We Regret To Inform You: Why Musical Theatre College Rejections Hurt So Badly
Rejection sucks.
There I said it.
But why do we get so incredibly hurt by it when it comes to college auditions?
Why do we feel such a deep pit in our stomachs when we read the infamous “we regret to inform you” letter?
And why do we take it so personally?
The musical theatre college auditions process is unlike anything else.
Besides the normal combination of high school transcripts, letters of recommendation and standardized test scores… no other college admission process also requires your headshot and resume, prescreen videos with 2 contrasting songs, monologues, dance, and a wildcard, and a one-on-one audition where you share your work in an extremely vulnerable way.
No other college admission process asks this much of you.
And when you get rejected after giving your all in audition setting… you feel exposed.
You feel attacked.
You feel belittled.
Your mind instantly lets the rejection warp the future of your career.
If I don’t get accepted, will I ever be successful?
She got in, why didn’t I?
I must not be talented enough.
I must not be worthy enough.
I must not be… enough.
I say all of this because I was once in your shoes.
I, myself, went through the musical theatre college audition process - and for every acceptance, I received one rejection. After every high, there was a low.
And the lows always hit harder than the highs.
But here's why you’re gonna be just fine.
You’re doing it.
You’re applying for college. You’re pursuing a dream of yours, no matter the odds. How many people can say that? How many people can say they wholeheartedly love what they do? You love the theatre, and you’ll do whatever it takes to continue pursuing it.
You’re stronger than before.
Pursuing a career in the theatre industry takes courage. It takes patience, a whole lot of “hurry up and wait” and a piles of rejection. Ask any actor on Broadway and they’ll agree. You’re developing a thicker skin… even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Sometimes, you have to get knocked down lower than you’ve ever been to stand up taller than you were.
And lastly, you’re nailing it.
You are giving it 100%. You’re leaving it all on the line. I know everything seems incredibly high stakes right now… like where you go to college will determine the rest of your career. Trust me… I’ve been there. But you will end up exactly where you’re meant to be. I know it.
I am proud of you.
Keep going.
Maggie Bera is a NYC-based actress, entrepreneur, and founder of Actor Aesthetic. She has her BFA in Musical Theatre from Texas State University.
Actor Aesthetic online course
the ultimate guide to preparing for musical theatre college auditions
6 of the most important lessons I learned from applying to BFA programs in the US.