Stage Etiquette for the Vocalist

Article written by Mrs. Carol Senn Ruffin

As competition/recital season is fast approaching, it is helpful for vocal teachers and students alike to review the basics of stage etiquette to give their performances some extra shine and polish.

PREPARATORY STEPS

  • Sit calmly with good posture and your feet on the floor.
  • Breathe deeply.
  • Briefly review crucial technical concerns. (Do NOT obsess!)
  • Get the first word or phrase in your mind.
  • Note the path from your seat to the performance position.
  • Think positive thoughts.
  • Determine to offer God your very best musical effort.
  • Ask God to bless your efforts and to keep your motives pure.

APPROACH

  • Stand with poise and confidence.
  • Walk at a moderate pace to the performance position.
  • Pause briefly, smile, and acknowledge applause with a short nod.
  • If there is no published program announce loudly and clearly:
    • Your name
    • The title(s) and composer(s) of the performance piece(s).

PERFORMANCE

  • Assume the mood of the piece in your face, posture, and attitude.
  • Nod to the accompanist when you are ready to begin.
  • Stay focused and in the appropriate mood during the introduction. (The same applies to an interlude and a postlude.)
  • Sing with an assertive style. Take charge!  Act confident!
  • Use direct eye contact, but in a random pattern.
  • Concentrate on communicating the message of the song with clear diction and appropriate facial expression.
  • Do not give nonverbal clues to the audience when you mess up.
  • If you add a beat, drop a beat, skip a line of music, say a wrong word, etc. DO NOT STOP! A skilled accompanist with try to cover for you. Stopping and starting over is a last ditch solution reserved for only the rarest of situations.
  • Hold the mood of the song for a moment after the song is over and then break the mood by employing an obvious change in your stage manner and eye contact.

AT THE END OF THE SONG

  • Acknowledge applause with an appropriate nod, bow, or curtsey.
  • Smile (even if your performance was less than you hoped it would be).
  • Acknowledge your accompanist with the gesture of an outstretched arm.
    • The accompanist may stand and bow separately or with the soloist.
    • The accompanist may also remain seated, but nod and smile at the audience.
  • Walk (not run) to your seat, walking with good posture and a pleasant expression on your face.
  • Sit calmly and with good posture.
  • Do not discuss your mistakes with well-wishers after the performance.

Best wishes on your upcoming vocal performances!