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10 Purchases I Made as a Musical Theater Performer I Will Never Regret
- Kelsey Jordan Ward
- Jan 8
- 5 min read
Written by Kelsey Jordan Ward
Nebulizer
Personally, I have the brand VocalMist – which I have had for over 2 years now with no issues, the quality is solid. I notice a huge difference in the longevity of my voice when doing long running contracts and I am using this consistently. I use a room temperature saline solution that creates the mist, helping to hydrate my vocal cords. You can use any brand, but the customer service of VocalMist has been unmatched.
Vocal steamer
I have a MyPurmist Free, but I believe any steamer will work. I use this sparingly when I need it. This primarily is for inflammation so I only use it when I feel like my throat is a little sore. I also use it the night before an audition/show/etc so I can give my voice time to cool down. Again, you can use any brand, however I personally like the fact that mine is a wireless handheld device, so I can easy to pack it and take with me to auditions. If you only plan on using it at home, however, there are a ton of other options you could use.
Vocal Zone Lozenges
Keeping in theme with the vocal health supplies – I found these lozenges through MaryKate Morrissey, Broadway's current Elphaba, who posted about them on TikTok. I was a HUGE Grether’s Pastille’s loyalist until I found these and now I won’t go back. Fair warning: they taste AWFUL the first time you try them. I got used to them and don’t mind the flavor anymore, but if you are someone who is sensitive to taste, maybe take it slow at first. When MaryKate said she feels like she can sing anything after she has one, she really isn’t lying.
Neti Pot
I know I said only one more vocal health device, but this can also fit into general health as well. I have had the same Neti Pot since high school, and it has never led me astray. Especially during allergy season, it helps to keep my phonation clear without any extra pressure. Use this very sparingly. The salt in the saline solutions is meant to dry out your sinuses and it will start to hurt after a while if you use it too much. I also only use it with purified or boiled water for safety.
Belt Box
This has been a lifesaver for vocal warm ups – whether in NYC or other hotel rooms across the world. You never know how thin the walls will be, and who else will be near you while you’re warming up. Having the ability to sing full volume (without others hearing) is such a win. I even asked my roommate once if she could hear me in the room next to mine, and she said she never has.
ReadyFreddie Jumpsuit
This is not an ad and I am in no way, shape or form being paid to say this, but this is my favorite purchase of the year. I found them on TikTok over a year ago and have been holding out for them to restock for AGES. I bought the long yellow adult jumpsuit and I love it! It’s a perfect and cozy jumpsuit for performers to wear while getting ready – it even comes with a pocket for your mic! The sizing can be tricky for shorter girls, as the adult size is very long if you get the pants version. I ended up hemming mine about 1.5-2 inches because it was slightly too long for me, but that doesn’t change my opinion in the slightest.
iPad
I feel like such an iPad kid when I say this, but it’s true. Going digital has truly revolutionized the auditioning and rehearsal game for me. The apps I mostly use are ForScore (for storing my music and my book), GoodNotes (for any rehearsals for current projects) and ArrangeUs (for choreography formations). It feels like a big investment, but I bought mine in 2020, and it still works as well as it did when I bought it. I also have yet to run into any issues with an accompanist when I bring my iPad in. Most actually seem to prefer it, which is awesome.
Actor’s Access Membership
We all have a love hate relationship with these casting sites don’t we? However, once I got my media to a place where I felt confident in every video I had, I have found that my AA account has been the best thing for me to submit to theaters. I have used other casting sites in the past, and am still on multiple, but if I had to choose one to get above the rest – it would be AA. The caveat is that it costs $22/minute of material that you upload which, can add up quickly. However, something to note is that if you upload multiple clips at a time, it will count the cumulative amount of time and not each individual clip. My agent told me that I should aim for a clip to be 20-30 secs of my best material. Let them know you can sing/act/dance, and they will give you the material they need to see from you in the callback.
Dance classes and voice lessons
You never stop learning. You should always be finding ways to get better and to hone in your craft even as you start working professionally. My favorite place to take dance class is Broadway Dance Center. I plan to try Steps once I am back in NYC. Special shout out to Bryan Knowlton and Jason Wise, who are some of my favorite classes to take at BDC! As far as voice lessons go, find someone who gets YOU and your voice. Just because they work with people on Broadway doesn’t mean they are the best fit for you.
Post audition treats
Let’s be honest. This industry is hard. I’ve flown to other countries for callbacks this year with no guarantee that it would be worth it. Sometimes, you did all you could, and you just weren’t what they were looking for. Inspired by theatre Tiktok's Cara Rose DiPietro, I give myself a little treat for just doing the damn thing. Get the latte, the cookie, that cute little mug you have been eying for weeks. It doesn’t have to be a big thing and it doesn’t have to be every day! Those of us who feel like we are always in auditions know that it can add up quickly, but find something to reward yourself for continuing to chase your dreams every single day. You’ve earned it.
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