Steps to Getting Back on Stage after the Great Pause of 2020

After 16 months, I will finally get back on stage and be singing with a LIVE orchestra. To say I am emotional about it is quite an understatement.

I have been invited to sing Violetta in La Traviata with Opera Naples. We are performing outdoors in a park with mics and a smaller orchestra. We've been tested regularly for Covid and have maintained a strict social distancing protocol and quarantine with our pods for the past two weeks. We open this week, and tickets are SOLD OUT!

Like many singers, I found it challenging to sing opera or practice much during the lockdown. Once we emerged and started to go about life with masks and social distancing, I still was left with very little desire to plow through opera scores. If I sang at all, it was usually something I was helping a student learn, or some Dolly Parton or Margo Price tune.

Then in September, I was asked to sing Violetta.

I knew better than to think I would just jump back into shape after many months of a singing hiatus. Not only was my voice going to need some special care, but so was my body. My regular exercise and eating habits had gone to the wayside. I had succumbed to emotional eating and drinking and realized I had always used a singing gig to get me back on track. I’m always my healthiest when I am in training for a role. Without it, I’m pretty much a goner.

Having some years under me, I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to do it all at once. Nothing veers me off course more than trying to bite off more than I can chew. I need to be successful and achieve something each day, or else I am not going to do it. So, I set smaller goals that set me on course to achieve the larger outcome. Now, I didn’t always know how to do this; I’ll guide you on that another time. 🤓

Here are some strategic steps to get you back into vocal and mental shape after some time off from singing. All you need is three months and a plan of action!

Month 1: