1. STAY WARM. It is better to be hot, sweaty and overdressed when caring for your voice than cool or cold . Cold attacks the glands in your throat even when you are not aware of it. Make use of scarves , skivvies, jackets or hoodies and zip them up to the collar- unless your are in costume…
2. AVOID LATE NIGHTS. If you don’t rest your throat , it will not serve you well, it will become raw and vulnerable to infection and your voice will crack more readily on stage…be sensible and go to bed when you know you should. Lash out at the after party…
3. AVOID UNNECESSARY CHAT. THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR SOLOISTS ESPECIALLY and requires discipline and willpower. You are actually being selfish by wearing your throat out unnecessarily ,instead of saving it for the show. This is as important as how beautifully the costumes are sewn or the set painted. Only speak when spoken to!.
4. STAY AWAY FROM FOOD LOADED WITH SUGAR – especially softdrinks and lollies – sugar attacks the immune system and will actually make your throat worse -NOT BETTER!! Look for sugarfree throat lollies, sip hot soups, sip hot water with lemon juice or herb teas like peppermint or camomile. Eat an orange or a mandarin. Choose salty foods over sweet ones. Eat wholefruit instead of drinking fruit juices (just as much sugar as fizzy).
5. STAY HYDRATED Just carry a bottle around at room temperature ,NOT COLD (see number 1.) Label it with your name – don’t share bottles and have a sip whenever you remember. Give your voice a fighting chance…
6. WARM UP YOUR VOICE BEFORE EVERY REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE. Remember your vocal chords are like rubber bands you have to stretch them slowly not try to hit the high notes the second you arrive!
7. PROJECT YOUR VOICE. Projecting your voice is not the same as yelling/screaming. It comes from lower down in the diaphragm…
8. MAKE USE OF THE MICROPHONE. When using a handheld mic, lift it up so that it is as close to your mouth as possible without obscuring your face. You have the mic so that the back row will hear your part…they won’t hear you if it is pointed at your chin!