[SecondBestBet]

It's tech week and I'm bushed. I work all day, rehearse all night, and I'm deflating rapidly. This is opening weekend though, so I've got to pick it up.

I am calling on all tips and tricks - from what to eat to give performance energy, what to drink or not drink to prep singing voice, how to feel refreshed on little rest so one can dance without falling flat.

This is the first time I've worked full time and tried to pull off a musical at the same time. Boy it's tough! Ideas?

P.S. - I want to add that I am taking Friday afternoon off for a nap and laundry and just time to prep and there will be time on Saturday and Sunday to sleep in a little - but I'm so keyed up it's hard to sleep when there is time!

[Melindaisy]

I have been working full time and performing in community theater for the past 17 years.
what works for me....
Eating a good breakfast and lunch. I eat just a salad or bowl of soup before performance.
I try to get a 15 min nap before going to the theater.
I take a hot bath before going to bed to help relax

As far a voice preparations.... I don't drink any soft drinks or coffee in the couple hours preceeding a show. I don't eat at the theater. Once there I drink only water. I don't usually do vocal warm-ups. While this may seem strange, my first voice teacher, who had been a vocal coach at the Met before retiring, said that if one did normal talking during the course of the day it was unnecessary to really do warm-ups unless you had to immediately sing very high. If you did do warm ups, only work in the lowest range of your voice.

For me performing in itself gives a great rush of energy. I don't get nervous... so I don't waste energy in that way.
Break a leg!

[Maid Marian]

Other things that aren't good for your voice on the day of a performance: anything citrusy or acidic (including fruit juice), dairy products, alcohol and cigarette smoke. Save the last two for the after - show party.

I find Bach's Rescue Remedy is good for stage fright/nerves.