Should I cancel my performance?

One of the trickiest questions a singer has to answer at any stage of their career is "should I cancel my performance"? After all, the show must go on, right? The reasons for considering canceling a show can range from unexpected medical news, sudden illness, accident, distressing news of any kind, to mental health challenges.

There is no one right answer for this one. I will do my best to give you things to consider, so you can make the best decision for you. SOLO PERFORMANCE OR ENSEMBLE? First, is this a solo performance, or are you part of an ensemble?

A solo performance is a bit easier to cancel and reschedule. The smaller the venue, the easier it is. The larger the production and the more people are involved, the harder it is. You likely will incur fees for refunding any sold tickets, covering your accompanists/orchestras time, and the performance space. Read here about Adele canceling her Las Vegas Residency.

ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE If you're considering canceling an ensemble performance, it depends on if you are double cast or if you have an understudy.

If the other cast can trade off nights with you, great. That said, you might be hesitant to let the understudy have any time on stage, because if they are quite good, you provide an opportunity for that understudy to be noticed, which could lead to you being replaced and passed over in the future. Great stars have been discovered this way. One of my favorite current singers, Sutton Foster, got her break as the understudy of Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie. (More examples of understudies who went on to become famous.)

The hard reality of this business is that anyone can be  quickly and easily replaced because the number of capable singers far exceeds the paid opportunities to perform.

It is quite risky as an unknown singer to cancel a performance, because it could lead to a reputation as an unreliable collaborator.

The question "should I cancel" is perhaps not the right one to ask. It might be wiser to ask "what reputation do I want to cultivate?" Assess the risks: are you likely to faint on stage or throw up? It is perhaps best to cancel. Is your voice compromised? You could do more damage performing than canceling. Have you booked a performance and now find yourself pregnant? Work that to your advantage with the director, and transform it into a clever staging, and end up on the front page of the NYtimes.

In the end, you as the artist are responsible for the "product" you put out.

Realize that even if the conductor, your colleagues, coaches or director bully and guilt-trip you into performing when you are not well, you are the one who will be held accountable for not taking responsibility for your performance. If it goes badly the only thing that will make it even worse, is trying to justify your decision to sing by blaming others, however unfair it is for them to bully you into performing.

If you have to cancel, is all lost? I personally think that learning to overcome setbacks is part of the singer profession (and really any profession). Here is a set of three beliefs I find useful. 1. Everything happens for a reason and is perfect for your learning and growth

If you were sick, take inspiration from this and prioritize your physical health. Clean up your diet, upgrade your exercise regime and pro-active self-care. A strong immune system is your best defense against cancelations. If it was mental health issues, seek appropriate help whether it be a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, family support, a life coach...whatever it takes.

If nerves got the better of you, work with a performance coach. If you had vocal challenges make sure you check your vocal technique with a trusted professional. 2. What goes around comes around Did your understudy go on to enjoy a triumphant success? Rejoice with them. Be generous and kind with your colleagues. Jealousy and fear are counterproductive to happiness. The way you handle adversity does not go unnoticed by your colleagues. Word will get around. Good will come your way if you send out good to others. The universe is abundant. Be open to it coming in different forms.

3. Be intentional about your reputation

The way you show up as a person and as a singer matters. The singer world is a small one. So be on time for every rehearsal. Be prepared knowing your lines, your music, having done your character work. Be respectful and kind to everyone you meet. Take responsibility for your boundaries and standards. Don't trash talk anyone or anything in front of others, including previous productions. If you must vent do so to a trusted listening ear, like a family member, friend, or your vocal coach/teacher. This belief is not about worrying about what others think of you. We have very little control over the narrative and opinions of others, especially the press. This is about showing up the way you want to show up and controlling what you can control. In the end, you answer to yourself. You have to be able to say: I gave it my very best.