Ann Davis-Rowe

A writer I follow shared tips today for saving your voice when you have to talk a lot. Coincidentally, it’s my opening night of The Fantasticks with Triad Pride Acting Company, so let me get back into the posting vibe by sharing her info and adding some of my own.

For context: I subscribe to Laura Vanderkam’s “Vanderhacks” newsletter which has tips on making the most of your time and is helpful even for those of us with regular ol’ in-office day jobs and no kids. She’s just released a new book called Big Time, and you can find her blog post on saving your voice when talking a lot here. She also sings with two choirs, so between singing, interviews, and recording her audio book, she has plenty of experience with vocal health. Let’s dive in…

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Laura’s tip: Throat Coat tea for that vocally warmed up feel

Ann’s two cents: theater tea is my security blanket. As soon as I get home from work for weeknight rehearsals/shows, I start the electric kettle because my travel mug keeps things so hot, I have to let it cool down for a bit. Weekends, I have to try to remember to time it right.

I add a swirl of honey and pair Throat Coat — either the regular or Laura’s preferred lemon-echinacea version — with a bag of mullein tea for lung health, letting both steep forever.

For a natural, small-biz option, check out Cauldron Creation’s No Frogs in Your Throat. Hestia even included some lozenges with the same formula in a winter subscription box. In my ongoing attempt to be a better consumer/person, I just ordered enough to get me through year three of Hedwig and the Angry Inch — which starts before Fantasticks even closes because I make questionable choices.

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Laura’s tip: sugar-free cough drops for hydration

Ann’s two cents: I stole this one from (an) Ana Gasteyer (video) who said it’s an old Elphaba trick — place a Pine Bros. Softish Throat Drop back by a molar. Once it starts to soften, it will stick in place and then slowly release soothing goodness as you speak.

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Laura’s tip: green apples for salivation

Ann’s two cents: if that’s what you need, and an apple is too cumbersome, try sour gummies! I never tried it before our leading lady in Piedmont Opera’s Man of La Mancha, Brennan Martinez, got each dressing room a bag of TJ’s Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers, but it definitely works and I need to have Hampton bring home a bag for the Fantasticks green room.

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Laura’s tip: vocal warmups in the car, or humming if you have to walk in public on the way to your event

Ann’s two cents: a non-negotiable. Because I am too easily distracted to do it on my own, I use a free app that… as I try to look it up to share apparently no longer exists for new downloads anymore.

A quick internet search reveals multiple paid apps that I am not testing out for the fives of you who may read this. I did, however, pop over to YouTube and found Jeff Rolka, who has a whole bunch of handy warmup vids.

Also, if you live in an apartment or need to warm up in a crowded audition room or a green room before a speaking engagement, I can recommend this vocal dampener. I got it to keep backstage last summer when I had the cold from hell during TPAC’s Baby and couldn’t stop coughing in the tiny performance space, and it really works.

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These may add up to a dollar:

• Potato chips. My belty boy partner in crime, Ethan, says this is a Shania Twain thing. I can’t find evidence of this, but apparently Dolly likes it and that’s more than good enough for me. Here’s more proof.
• CLYOR Voice37. As a baby belter who was often told she would blow her voice out, I was always very hesitant to use any product that touched your throat — it took years before I even drank Throat Coat. However, I impulsively picked this up one time and it’s a nice little tool to have around for what feels like cord lubrication and mucus control. I forget to use it more than I actually use it, but especially if you’re not a regular motormouth, you may dig it before speaking engagements.
• Pineapple juice. A natural inflammatory. Courtney Lowe, Violet from the second time I did 9 to 5 and a voice teacher, said she sometimes warms it up to brew her Throat Coat. I use it as part of my winddown after a show, mixed with coconut water for electrolytes and tart cherry juice for sleepies. I often have this blend on couch nights, too.
• Dill pickles. Before the mocktail above, I always have a pickle. If my voice is tired, I find the brine soothing, probably for the same reason chips and pineapple juice work.
• Nasal irrigation. Some singers I know swear by their Neti-Pots to avoid postnasal drip irritating their throats. I’ve literally only ever done it during the aforementioned cold from Hell, but here is more info on why you might like it before having to speak a lot and why I probably should have thought to do it for rehearsals during the annual North Carolina pollening.
• Cold-steam nebulizing with a saline solution before taxing your voice and hot steam recovery can also be helpful. I’m neither a scientist nor a vocal health expert, so here is someone who is both with more info. For more vocally demanding shows, I nebulize in the car on the way and steam while drinking my pineapple blend after — but I’ve suddenly realized I haven’t used either at all during this one.

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But of course the number one, million dollar tip if you’re going to be talking a lot or singing:

Or, as my character Hucklebee says in the Fantasticks, “water, water, water.”

Anything you drink or spray or drop down your throat to make it feel better or more prepared isn’t really getting into your vocal folds; they close when you swallow to keep you from literally inhaling your food. To have properly healthy and lubricated cords, you need to be well hydrated.

And, of course, that doesn’t just mean chugging a bottle of water before you speak or sing. You have to consistently drink enough water so the hydration is, well, soaked in. Plus, being hydrated is good for everything else in our bodies, from regular digestion to glowing skin. It’s a win-win-win.

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All right, then, I hope I’ve earned my internet keep. None of the above are affiliate links, and, again, I am not a medical or vocal professional so YMMV. Happy talking and —