Surviving The Winter as Theatre Kid

As an actor, I know that getting sick during a show, before an audition, or really ANY TIME is an actor's worst nightmare. Unfortunately there aren't many things you can do once you're already sick, but there are a lot of tips and tricks that will help you from getting a sick in the first place.

1. Eat Healthy!
This may seems obvious, but some people don't seem to understand that eating healthy really does help prevent you from getting sick.
Drink Lots of Water:  You need to drink water like it's your job. You should drink about eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
Emergen-C:   This stuff is the bomb and helps boost your immune system. It comes in all sorts of flavors and really does help.
Cut Out The Junk Food: Eat healthier meals. Keep chips, cookies, and candy to a minimum.
Gargling Salt Water:  This will help disinfect the mouth and throat.

2. Get Lots Of Sleep
When it comes to auditions, rehearsals, and shows we all want to give our best performance. It is harder for our bodies to perform to the best of their ability when we are sleepy. As much as we love to sleep in, it is actually best for our bodies to go to sleep and wake up at around the same time every day. Try to stay away from pulling all nighters to watch Netflix, especially if you are in the rehearsal process, tech week, or show week.

3. WASH YOUR HANDS
WINTER IS A TIME FOR GERMS. WASH YOUR HANDS AND USE YOUR HAND SANITIZER. THAT IS ALL.

4. Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler

This can be a life saver for performers.
The steamer works to relieve swelling, dryness, and nasal congestion. It is much safer than the pot and towel technique and is easily portable.


Where Can I Buy One?:

• CVS
• Walgreens
• Target
• Walmart

5. Scarves

Keep your neck and chest warm. Don't go outside without a coat or a jacket.











6. Take Time Off
If you're doing a vocally demanding show, or you are in a long running show, make sure you use your time off to rest your voice.

7. Tea, Tea, Tea
Drink lots of tea and honey. Your honey should be fresh, local honey.

One tea that singers use that helps a lot is Throat Coat Tea. Some people love it, some people hate it. You decide what you think:

Available for purchase at:

• CVS
• Walgreens
• Walmart
• Target

8.  Sleeping With A Humidifier
If you are a serious singer, sleeping with a humidifier is necessary. It allows moisture to enter through the nose or the mouth while you are sleeping.

9.  Cough Drops 

10.  What To Avoid Before Singing

• Ice cold water. Your water should be room temperature.
• Soda
• Dairy
• Juices
• Smoking
• Alcohol

My Top 10 Favorite Broadway Show Tunes.

As I was titling this post I came to the conclusion that it is actually impossible for me to pick ten Broadway show-tunes that are my favorite. My favorite Broadway songs change on the daily, but here are some of my favorites in no particular order.

1. Why God Why (Miss Saigon)
I know I said these were in no particular order, but this one actually is my favorite. Unless you've been living under a rock for the past two years, you know that I believe Miss Saigon is one of the best shows ever created. In fact, when Miss Saigon toured to Starlight Theatre in september of 2013 I saw the show three times in one week.

2. It's All Happening (Bring It On)
I was in Bring It On The Musical this January at MTKC . Our music director Julie Danielson was the music assistant for Bring It On The Musical, and essentially helped with the writing process of the show.  During one rehearsal she told us how 30 out of 35 cast members made their Broadway Debut in Bring It On. Can you imagine how magical It's All Happening would've been to watch on opening night? 30 people making their broadway debuts and singing "Imagine the lights, imagine the people, imagine us in the middle of the crowd. Imagine the fame, imagine the fortune. It's all happening." Just to sit watching this song, knowing that these people aren't just acting, they're living.

3. Waitin' For The Light To Shine Reprise (Big River)
One of the most magical things for me was singing this song on a stage that I had always dreamed of performing on this past summer. I am so thankful for that experience.

4. One Day More (Les Misérables)
If you tell me you don't completely jam to this song in the car and try to sing all of the parts, you're lying.  This show will always hold a very special place in my heart. Doing this show in 2013 I met one of the most important people in my life. To this day he inspires me to be a better person, gives me the best advice, encourages me, and supports me in everything I do. I will forever be thankful for this awesome show that introduced me to so many people who I can look up to as mentors and friends.

5. Quiet (Matilda)
I will never forget sitting next to the family of Fina Strazza on a sunny afternoon in August as she made her Broadway Debut in Matilda. I specifically remember looking over during Quiet and seeing Fina's mom wiping away tears. The entire show I was rooting Fina on. I didn't even know her, but I just wanted her to do so good. And she did.

6.  Seize The Day (Newsies)
Where do I begin with Newsies on Broadway? I saw this show three times while it was on Broadway. The first time being in August of 2012. The second time was in January of 2013 for my birthday. The final time was in August of 2014, the night before the show closed. This show holds the most special place in my heart because it inspires me over and over again to pursue theatre as a career. There's something truly magical and unexplainable about Newsies on Broadway. If you ever saw the show on Broadway you probably know what I'm talking about.

7.  Show Off (The Drowsy Chaperone)
This song makes me all nostalgic because I had the honor to sing this song at the first ever IMEA Awards. I met the coolest people that weekend and I'll always be thankful for that experience. Every time I hear the song I can't help but think of that night and Colt, Tyler, Greylan, Marissa, Eden, and the No Bull Guys.

8. Heaven On Their Minds (Jesus Christ Superstar)
This show is the first show I have a memory of seeing. I must've been very young (Like 5)
I remember sitting in the rain at an outdoor theatre, because it started raining during the show. This is the one song I remember watching. (And Superstar, of course)

9. A Step Too Far (Aida)
This song gets me feeling all of the feels. This song reminds me of the summer of 2013, which was by far the best summer I ever had.  This is one of those songs that I WILL NOT get out of the car until it's over.

10. Light (Next To Normal)
This has been one of my favorite shows for so long. I absolutely love the songs from it and I've always specifically liked this one.



I could have made this list so much longer because there are so many that I adore, but I mainly just chose songs that really mean something to me.

You can leave a comment or tweet me if you have suggestions about what I should post about next :)

Abby Peek