How to Use YouTube for Musical Theatre Auditions
Rethinking Your Online Audition Strategy
If you’re submitting musical theatre auditions online, YouTube can quietly become your most powerful tool. While everyone’s racing to post Reels on Instagram and clips on TikTok, YouTube is where casting teams, directors, and choreographers can actually see your full skill set — clearly, professionally, and on demand.
I’ve used YouTube for years to store and send audition material, and it’s been one of the simplest ways to get in front of people, stay organized, and show range. So let’s walk through how to set it up the smart way.
1. Use Playlists as Your Digital Portfolio
Think of YouTube as your online audition binder. Instead of sending one random link, create playlists that make sense for how you’ll use them.
A Pop-Rock Vocals playlist for auditions that call for contemporary work.
A Dance Reel playlist that highlights your movement.
A Professional Clips playlist for full-length performance footage.
A Special Skills playlist for acrobatics, tumbling or your unique skills
A Musician playlist if you play instruments.
An Unplugged playlist if you create videos of you that a more like recording in the studio or at a campfire.
A Singer/Songwriter playlist if you write your own music.
There are so many options here depending on what you do and how you want to be seen. I have clients get so creative with this not just for auditions but for self worth, empowerment and joy in sharing their artistry with the world.
When you send a link, share the playlist link, not just one video. That way, casting directors can easily click and explore more of your work without you needing to attach multiple links or files.
👉 Pro tip: Set these videos as Unlisted never private so only people with the link can view them if you don’t want them public. It keeps your channel polished while giving you full control of what casting teams see.
2. Optimize Every Upload
Don’t treat YouTube like a storage dump. Each upload should act as a digital business card. Before you hit publish:
Title: Include your name and what the video is. (Example: “Ashlee Espinosa – Musical Theatre Pop-Rock Audition Cut” you could also use the title of the song, monologue or scene or title of show.)
Description: Add short context, plus your website link and contact info. Email only never phone number.
Tags: Include keywords like musical theatre audition, Broadway self-tape, actor reel, pop-rock audition cut, etc.
These small SEO details make a huge difference in discoverability both on YouTube and Google.
3. Design Your Channel Like Your Website
Your YouTube channel is an extension of your personal brand. Take 15 minutes to clean it up and make it feel cohesive:
Use your full name as your channel handle.
Add a banner image that matches your brand colors and fonts.
Include your website, Instagram, and booking link in your About section.
Create playlists labeled clearly for casting: Vocal Cuts, Dance Footage, Acting Scenes, Reels.
If you treat your channel as a professional landing page, you’ll stand out immediately even before someone presses play.
4. Keep It Simple, But Strategic
Don’t overthink it. You don’t need a perfect setup or professional videographer for this to work. Start with a clean backdrop, clear lighting, and great sound. (If you need gear recommendations, check out my Amazon storefront for performer-approved recording equipment.)
And remember: YouTube isn’t about being viral. It’s about being visible to the right people — casting directors, collaborators, and future employers.
Need a little help setting it all up?
If you’re not sure how to organize your channel, optimize your SEO, or link it all together, that’s exactly what we can cover in a coaching session.
Book a strategy session here →
Or grab my free download, The 5-Minute Daily Performer Reset Ritual, to start building your online presence with clarity and focus.
Affiliate Note
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. It helps support my blog and allows me to keep sharing free resources for performers.
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers and artist-entrepreneurs build bold, burnout-free creative careers onstage and off. With two decades of experience and a unique bi-coastal perspective, Ashlee blends mindset, marketing, and business strategy to help multi-hyphenate artists grow their visibility and income without sacrificing their well-being. Through 1:1 coaching, free weekly resources, and digital tools, she helps creatives design careers that feel as good as they look — and pay them well too.
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