I do understand what you are saying:
But perhaps you have some more options open:
1) Get someone in the profession such as Phil Shaw or someone to give your entire approach and the agents you are writing to the once over. In a way- restructure and refocus your career-
let me explain this:
I love musical theatre with a passion, but in my mind, I am seen as a classical actor with a good singing voice. This means that I am not your regular MT person. I can verifty this by saying that even my temperament is to brooding, intense and URGENT than the usual fare of light, fluffy MT people I have seen.
Furthermore, i have also seen that I get GREAT feedback as a classical actor ( even if I do not get the job) andit seems that this is the door that is opening to me. I started wanting one thing and ended up as another.
I am NOT saying I will never do musicals, but I do know that in general, I am taken more seriously in other ways. Therefore capatalising on one aspect of me has led to serious deficiencies in others.
I first got to the UK and was cast as a lead in a fringe production of a classical play. I turned it down for something more shallow....
I then got PYGMALION etc...and then the cruise ship incident this year-
but that did the trick to get me out of musicals for a while and although there is a slight refocus of my direction ( and I would happily do a musical if offered it- and love it) I feel more fulfilled and as if I have something to bring to the work that is noted and taken seriously.
This relates to you in that you are a skilled entrepeneur with an ability many would die for, and few really have- your own work being presented.
USE THIS!!! Get your one woman shows on the fringe etc and invite agents and casting directors to see you. You have a special quality. And because yo are older( sorry, but thats a fact), unless you market yourself as a charcetr or a tough lead, you wont work. There are not enoughy roles for women.
You need to go down this route, it seems. You have all the potential in the world it seems, and something unique that many dont have. Stop attempting to do it "their" way. Go out there and write, put on your plays, get a PR agent, and push it that way. If you start a production company for plays, star in them and create hype--- I can guarantee you that many agents in their shallowness will be at your door and you may be spoilt for choice, especially if the play is a hit.
Thats my personal opinion, but its a morte exciting journey than the same old, same old.
I see you as employable ( but not in the USUAL way) My housemate trained as an actor muso, he cant get a job and formed his own band with new orchestrations etc...he is getting there slowly...
xx
PS... an industry person once said to me that there are some really smart agents, and soem very stupid agents. In your case, there is potential waiting to be discovered-- and I am not being false about this...If I was an agent ( thank goodness I am not) I would have happily taken you on.