While it’s universally acknowledged that vocal health should be a priority for all singers, it’s less so understood that it’s just as important for non-singing performers. But it’s true: Whether you’re an actor who wants to perform straight plays onstage, or on-camera in film and television, maintaining your vocal health is just as important for you as it is for any singing performer; below, industry and Backstage Experts explain why.
You can reverse vocal damage—with serious attention.
“Vocal abuse can absolutely be reversed. Often, the patient is completely unaware of the way in which his or her voice use is not healthy for the vocal folds. Reversal starts with an awareness of the vocal behaviors that are causing the problem, which can be assessed by a voice professional such as a laryngologist or a voice therapist.” —Dr. Melin Tan-Geller, otorhinolaryngologist and former pianist
You should be relieving excess tension. Here’s how:
“Using a dopey cartoon voice (think Yogi Bear), say the word gee. You should feel your larynx drop. The g consonant should also help with cord closure due to the backpressure it creates, so you can experience accessing the upper register with a stable larynx and closed cords. This coordination is extremely important in good, healthy singing. Once this exercise is comfortable, you can drop the dopey imposition and sing on a more natural sound.” —John Henry, voice teacher and Backstage Expert
It’s possible to overpractice.
“Be aware of how much you are singing/practicing in a given day. Two to three hours of singing total is plenty, and never more then one hour consecutively without taking at least a 30-minute break. Screaming at sporting events, on amusement park rides, etc., or talking excessively loud at a noisy bar or restaurant also contributes to overtired, stressed, and swollen cords.” —Arden Kaywin, singer, private vocal coach, and Backstage Expert
Vocal health tenets are not surprising.
“Everyone’s different. Listen to your body to find what works best for you, but keep these things in mind if you’re about to get behind the mic.
1. Sleep. Without enough sleep, your voice pays the price.
2. Dairy. Makes your voice phlegmy.
3. Caffeine/alcohol. Dries out your vocal cords, so avoid when working.
4. Health. When you get sick, your voice is the first thing to go.
5. Smoking. There are better ways to get that sexy voice.
6. Warm up. Just like an athlete would.
7. Hydrate. Drink water. Lots of it.” —Yuri Lowenthal, working voice actor and Backstage Expert
You must advocate for your vocal health.
“As actors, we’re sometimes asked to do things that we aren’t comfortable with and when this happens, it’s important that we’re our own advocates.
“This is often easier said than done when your job is on the line, and the challenge for the voice actor is two-fold. First, there’s tremendous pressure on the actor to say “yes” to every direction or suggestion. Two, we can’t see the voice. Unlike staged combat where it’s clear someone is going to get hit by a sword, we can’t see damage to the voice.
“I find that asking a question is a great way to start a conversation before resorting to an outright no. When you know what the director’s vision is, you may be able to work collaboratively to find what’s needed to tell the story while allowing you to be safe and get the job done.” —D’Arcy Smith, associate professor of voice, speech, and dialects at the University of Cincinnati and Backstage Expert
You can train vocal muscles like any other.
“The big secret is to stop your swallowing muscles from coming down, engaging, or interfering with your sound production while singing or speaking.
“First become aware of exactly where the swallowing muscles are located. Place your thumb under your jaw in the center and then swallow. You will feel those muscles push down. If you have difficulty locating them, open your mouth and do an exaggerated yawn. You will definitely notice them, as well as how your air is stopped during the yawn. This is why, when those muscles are working, they will block your air and cause you to push to attempt to create sound. This is what leads to the hoarseness as well as the exhaustion while singing or speaking.” —Roger Burnley, L.A.-based vocal coach and Backstage Expert
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