The Show Must Go On… Or Should It?
As a musical theater performer, I’ve learned the hard way that the old adage “the show must go on” isn’t always the best advice when it comes to protecting my voice. In this industry, we have a tendency to push through injuries and illnesses, fearful of letting down our directors, our fellow cast members, and our audiences. But the truth is, ignoring vocal health issues can lead to much bigger problems down the road.
I remember one particularly grueling tech week, where I was constantly clearing my throat between scenes and struggling to hit the high notes. “I’ve got to power through,” I told myself. “The audience is counting on me.” Well, by opening night, my voice was shot. I sounded like a frog, and every line was a battle. Needless to say, the performance was less than stellar, and I felt terrible for letting everyone down.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was actually causing more harm than good by pushing through. Overusing my voice when it was already strained led to further damage and a longer recovery period. If only I had taken the time to properly rest and care for my instrument, I could have avoided that disastrous opening night and maintained my vocal health in the long run.
As musical theater performers, we put our voices through the wringer. Not only are we singing, but we’re also frequently acting and dancing at the same time – a triple threat that can take a serious toll. That’s why it’s so important to understand the principles of vocal health and injury prevention. With a little bit of knowledge and proactive care, we can protect our voices and set ourselves up for success, both on and off the stage.
Hydration and Nutrition: Fueling Your Instrument
One of the foundations of good vocal health is proper hydration and nutrition. As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat” – and this couldn’t be more true for us musical theater singers.
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining healthy vocal folds. I try to start each day with at least 8 glasses of water, but I’ve found that I often need even more depending on factors like temperature, altitude, and physical activity. Dry air, whether from air conditioning or heating, can also sap moisture from the vocal tract, so I make sure to keep a water bottle close by at all times.
When it comes to food, I’ve learned that certain items can have a big impact on my voice. Caffeine, for example, can be a real downer for my vocal folds, drying them out and making me prone to throat clearing. Dairy products and chocolate, on the other hand, tend to lead to more mucus production and coughing fits. I’ve had to experiment to find the right balance for my body.
That said, I’m not about to give up my morning coffee or favorite post-show treat. Instead, I’ve found some helpful alternatives, like sipping herbal tea or warm water with lemon. And when I do indulge in my caffeine or dairy fixes, I make sure to double down on the hydration.
Proper nutrition is also essential for vocal health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help keep my voice in peak condition. I try to load up on foods like leafy greens, berries, and lean proteins, and I’m always on the lookout for natural remedies that can soothe a sore or strained throat.
Of course, I always recommend consulting a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements or medications to your routine, especially if you’re dealing with other health concerns. But with a little trial and error, I’ve found that the right nutritional approach can make a world of difference for my singing voice.
The Environment’s Impact: Protecting Your Instrument
As musical theater performers, we’re not just battling our own bodies – we’re also at the mercy of the environments we work in. From the stage to the rehearsal studio, there are a number of external factors that can wreak havoc on our vocal health.
One of the biggest culprits? Pyrotechnics, artificial smoke, and fog. These special effects might add excitement and atmosphere to a production, but for some artists, the chemicals used to create them can cause real problems. Respiratory irritation, eye irritation, and even allergic reactions are all potential issues we have to watch out for.
On the flip side, there are also environmental aids that can actually improve our vocal health. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, for example, can help keep our vocal folds lubricated and functioning at their best. And making sure we have proper ventilation and airflow in our rehearsal spaces can go a long way in preventing the buildup of irritants.
I’ll never forget the time I was working on a production that relied heavily on smoke effects. By the end of every performance, my throat felt raw and my voice was strained. It wasn’t until I spoke up and advocated for better air quality that the production team made some changes – and boy, did it make a difference. Suddenly, I was able to get through the show without constantly clearing my throat or coughing.
The moral of the story? Don’t be afraid to speak up and make your vocal health a priority, even if it means pushing back against the demands of a production. After all, if you can’t perform at your best, the show can’t go on. And trust me, your director will thank you in the long run.
Technique is Key: Optimizing Your Instrument
Of course, no discussion of vocal health and injury prevention would be complete without addressing the importance of proper technique. As musical theater performers, we’re constantly asking our voices to do incredible things – from belting out power ballads to seamlessly transitioning between singing and speaking. And if we don’t have the right technical foundation in place, we’re just setting ourselves up for trouble.
