The Negative Consequences of Good Singing Reviews

When you get a great review of your singing performance how can there be Negative Consequences of Good Singing Reviews? Inside this video I’ll show you!

 

Hi, I’m Chuck Gilmore with Power To Sing. I’m playing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in the musical, A Christmas Carol,  with music by Alan Menken and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.  We’ve just opened the show and got our first review.

 

Here’s what the reviewer said about the show and my performance.

 

“CenterPoint’s production was directed by Jim Christian, with Chuck Gilmore in the starring role of mean ol’ Uncle Scrooge. Gilmore gave the strongest performance of Scrooge that I’ve seen on stage. Instead of presenting the miser as a caricature, Gilmore plays him a real, relatable human being. Gilmore’s restraint is admirable, and makes the character infinitely stronger. Gilmore presents a Scrooge that many people can see in themselves. Plus, his singing is fabulous. His line delivery is biting. Gilmore’s performance is one worth coming for.”

 

Initially I was pleased with the review. However, while the reviewer was very positive about my performance, and he highly recommended the show, several other cast members were criticized.

 

Here are some of the negative consequences of good singing reviews. I’ll keep this personal. I share it with you so you can learn from my experience.

 

1. I might start believing the review. In other words, after reading this, have I “arrived”? Do I need to keep working?  Is there room for improvement in my performing and singing? If so, how do I keep improving and growing as a singer, actor and performer. As well as improving within this show?
2. What about all the others in my show who worked so hard to excel and be their very best? What about the other actors who spend hours upon hours in rehearsal learning the songs, dances and lines and putting out 110% to make the show great? What about our technical crews? Without them the performance would be impossible.  Might they feel slighted for getting no recognition?
3. How might others feel about me? Do they resent me? Do they think I think I’m “all that”?  How do I say anything to them that won’t come out sounding snooty.  “I think you’re great” starts feeling like I’m trying too hard. I don’t want to come across disingenuous.  
4. I felt awkward. I had a hard time staying focused and present for the first half of the show. And I bobbled my first line.
5. The experience took me “out of my game” for the first half of the show. I don’t think others noticed…I hope not at least. BUT I NOTICED AND I DIDN’T LIKE IT!!!

 

How do you deal with the negative consequences of good singing reviews?

 

First, I regained my focus by focusing in on my cast members on stage. In this particular case, we had children on stage. They were fully in the moment, feeling and expressing the pure joy of singing, dancing and the wonderful message of this show.  When I watched them, I forgot all about myself and the children and my fellow cast members brought me back to the present moment with their total commitment to their character and their story.  Actually, it was a humbling and emotional moment for me…and Scrooge.

 

Second, I focused on my belief that with any performance, if you’re lucky, 20% really love your voice and your performance, 20% feel good about it,

 

20% have no feeling about it either way,

 

20% are disappointed

 

and 20% wish they weren’t there.

 

The very finest singers, actors and performers have only a small segment of true fans. That’s reality. That’s life. On this night the reviewer was in the first 20% category.  He could have been wishing he wasn’t there.

 

Third, I can’t control others opinions of me. But I can express my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of sharing the stage with my cast, tech crew, and production team. I can learn everyone’s name and compliment them on their performances.

Fourth, maintain the perspective that there will always be things to work on. This reviewer didn’t know that I personally received over 114 notes for improvement from the director during the rehearsal process…not including personal one-on-one coaching to correct and improve my performance.

 

Fifth, I find motivation to improve by seeing how hard my fellow actors work. From the first day of rehearsals the dancers were working hard each evening learning their choreography. Frequently they came early to polish their numbers. Seeing their tremendous commitment and contribution to this show motivates me to give my very best every moment.  HOW I LOVE DANCERS!!!  This was true with all of our cast.

 

If we’re not careful, reviews, whether good or bad, can cause us to lose focus and hamper our ability to stay present and engaged. There’s nothing more thrilling than being “in the moment” on stage connecting with your cast and your audience. It’s what makes performing so wonderful…no matter the reviews.

 

 

If you liked this video, give it a thumbs up, subscribe and share it with a friend. Have you ever had a good or bad review? Let me know in the comment section below.

 

Be sure and join me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PowerToSing.

 

One way to improve your singing reviews is to discover your vocal type. Why? Your vocal type describes what you tend to do as you sing higher from chest to head voice.

 

Go to PowerToSing.com and take the vocal test, which I call the Power Test. Take the quiz and discover your vocal type. Then visit the Knowledge Center and watch the videos about your vocal type. Download the free exercises for your vocal type and start practicing them. They’ll help you improve rapidly.

 

I’m Chuck Gilmore with Power To Sing. You can sing higher with beauty, confidence and power. I’ll see you inside the next video.

Theater photos courtesy of Centerpoint Legacy Theater