Breathing techniques and exercises are essential for voice training, especially in musical theatres. For hundreds of years, actors and performers consistently learn to control their breathing while performing on stage. Why? Because how you breathe determines your singing range, volume, and focus to a greater extent.

Preparing your body for the challenges of an intense rehearsal or performance can seem overwhelming at first. Creating and practicing new movements, remembering lines, hitting high notes, and tackling complex choreography are all part of the job. But did you know what is the first sign of nervousness in musical theatre performing? It is rapid breathing that eventually leads to a shaking voice.

The good news is that incorporating breathing techniques into your daily practice can boost your stamina, focus, and confidence. Practicing breathing exercises can help you calm down amid the stress and anxiety of performing on stage. It makes you feel more centered, relaxed, and grounded; you release tension more easily and deliver better performance!

So, consider incorporating breathing techniques into your practice to improve your musical theatre performance. Read on for some tried and tested breathing exercises that can calm your nerves and increase your focus.

Breathing Technique 1: Let It All Out

Breathing practice in music class can boost your stamina, focus, and confidence.

This breathing method in musical theatre mainly focuses on your diaphragm. It controls your breathing and improves your overall standing posture. Here is how you can practice it:

Lie down straight on your back in a comfortable place.
Bend your knees while keeping your feet and back on the ground. Also, keep your hands resting above your head.
Open your mouth and breathe all the air out of your lungs.
Then, slowly relax your muscles and breathe in the air until your stomach is deflated and your lower back is pressed to the ground.
Repeat the process 3 to 4 times until you feel fresh and relaxed. After you are done, make sure not to stand up immediately - do it slowly to avoid dizziness.
Practice this technique at least four days a week.

Breathing Technique 2: Feel The Air

Instead of forceful inhaling and exhaling, this technique allows the air to naturally and slowly enter your lungs and relax you from within. Here is how you can practice this exercise:

Find a comfortable place and sit up straight with your legs crossed.
Place your hands on your knees like you are sitting in a yoga position.
Keep your mouth slightly open for the air to pass in naturally.
Instead of forcefully inhaling and exhaling, feel the natural air passing through your mouth into your lungs.
Then, imagine the air exhilarating from your mouth again.
Take a 5 seconds rest before letting the next set of air pass. Remember, the key here is not to force the air but to feel it.
Keep practicing the technique for 3 minutes. It is a good idea to perform this exercise every day.

Breathing Technique 3: Square Breathing

This technique helps calm your nerves and increase control over your breathing. You can perform it even when you are backstage waiting for your turn. Here're the steps for this musical theatre breathing exercise:

Find a comfortable and relaxed place.
Sit or lie down.
Start breathing in for four seconds. Then, pause and hold your breath for the next four seconds.
When you are done, exhale at a count of four seconds again.
Give yourself a break of four seconds, and then keep repeating the cycle until you feel relaxed and calm.

Breathing Technique 4: Driga Pranayama

Driga Pranayama boosts positivity and optimism during performance.

Driga Pranayama is a yogic breathing exercise comprising two sets known for improving theatrical performances. Musicians and artists have been performing this exercise for hundreds of years now. It helps boost optimism and positivity. Here is how you can practice it:

Find a relaxing atmosphere, preferably outdoor, and stand straight.
Place your hands on your torso's sides, near your ribs. Then, breathe deeply while expanding your torso and ribs. Exhale and repeat the process three times.
After the first set, place your hands above your chest, near the collarbones. Then, start breathing and see your shoulders and torso expanding. Exhale and repeat the process three to five times.
After completing both sets, you will feel the tension and stress released from your body. Eventually, you will feel more relaxed, positive, and optimistic.

Breathing Technique 5: Breath With The Candle

All you need is a candle and a calm atmosphere with no distraction for this musical theatre breathing exercise. Here's how to practice it:

Stand or sit down in a comfortable room with dim lights.
Light a candle and place it right in front of your face. You can even use your hands to hold the candle.
Ensure your stomach is in a 'full feeling' position - not the tuck-in one.
Inhale a deep breath that expands your lower stomach. Then, slowly exhale on the candle's flame, ensuring it flickers but not blows. Make sure not to tuck your tummy while exhaling.
Try to make the 'hiss' sound from your mouth while inhaling and exhaling.
Repeat the cycle at least five times, and perform this exercise four times a week.

Breathing Technique 6: Modified Lion's Breath

This breathing method in musical theatre helps remove all the stress from your mind and body, allowing you to perform like a lion! You can practice this technique even a few minutes before your performance. Here're the steps:

Stand or sit in a comfortable and relaxed position.
Close your eyes and imagine yourself as a lion.
Open your mouth and let all the air out from your body.
Then, breathe in through your nose until you can't anymore.
Open your mouth again and let all the air out with a "HA" sound.
Keep repeating the cycle until you feel fully relaxed and calm.

It's no secret that breathing techniques are extremely important for performers in musical theatre. Not only onstage, but breathing exercises also help artists stay composed and calm offstage. So, what are you waiting for? Try out the techniques mentioned above and control your breathing like a PRO!

Or if you're looking for a music class in Winchester or Acton, MA, Stage Music Center has you covered. We provide voice and instrument lessons for people of all ages.

Breathing Techniques in Musical Theatre: 6 Breathing Exercises to Improve Your Performance