That’s why I’ve made a point to work with both a singing teacher and a speaking coach over the years. They’ve helped me learn how to warm up my voice effectively, maintain good posture and alignment while I’m performing, and switch back and forth between singing and speaking without straining. And let me tell you, it’s made a world of difference in my ability to protect my instrument.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of conditioning my voice over time. Just like any other muscle in my body, my vocal folds need to be trained and built up gradually. Trying to do too much, too fast, is a surefire way to end up with an injury. That’s why I’m always careful to monitor how much I’m rehearsing and vocalizing, and I make sure to give my voice plenty of rest and recovery time.
And when I’m not feeling 100%, I’ve learned to be extra mindful of the ways I might be overcompensating. Even the best technique can fall apart when you’re under the weather, so I make sure to listen to my body and adjust accordingly. Sometimes that means taking a day off from rehearsals, and other times it means modifying my vocal approach to avoid further strain.
At the end of the day, proper technique isn’t just about optimizing my sound – it’s about protecting my most valuable asset. By investing in my vocal training and conditioning, I’m setting myself up for long-term success, both on and off the stage. And that’s a trade-off I’m more than happy to make.
When to Seek Medical Care: Protecting Your Instrument
Even with all the best preventative measures in place, there will inevitably be times when we musical theater performers need to seek medical care for our voices. Whether it’s a sudden onset of hoarseness, a persistent sore throat, or any other concerning vocal symptom, ignoring the issue can lead to much bigger problems down the line.
That’s why I make it a point to consult with a healthcare professional anytime I have concerns about my vocal health. I’ve learned the hard way that trying to tough it out or self-medicate with pain relievers or numbing agents is a recipe for disaster. Those kinds of quick fixes might provide temporary relief, but they can actually mask the underlying issue and encourage me to push my voice even further.
Instead, I work closely with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist and a speech-language pathologist to get to the root of any vocal health issues. They’re able to properly diagnose the problem and provide targeted treatment, whether it’s voice therapy, medication, or even surgical intervention in more severe cases.
And I’m not afraid to be my own advocate when it comes to my vocal health. If I feel like something is off, I speak up and make sure I get the attention and care I need. After all, my voice is my livelihood, and I can’t afford to let it languish.
The way I see it, taking proactive care of my instrument is an investment in my future as a performer. By addressing vocal health issues head-on and getting the proper medical support, I’m setting myself up for a long and successful career in the theater. It might mean taking a break from the stage every now and then, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s a small price to pay.
Putting It All Together: A Holistic Approach to Vocal Health
At the end of the day, protecting my voice as a musical theater performer is all about taking a holistic, proactive approach. It’s not just about one piece of the puzzle – it’s about addressing a whole range of factors, from hydration and nutrition to technique and environmental considerations.
That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing my learnings with other artists in this space. I know firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in the grind of performance and neglect our vocal health. But the reality is, if we want to have long, sustainable careers in this industry, we simply can’t afford to ignore these crucial issues.
Of course, developing a comprehensive vocal health routine takes time and effort. It’s not always easy to break old habits or make significant changes to our daily routines. But I can say from experience that the payoff is more than worth it.
By prioritizing my voice and giving it the care and attention it deserves, I’ve been able to perform at my best, both on and off the stage. I’ve weathered illnesses and injuries without major vocal setbacks, and I’ve been able to maintain my instrument over the course of grueling rehearsal and performance schedules.
And perhaps most importantly, I’ve been able to truly enjoy the art of musical theater, without the constant worry and stress of wondering whether my voice is going to hold up. That freedom and peace of mind is priceless, and it’s something I wish for all my fellow performers.
So if you’re a musical theater artist looking to protect your most valuable asset, I encourage you to dive in and start exploring the world of vocal health and injury prevention. Trust me, your voice – and your career – will thank you.
And who knows, maybe the next time you’re struggling with a vocal issue, you’ll remember this article and know exactly what steps to take. After all, at Musical Theater Center, we’re all about equipping our artists with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.
