Your Voice, Your Body, Your Mind—Your Greatest Instruments

When my daughter Claire fell in love with acting, I found myself stepping into a new world—theater. As a Child Life Specialist, I’ve spent my career supporting children and families through some of their toughest moments, but stepping into the performing arts community opened my eyes to a different kind of challenge: the pressure, the exhaustion, and the emotional demands that young performers face.

I’ve seen firsthand how much these kids pour into their craft—late-night rehearsals, long tech weeks, and the emotional vulnerability that comes with stepping on stage. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of performing, but the most successful and fulfilled artists are the ones who know how to take care of themselves—mind, body, and voice.

Your Voice: More Than Just Projection

Whether you’re belting out a show-stopping number or delivering a monologue, your voice is everything—and it needs care. Hydration, rest, and proper technique can make all the difference in longevity. Her directors remind Claire (and her castmates!) that warming up isn’t optional, and whispering when you’re on vocal rest isn’t a hack—it’s just as bad as yelling!

Your Body: The Foundation of Your Performance

I’ve spent my career teaching kids about self-care in medical settings, but it’s just as relevant on the stage. The body carries every movement, every gesture, and every emotion a performer delivers. Sleep, nutrition, and physical care matter. It’s easy for young actors to push themselves through fatigue, but without rest and recovery, their performance—and their health—will suffer.

Your Mind: The Key to Confidence and Longevity

Theater is exhilarating, but it’s also emotionally demanding. I’ve seen young performers struggle with self-doubt, comparison, and burnout. One thing that I heard recently that I wanted to share is that your worth is not defined by the role you land. You bring something unique to the stage that no one else can. Taking mental breaks, practicing mindfulness, and remembering to enjoy the process—not just the outcome—can help keep that spark alive.

A Lifelong Commitment to Self-Care

Whether in a hospital or on a stage, I’ve seen the impact of prioritizing well-being. When performers take care of themselves—body, mind, and voice—they don’t just perform better. They thrive. Self-care isn’t just about longevity in the arts; it’s about enjoying the journey.

For those looking to dive deeper into these ideas, The Performer's Reflection is a thoughtful guide designed to help performers explore the synergy between their body, mind, and emotions. Through reflection and insight, it offers tools to navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and continue growing as an artist. Taking the time to understand yourself as a performer isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential to unleashing the incredible artist within.