How Losing Roles in Musical Theater Helps My Business
When we step out of our comfort zone, incredible things can happen… just not always in the way we planned. In this episode, I explore how losing out on a killer musical theater role led to surprising growth both onstage and in the small business world.
Embracing competition and vulnerability
In a thriving, award-winning local theater scene, not every audition (ok, many auditions) ends with the role you want. There’s disappointment in losing roles, especially after pouring your heart into auditions and preparing for parts that feel close to home. Yet these moments offer their own rewards, like resilience and self-reflection.
Breaking out of old roles (literally and figuratively)
Over years of performing, I’ve developed a typecast: the motherly, classic soprano, the “safe” role. That pattern can feel just as limiting in business: showing up as always polished and professional, but maybe never fully authentic. Doing the real work to break out of those patterns — vocally, by exploring new singing styles, and personally, by dropping masks — inspires fresh confidence and creativity.
Real growth requires new risks
Prepping for a bold new role meant retraining my voice and my nervous system. Investing in voice lessons to learn mixing and belting techniques and working with a somatic therapist helped push past blocks and prepare for more visibility and vulnerability. That kind of intentional growth rings true for entrepreneurship, too. You have to do things differently to feel and show up differently.
Prepare for success, even if it doesn’t come
Adopt the mindset and habits of the person you want to be, whether that’s a lead onstage or a thriving business owner. Build practices (like exercise and rest) into your day now instead of waiting for “when I make it.” In auditions and business alike, bring your unique perspective confidently, instead of just trying to please everyone.
No effort Is wasted
Not landing the role was a letdown, but every bit of preparation becomes groundwork for future opportunities. In this case, I get to stretch into a completely different role — playing a “hot villain” — the Stepmother in Into the Woods!
Podcast tip of the week
Every podcast and business should have a purpose, but it can change over time. Whether you’re focusing on building a community of listeners or marketing, intention is what matters most. And sometimes, the most powerful growth comes from confidently saying "no" and making room for what’s next.
In theater and in business ownership, trying, failing, and evolving is not just inevitable, it’s the best way to discover who you really are and what you’re capable of becoming.
Want to talk about how a no can work with a podcast?
Book a free Mic Check Strategy Call to explore how your voice can support your next chapter.