5 Reasons Why Perseverance in Theatre Pays Off

Written by Ashleigh Gardner

April 4, 2017

It’s common for performers to become discouraged when we don’t get the role we want or when we can’t pick up that dance combination.

Getting frustrated is part of life, but don’t let it control your success in the industry you love! Chin up, take a deep breath, and march onward so you can reap the rewards of perseverance.

1. You’ll begin to understand yourself more.

I’m not talking about understanding yourself in the emotional sense. I’m talking about knowing what kind of skills and assets you have. Are you finding that you aren’t getting ingenue roles? Maybe it’s because you’re a fantastic character actor! Are you not getting cast in contemporary pop musicals? Maybe it’s because you’re better at singing classical musical theatre or operatic pieces! You may be the next great character actor who specializes in dancing the tango while spouting Gilbert and Sullivan tunes.

2. You’ll learn valuable skills.

Frustrated that you can’t seem to tackle tap dancing? Keep going! Pushing through dance, movement, dialect, acting, or voice lessons will give you a better appreciation for that skill while also strengthening your ability. Personal anecdote: I hated learning Fosse choreography in high school — now it’s my favorite dance style to perform: smooth, sophisticated, and classy.

3. You’ll be seen by multiple directors multiple times.

If you keep auditioning (which you should), you’ll most likely be auditioning for the same directors and casting directors, which means you’ll be in their memory. If you audition for your city’s productions of Romeo & Juliet, Cabaret, The Cherry Orchard, and The Importance of Being Earnest, and you see the same director at three of those four auditions, you can be sure they’ll remember you, especially if you make a positive impression in the audition room. They may remember you when they need a role filled in another production.

4. You’ll show directors, choreographers, and other performers that you’re dedicated to your art.

When you show up, people notice, whether it’s literally showing up to audition after audition or “showing up” in terms of continuing to work hard to be a better performer. Choreographers will notice when you rehearse your steps in the wings, fellow performers will recognize when you have your lines memorized, and directors will notice when you keep showing up to auditions — you’ve shown you want more, and you’re not going to let a small let-down get in the way of your dream.

5. You’ll get cast.

One day, you’ll have an audition that will land you a role. Will it be the one you were dreaming about? Maybe, and maybe not. Will it be another role you can place on your resume? Yes. Will it be a role you can be passionate about? Absolutely. If you keep putting yourself out there, you’re bound to be noticed, and, eventually, all your hard work will pay off. Don’t give up.



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Ashleigh Gardner received her AA in Theatre/Drama/Dramatic Arts from Valencia College and her Bachelors Degree in English Literature and Masters Degree in Literary, Cultural, and Textual Studies from the University of Central Florida. She is a playwright, an actor, and PerformerStuff.com’s Editor.