WELLBEING — Redefining Success in the Performing Arts

Redefining Success in the Performing Arts

In the performing arts industry, success is often portrayed as landing the lead role, booking a big job, getting representation, or going viral. And while these are incredible milestones, they’re not the only ways to measure success — and they may not be the right benchmarks for you.

The truth is, success in this industry is deeply personal and can look completely different from one artist to the next. For some, success might be performing in front of an audience for the first time after battling stage fright. For others, it’s finally nailing that tricky combination in class, creating original work, finding a community of supportive creatives, or maintaining a healthy balance between work and life.

Because the industry is constantly evolving and filled with ups and downs, tying your self-worth to external validation — auditions, cast lists, social media engagement — can leave you feeling defeated and burnt out. That’s why it’s so important to define success on your own terms.

Ask yourself:

• What brings me the most joy in my creative process?

• What progress have I made that I’m proud of, even if no one else sees it?

• What kind of artist (and person) do I want to become?

By focusing on your personal goals, values, and growth, you allow yourself to find fulfillment in the journey, not just the destination. This mindset shift is powerful — it keeps you grounded, resilient, and aligned with your passion, even when the industry gets tough.

Remember: success is not a fixed point. It’s a moving, evolving reflection of your dreams, your growth, and your dedication. Own your version of it — and let that be enough. 💫