How To Survive A Bad Day As A Musical Theatre Performer
Navigating Low Days as a Musical Theater Performer: A Candid Coffee Chat
I usually share the polished, well-produced content, but today, I felt compelled to hit record and talk about something real. So here I am, no makeup, no fancy outfit – just me, sitting down with a cup of coffee, ready to share a bit about navigating a low day in the life of a musical theater performer, educator, and director.
I know we often see the highlight reels in our industry – the big wins, the successes – but today was one of those low, bad days for me. No auditions, no callbacks, just a gap of unmotivation and overwhelm. So, I thought, let's talk about it. How do I navigate and work through a day like today? How do I keep myself grounded?
The first half of my day was spent on the couch, scrolling through social media, feeling the weight of expectations and comparisons. It's something we all do – worrying about how others perceive us in auditions, callbacks, or even on social media.
But, there's a pivotal moment in these low days, a tipping point. For me, it was noon today. I asked myself, "Is staying on this couch all day going to benefit me? Is it what I need?" The answer was no. It was making me feel worse. So, I decided something had to change.
I fell back into my routine – a crucial aspect of navigating these days. Find a routine that works for you, even on days with no auditions or scheduled events. My routine involves reading, having coffee, stepping outside, showering, and doing simple things like brushing my teeth and flossing. It might sound trivial, but it provides comfort and sets a positive tone for the day.
Then comes the pivotal question: What's one thing I can focus on today? I always go back to the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year – three personal and three professional goals. On low days, I pick one thing from that list that I can work on. It's a habit I've cultivated, and it helps me move forward.
As a musical theater performer, you have to cultivate your routine and habits because, unlike college or a show, there's no built-in accountability. I'm an entrepreneur, and I've had to create my own schedule throughout my career.
So, after my routine, I grab my coffee, sit down, and pick one thing to focus on. Today, it's updating my website. I've been putting it off, nervous about sharing more about my program and the shifts in my life after 2020. But it's time to unpack those fears and put myself out there.
I encourage you to let go of the idea that there's only one path to success in musical theater. Find what makes you feel like a part of something, what makes today matter for you. It could be a small step, like finally working on a song, updating your website, or posting a performance clip on social media.
Remember, it's okay to have low days, but how you navigate them will determine your longevity in this industry. Find your routine, pick one thing to focus on, and move forward – not for anyone else, but for yourself. Cheers to you, and have a wonderful day.
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.
