Singing Resources in Theater
When performing in the field of theater, the voice is one of the biggest commodities that a performer has. A performer’s voice can truly make or break the entire theater show, despite a beautiful storyline, realistic costumes, and well-performed acting. To ensure the success of a theater performance, it is vital for a performer to properly care for and prepare their voice for the show. There are multiple steps that performers can take to ensure that they give their best vocal performances when they take to the stage.
Warming Up
As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. This is especially true when it comes to vocal performances. In order for a performer to prepare for a vocal performance, they must first prepare their voice. Performers can prepare their voices in numerous ways. From singing individual notes and drinking warm tea to repeating tongue-twisters, the options are varied. Every singer eventually finds a favorite warmup method that they feel works best for them. The specific method used to warm up is not as important as the practice itself. This ensures that the voice is prepared for the performance and is also an excellent way to maintain vocal health in the theater.
- 10 Best Vocal Warmups that will Improve Your Singing (PDF)
- Quick and Easy Vocal Warmups
- Warmups That Work (PDF)
- Voice and Movement Warmup Video Tutorials
- Vocal Warmup: Put Your Best Voice Forward
- 9 Best Vocal Warm-Ups for Singers
Voice Training
There are some people who are born naturally talented. These naturally talented people in the world of theater may have the ability to belt out any high note or tune. Others may struggle with reaching high notes or singing in certain styles. Either type of performer can undoubtedly benefit from vocal training. Vocal training is a way to ensure that a performer is singing to the best of their ability. This form of training can also come with tips to ensure that a performer is singing properly to prevent injury or voice exhaustion. Most performers choose to receive training from a professional vocal coach who is familiar with their performance genre.
- Learning How to Sing the Notes
- Resonance in Singing and Speaking
- How to Increase Vocal Endurance
- The Tongue as the Master of Your Singing: Vowel Modification
- Recovering a Singing Voice
Vocal Health
Vocal health is important for everyone; however, it is especially important for those who rely on their voices as a part of their career. Unfortunately, a lot of performers suffer from problems associated with the throat and vocal cords. This is because performers use their voices much more frequently than the average person. Performers also often push their voices to the limits. To ensure vocal health, performers are advised to follow several tips to keep their voices healthy and at their best. The most important tips are to avoid smoking, limit caffeine consumption, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of exercise.
- Taking Care of Your Voice
- 10 Dos and Dont’s for Vocal Health
- Vocal Health Information (PDF)
- You and Your Health
- General Voice Care and Vocal Hygiene
- Protecting Your Vocal Health
Tips
To improve vocal performances in the theater, professionals frequently provide performers with useful tips. Some of these tips include standing tall while singing, relaxing the throat, and properly articulating the sounds of each word that is sung. By standing tall and relaxing the throat, performers are able to produce the best possible sound without straining their throat or vocal cords. This is an important tip not only for performance purposes but for vocal health as well. By safely producing the proper sounds, singers can then focus on perfecting the sound of the consonants and vowels that they are singing.
- Winter Vocal Health Tips for Singers
- Learn to Sing: Top Tips
- Singing Tips: How to Sing With Emotion
- Tips for Breaking Into Musical Theatre
Other Resources
For those who are interested in a career in musical theater, there are several helpful resources aimed to help performers get started. All of these resources focus on developing a basic understanding of the best singing techniques as well as an understanding of the science behind proper singing. Once a basic understanding is reached, it is best to consult a professional in the field to determine which areas of performance need improvement. After a performer addresses their problem areas, they are ready to audition for their favorite theater production.