How to Start a Musical Theatre Career in 2024
How to Launch Your Musical Theater Career in the New Era? Alright, buckle up because we're about to dive deep into the world of starting a musical theater career in the current landscape. It's a whole new ball game, and if you're not in the know, you're missing out on some crucial insights. I'm here to give you the lowdown on how to navigate this industry in the now, post-2020 era.
Ashlee Espinosa in Shrek the musical as Princess Fiona
Let's talk about the reality of starting a musical theater career today. The industry has undergone significant shifts, and if you're not actively part of it, you might not grasp the full picture. So, grab your virtual coffee cup, because we're having a career coaching session right here, right now.
The Absolute Starting Point
First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: training. Now, many will tell you to start with training, and while that's not entirely wrong, it's not the absolute starting point. Why? Because the idea of training is highly subjective. You might have gone to college for it, trained in high school, or perhaps you're just beginning to ponder your musical theater journey.
I'm not here to tell you to rush off to a dance or singing class immediately. Instead, let's focus on understanding your own skills, strengths, and where you currently stand in terms of performance abilities. The era of the "triple threat" performer is evolving. Yes, singing, dancing, and acting are vital, but there's so much more to it now.
The modern musical theater landscape offers a myriad of roles and styles. It's not just about belting out notes while executing perfect pirouettes (although those roles do exist!). There are nuanced, acting-driven roles that require a different set of skills. So, before you dive headfirst into classes, take a moment to assess where you stand and what areas you need to hone.
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Now, let's move on to envisioning your future in the industry. Gone are the days of fitting neatly into archetypal character types. We're in an era of diverse storytelling, where roles are more fluid and multifaceted. So, instead of pigeonholing yourself, think about the kind of stories you want to tell and the roles you see yourself in.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a blank document) and start jotting down the musicals and roles that excite you. Don't worry about judgment or whether you "fit" a certain type. This is about discovering what truly lights a fire in your performance soul. Are you drawn to the high-energy, spectacle-driven shows like "Moulin Rouge"? Or perhaps you find yourself captivated by the raw, emotional narratives of more intimate productions.
As you compile your list, look for patterns. Are there recurring themes, styles, or creative teams that stand out to you? This exercise is not just about identifying what you love but also what you might want to explore further. Conversely, take note of the shows that don't quite resonate with you. It's just as important to know what doesn't spark your interest as it is to know what does.
Remember, this is your journey, and it can evolve over time. What excites you now might change as you grow and develop as a performer. The key is to start with a clear vision of what speaks to you right now.
So, where does this leave you in your quest to kickstart your musical theater career? Well, armed with a deeper understanding of your skills and a clear vision of the stories you want to tell, you're ready to take the next steps. Whether it's seeking out specific training, auditioning for certain roles, or connecting with like-minded artists, you're now equipped with a roadmap tailored to your unique path.
Navigating Auditions and Online Presence
So, you've brainstormed your list of shows, identified common threads, and envisioned the types of roles you want to pursue. You're ready to take the next step: auditions. Auditioning is the bridge that takes you from contemplation to action, from considering roles to actively pursuing them. In today's world, post-2020, auditioning has evolved significantly, presenting new challenges and opportunities. Let's delve into what this means for aspiring musical theater performers.
Auditions: The Heart of Your Career
Auditioning is the heartbeat of your career, comprising the majority of your journey in the industry. It's essential to shift your mindset from viewing auditions as rejections to seeing them as opportunities. In the current landscape, auditioning is vastly different from what it was before. Here's why:
Shift to Online Auditions
With the industry moving online, the traditional audition process has transformed. While headshots, resumes, and audition attire are still necessary, the focus has shifted to creating a robust online presence.
The Importance of Self-Tapes and Clips
Forget the days of carrying an audition book to every casting call. Today, you need digital content—self-tapes, performance clips, and reels. These are your tools for showcasing your talent to casting directors and producers.
Submit, Submit, Submit
Unlike the past, where open calls were the norm, today's auditions are predominantly online. You'll find yourself submitting for auditions far more frequently, often through casting platforms like Actors Access and Backstage.
Building Your Audition Arsenal
To kickstart your career, here's what you'll need in your audition toolkit:
Headshots
Aim for a professional yet authentic look. Your headshot should represent how you appear when you walk into the room.
Resumes
Keep it concise and tailored to the roles you're pursuing.
Digital Reels and Clips
Musical Theater Reel: A compilation of your best performances, showcasing your vocal and acting range.
Performance Clips: Short, focused clips highlighting specific songs or scenes
Dance Reel (for dancers): If dance is your forte, a reel showcasing your choreography skills is crucial.
While digital materials dominate, having a traditional audition book is still valuable.
Include a variety of songs that align with the shows, roles and stories you're targeting.
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Navigating Casting Profiles
Actors Access
The go-to platform for theater auditions, especially for union and non-union performers.
Build a detailed profile with your headshots, reels, and resume for maximum visibility.
Backstage
Particularly useful for non-union actors, Backstage offers a range of audition opportunities.
Create a profile showcasing your skills and experience.
Online Casting Platforms
Explore Playbill and Equity websites for audition listings and industry updates.
Stay informed about upcoming shows and casting calls.
Submitting with Confidence
Click Submit:
Embrace the act of submitting for auditions online.
Understand that it's a numbers game, and each submission is an opportunity.
Avoid Perfectionism:
Don't obsess over creating a new tape for every submission.
Use existing materials that align closely with the roles you're pursuing.
Managing Expectations:
Rejections are part of the process.
Focus on the opportunity to showcase your talent, regardless of the outcome.
Building Your Online Presence
Website:
Establish a professional website to showcase your portfolio, resume, and contact information.
It doesn't need to be elaborate; simplicity and functionality are key.
Social Media:
Maintain a social media presence that reflects your brand as a performer.
Share updates, performances, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your journey.
Visibility over Views:
Don't get caught up in the numbers game of views and likes.
Focus on creating authentic content that represents you positively.
Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster
Loneliness of Online Auditions:
Understand that submitting online can feel isolating.
Trust the process and know that your submissions are reaching casting teams.
Managing Rejection:
Rejections are not personal; they're part of the industry.
Use each experience as a learning opportunity to refine your craft.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Acknowledge every callback, offer, or positive response as a step forward.
Celebrate your progress and growth along the way.
Embracing Your Unique Path
Defying Expectations:
Your career doesn't have to fit a predetermined mold.
Embrace the freedom to carve out your unique journey in the industry.
Taking Risks:
Be open to opportunities that may not align with traditional paths.
Explore new genres, styles, and roles to expand your horizons.
Finding Fulfillment:
Ultimately, prioritize joy and fulfillment in your career.
Stay true to yourself and the stories you want to tell as a performer.
Conclusion: Your Journey Begins Now
In the ever-evolving landscape of musical theater, the path to success is multifaceted. Navigating auditions, building your online presence, and managing the emotional ups and downs require resilience and determination. Remember, each submission, each performance, and each step forward is a part of your journey.
As you embark on this exciting chapter, keep in mind the shifts in the industry post-2020. Embrace the digital age of auditions, leverage online platforms to showcase your talent, and stay true to your artistic vision. Your career in musical theater is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself, celebrate small victories, and keep the passion for your craft alive.
With the right tools, mindset, and perseverance, you can cultivate a career and life in musical theatre based upon your definition of successs.
Ashlee Espinosa is an accomplished theatre professional with a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. With her expertise as an experienced actress, passionate educator, and dedicated career advisor, she helps artists build fulfilling lives and careers based on their definition of success.
