I had a close up gig last night after three children's parties and I lost my voice! To make matters worse, The background music was VERY loud and I could NOT be heard in any way.

It was a great experience because I had to communicate with only my facial expressions and gestures. My multiple selection routine was particularly strong because I had to express the difficulty of finding eight cards at once by getting more and more confused and distressed and as I collected the cards and lost them in the deck.

I highly recommend a bout of laryngitis to all.

I'll (classic) pass on that!

- Alex

In reading your post, I think Marcel Marceau (sp) would have been proud!

I'm losing my voice, I'll look forward to performing.
Nick

Lost my voice about 3/4 of the way into my show last night... then, miraculously, my voice returns about an hour after my show when it's had a chance to relax. When I was in my 30's this would rarely happen, but now... in my 40's this seems to happen more frequently (say, one in thirty shows).

Has this happened to you? or is it just my 40-year-old voice box which just isn't like what it used to be?

Part of the reason last night was because the P.A. system was not powerful enough for the venue and the room had very high ceilings so the acoustics were terrible and I had to talk loud.

Anything I can do to prevent this... lozenges? just avoid talking loud? or certain drinks to avoid b4 a speaking magic performance? breathing/relaxation exercises b4 speaking?

Thanks,
Ray

This is the first time I ever lost my voice. It was due to a cough and 3 hours of non stop talking. Sadly it refused to come back. I've got lots of shows coming up and am trying to work around my voice.
Nick

P.S. If anyone has anysuggestions, be it cures, routines or canceling shows iwould greatly appreciate your help.

You need this in your bag at all times: "Singers Saving Grace" throat spray. Here is the link: http://www.caycecures.com/Holiday/catalog/savingrace.htm You can get it online or at the health food store. I swear by it! It is $9.95 and well worth it. Drink warm liquids like tea and never iced drinks unless you are not performing that day. Cold is really rough on the throat. Stay hydrated. Don't let your voice dry out while you are performing. Carry that water bottle with you.

You might also put a clause in your contract regarding noise at venues or get a small battery-operated portable clip-on microphone/PA that is made for table hopping. I think Anchor makes a good unobtrusive one. No one should have to work in such a loud venue without amplification. You make your living with your voice. Strain it and you are out of work.

Great suggestions MorningStar!

Thank you.
Ray

Please let me know if it works as well for you, Ray. I have never had it fail on me or anyone else. This method of throat care has saved many shows over the years.

Hi YA RAY // Good to see ya around the Café.
thanks for that Morningstar
Keet

Thank you very much, it seems to of done the trick, all though it didn't get rid of my bad throat it allowed me to get through my performance. Thank you very much.
Nick

Boy do I know what you are talking about. I used to be able to do 3 or 4 kid shows back to back without a problem. Now that I am north of 40 the kids better be real quiet at that third show or my voice will be in shreds.