter, this list is for you.
📚 Why These Books Matter
These aren’t the usual textbooks on musical theatre history or the business of acting. These are human stories—memoirs and reflections that shed light on:
What it actually takes to build a sustainable career in this industry
The emotional cost and personal growth behind the public-facing success
The way identity, artistry, and resilience collide for women artists
Whether you're just starting out or reimagining your career path, these books will challenge and support you like a mentor in paperback form.
💡 10 Books Every Performer Should Read
Want a one-stop place to browse all the memoirs mentioned in this post? I’ve curated a special list just for you.
👉 View the full Amazon Book List for Performers (affiliate)
1. Shy: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers
Mary Rodgers—Broadway royalty and daughter of Richard Rodgers—shares behind-the-scenes stories from Golden Age musical theatre through a woman’s eyes. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the real legacy of Broadway.
2. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
A raw and heartbreaking account of fame, survival, and the cost of being seen. This memoir reminds us that behind every stage-ready smile is a complex, human story.
3. My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand
Equal parts history lesson and personal memoir, Barbra’s story is a masterclass in staying true to your voice—even when it means breaking every industry rule.
4. Talking to My Angels by Melissa Etheridge
A deeply personal book that explores the intersection of creativity, identity, and loss. Melissa's words remind us that the art only matters if it honors who we truly are.
5. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
One of the most talked-about memoirs in recent years, this book is a courageous account of trauma, healing, and reclaiming personal agency in an unforgiving industry.
6. Out of the Corner by Jennifer Grey
Best known for Dirty Dancing, Jennifer offers a vulnerable look at what happens after fame fades—and how to keep showing up when the spotlight dims.
7. Finding Me by Viola Davis
This memoir changed the way I see performance. Viola’s story is one of grit, survival, and claiming space in an industry that wasn’t built for her success.
8. Hooked: How Crafting Saved My Life by Sutton Foster
Yes, Millie changed her career—but Sutton’s story is about the quieter moments: the heartbreak, the stitching, the healing. Artists will see themselves in these pages.
9. Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile
This is a book about voice—not just vocal technique, but finding your place and your power in a world that tries to define you. Brandi’s honesty is unforgettable.
10. Sounds Like Me by Sara Bareilles
Part memoir, part music journal, this book follows Sara’s evolution from actor hopeful to powerhouse songwriter—and how she found success by telling her truth.
Want a one-stop place to browse all the memoirs mentioned in this post? I’ve curated a special list just for you.
👉 View the full Amazon Book List for Performers (affiliate)
These are the books that shaped my career—not just as an actress and educator, but as a human being navigating the ups and downs of this industry. Each title on this list has offered insight, courage, and clarity at exactly the right time. I hope they do the same for you.
Note: This list contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase—at no additional cost to you. I only recommend what I truly love.
🧭 Want to Go Deeper? Let’s Talk Strategy and Soul
If this list stirred something in you—if you’re craving mentorship, clarity, or a sense of direction as you build your career—I offer 1:1 coaching designed specifically for artists like you.
Whether you're pivoting from stage to screen, launching a creative business, or rebuilding your confidence, I bring both strategy and soul to the table.
👉 Book a coaching session with me
✨ Free Resource for Your Audition Prep
Before you go—download my free Audition Book Blueprint. It’s a simple, soulful guide to help you organize your audition materials and feel prepared walking into any room.
🎭 Get the Audition Book Blueprint here
Final Thoughts
These books aren’t just stories—they're survival guides. They’re proof that you're not alone, that your journey matters, and that your voice deserves to be heard.
Tell me in the comments: Which book are you picking up first?
And if you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear what resonated most with you.
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.
