How Do Singers Deal with Runny Noses While Performing Onstage?
When performing on a stage, especially in front of an audience, any physical discomfort can significantly impact the quality of the performance. Runny noses, a common ailment, can pose a significant challenge to singers. Yet, with a range of strategies, seasoned performers often manage to ensure their performances remain unaffected. However, the first and most crucial advice is to be well and fit for the show. If you are unwell, it may not only affect your performance but can also spread illness to other performers, potentially canceling the show for an extended duration. That's when understudies come into play.

One such instance is when the author, performing as Josephine in “Pinafore,” had a terrible cold. Despite this, the performance's demands were immense, including a series of songs ranging from delicate and intimate to high-energy and vigorous performances. The author utilized several tissue packs hidden inside a lacy handkerchief. During the performance, at a critical moment when the high C was required, the author turned their back to the audience and sneezed to alleviate the congestion. Despite this moment, the performance continued, and the high C was successfully delivered.

Cold and Performance Traditions

The history of opera is dotted with tales of performers grappling with minor physical ailments. One of these is the tradition associated with the tenure of tenor Francesco Tamagno, who performed in Verdi's operatic version of Shakespeare’s "Othello." In a specific scene where the character must cross the stage from the back to the front multiple times, it was observed that Tamagno found it necessary to spit on the floor to clear his nose. However, this act was deemed inappropriate and eventually stopped from being part of the performance, reflecting the evolution of performance ethics over time.

While these historical anecdotes provide insights into how performers handled small inconveniences, more contemporary measures have been adopted. For instance, singers frequently take a variety of cold medicines to prevent and manage symptoms. Vick’s Formula 44, a popular daytime formula, is one common choice. These medications can help alleviate runny noses, congestion, and other symptoms, allowing performers to maintain their singing quality and mood throughout the performance.

Conclusion

Managing a runny nose during a public performance is a challenge every singer faces. Whether it's through old-school methods like Tamagno's or modern strategies like singers today, the core principle remains the same: stay well and be prepared. Utilizing cold medicines can be a valuable tool, but the best practice is to stay healthy and manage the underlying causes of colds and other illnesses to avoid such situations.