Back in the Game

Every time I sit down to write a blog post I have two goals: 1) to write about something that those who read this may not know regarding the pursuit of a career in opera and 2) to offer some sort of advice from someone who has been on the “other side of the table” and has a unique perspective. I’ve struggled for the past few weeks regarding what topic I wanted to discuss, but as I negotiated my way around the thousands of runners hoping to finish the New York Marathon the other day, inspiration struck me and I have decided to blog about something that has been nagging at me for the past couple of years; my weight gain. I know that weight is a major issue in opera and I also know that there are many like me who have gotten “comfortable” and have seen their body go from fit and fine to a “little too svelte for comfort.”

When I got “back in the game,” I was certainly far more in love with going to the gym. As an arts administrator I was a firm believer in the “total package” and that every singer had to consider how their physical appearance affected their career. As things started to take off career-wise (and relationship wise), I found that I was going to the gym less and less as I settled into a routine that was filled with plenty of vocal exercises, but little of the physical. Cut to a recent production where I found myself wearing the same costumes I had worn about three years ago. I was able to get into the costume, but I was a bit uncomfortable and had to have alterations done. In addition to that I surrounded by colleagues who not only sang well, but were in great shape. No matter how I dressed it up, I felt like the chubby friend who was known for their “sparkling personality.”

I had ignored the fact that my jeans were a little “tight” and that fitted shirts that I used to be able to wear were “gaping open.” I wanted to believe that my weight gain was not that significant, but unfortunately no one told my scale. Upon a recent weigh-in, I was nearly shocked! How had I gained almost 30 lbs?! A recent photo proved my suspicions: I was “pleasantly plump.” In a world of barihunks and sexy sopranos, a singer has to have an honest assessment of how they look on stage. While watching those marathon runners I had an “aha” moment and am inspired to get back “in the game.”

We often see people who seem to “have it all” whether that is on television or in our own field of opera. But what we often forget is the amount of work they put into “having it all.” I now realize that each day is an opportunity for me to put in the work not only towards being a better singer, but towards making my physical self on par with my vocal self. I am in a business where what you look like is as important as what you sound like and in order to remain competitive I must put in the work and get “back in the game!” (Drops the microphone. But then quickly picks it up, places it back in the mic stand and heads to the practice room followed by the gym.)

Peace,

Eric