Vocal Momentum Part I

OK - It happens to all of us.

- I just finished a season, I deserve a break.

- I’ve just wrapped up at drama school, I’m going to enjoy sleeping for a while.

- I’m taking a desk job, the promise of cash is just too alluring and offers a temporary distraction.

- I’m recovering from the flu.

Whatever the cause, the effect is the same:

We lose our MOMENTUM.

Our artist grinds to a halt, and maybe we’re using any (or all) of the above excuses as a distraction from facing the difficulties in examining ourselves as such. Our productivity and progress slow, that warm place of denial is so cosy, and jumpstarting our artistic discipline becomes a more mammoth task by the day.

You’re feeling your skills, your touch with the artistic community and your self confidence declining.

That cosy office job just looks like the easier path. Look how much money you’ve earned, TED talks you’ve watched, acting blogs you’ve read.......

Suddenly not feeling so easy about the desk job/extended time off?

Image From Cheez Burger

I see this constantly - and you know when I see it? Two days before an audition, there’s panic, the momentum is long gone, my body’s not feeling right. It ain’t gonna work.

How to keep that momentum going? So you’re ready?

- Examine what’s important to you and WRITE IT DOWN. Make a plan to bring yourself back to your artist every day - it doesn’t have to be voice work - it could be a trip to the gallery, or taking a picnic outside and simply breathing.

- Check out theatre performances that inspire you! No money? Go have a look at some of our amazing buskers, or earn comps for helping out with front of house....that’s how I manage.

- Make a plan to see your voice/movement/life/anything coach every month to keep you on track. That’s the price of a couple of coffees a week.

- Audition, audition, audition - keep on your game, even if you think it’s completely unsuitable for you.It’s one of the best ways to keep your skills sharp and you might end up meeting someone who puts you on to your next big thing.

- Invite a friend over to practice with
you - there’s nothing like setting a date to really keep you in line.

- Read this blog on Beating Voice Guilt and look at further ways to work your training/exploration into your day.