Frigid winter weather, germs abound, and someone decided THIS is audition season?! 

Whether you’re a high school senior heading into college auditions or a professional preparing for a busy season of tapes and callbacks, this conversation is packed with practical, real-world vocal health strategies you can use any time your voice is under pressure. 

Aspire Program Director Julie Kavanagh sits down with BVC co-founder Chelsea Wilson to talk nerves, stamina, sickness, travel, warmups, and how to sing well even when conditions aren’t ideal.

You’ll hear us dive into:

• How nerves physically affect your voice—and tools to manage them
• Building vocal stamina in the weeks leading up to auditions
• What to pack in your vocal health kit 
• How to warm up on long or early travel days
• What to do when you wake up congested or “not at your best”

Plus: Chelsea’s go-to grounding ritual, myths to ignore, and the mindset shift that helps singers perform with confidence—even on a 60% voice day.

Julie hosts more college audition-related conversations over on the NEW Aspire Youtube Channel! Support the show by hitting subscribe!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Vocal Health for College MT Auditions: Staying Strong in Not-So-Ideal ConditionsChelsea Wilson Vocal Studio Warm-Up Series - A set of 10-minute warmups for mix, legit, and belt—perfect for audition days. On sale thru Dec 31st.

FREE 10-Minute Mix Voice Mini-Lesson  - Chelsea’s guided warmup to help you activate your mix before auditions.

SOVT / Straw Work Resources - Listen to episode 54 the BVC Podcast for a deep dive! Use code "CHELSEA10" to get 10% off your Singing / Straw order: http://lddy.no/qfc8

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass

5 ways to work with us:

• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

Is clearing my throat bad for my voice? Will dairy make my voice crack? Is belting going to give me nodes? If you’re a singer I’m sure you’ve heard some of these before and wonder, is there any truth to that? In today's replay episode (one of our most popular ever!) we’re dispelling vocal health myths and sharing what voice care practices actually makes a difference in your voice and your overall wellness. 

If today’s episode reminded you how much your voice matters, come get real support inside BVC Masterclass. Join us monthly to build healthier habits, stronger technique, and a voice you can rely on.

Chelsea's Warm-Up Series: use code "BVC20" and save 20% on everything.

Video: Vocal Cord Swelling Checks - A Simple Way to Detect the Early Signs of Vocal Injury

Sarah K Brown @VocalHealthSKB: Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and Singing Teacher with science-based singing and vocal health tips

Elle Nichelle @VocaLabAU: SLP and Singing Teacher. Prevention > Treatment! 

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass

5 ways to work with us:

• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

What if the life you’re living right now… is the one you used to dream about?

Today we're taking a brief step away from vocal technique and auditions to talk about something equally essential for performers: gratitude, perspective, and the surprising power of taking stock of what’s already good.

Whether you're prepping for holiday travel, a weekend of shows, or finally taking a breath before the winter rush, this episode is your gentle reminder that you’re doing better than you think.

In this episode, we unpack:

• The Reverse To-Do List: Why looking back at what you have done matters more than obsessing about what’s next.
• Gratitude as a Creative Tool: How noticing tiny joys can motivate you through the hardest stretches of a performing career.
• The Gift of Aging (Really!): What getting older teaches us about joy, wrinkles, and perspective.
• Life Seasons & Artistic Seasons: You can’t do everything at once, and why that’s okay.
• Why You Keep Raising the Bar: The human tendency to move goal posts…and how to reclaim awe for what you already have.

If you’re craving a mindset reset before the holidays and want to feel more grounded, grateful, and present in your creative life, this one’s for you. ❤️

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass

5 ways to work with us:

• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

What does it really take to perform one of the most iconic soprano roles in theatre history? (Hint: it’s more than high notes and pretty gowns!)

In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Haile Ferrier and Francesca Mehrotra, two of the six extraordinary women starring as Christine in Masquerade, the new off-Broadway immersive Phantom of the Opera experience directed by Diane Paulus.

They open up about:

• What it’s like to share one of musical theatre’s most iconic soprano roles with five other women.
• The vocal stamina and ritual it takes to perform this demanding score night after night.
• The power of representation — and what it means to see a new generation of Christines take the stage.
• The “Christine Sisterhood” that’s formed behind the scenes, and how collaboration fuels creativity.

Whether you’re a singer, a Phantom phan, or an artist hoping for longevity in a demanding career, this conversation is a masterclass in grace, grit, and vocal artistry.

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass

5 ways to work with us:

• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

What does "you sound too musical theatre" actually mean?? (Hint: it’s rarely just about your voice) Today we're giving you clear, actionable tools to bridge the stylistic gap between Broadway polish and pop/rock authenticity.

In this episode, we unpack:

• The most common “too musical theatre” habits—and how to fix them.
• Why “vocal color” is your new best friend: from Billie Eilish breathiness to Whitney Houston wails.
• How rhythm, vibrato, and vowel choices shape your stylistic credibility.
• Acting differences between musical theatre storytelling and pop/rock performance.
• Cynthia’s hot take: why imitation might just be the fastest way to expand your color palette.

Whether you’re auditioning for Moulin Rouge, Come From Away, or a 54 Below concert, this conversation will help you understand context, make smarter vocal choices, and finally feel confident crossing over into pop/rock.

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass

5 ways to work with us:

• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

At just 23, Elizabeth Teeter has already built a career most performers dream of—starring as Lydia in Beetlejuice on Broadway, Heather McNamara in Heathers Off-Broadway, and sharing the stage with legends like Helen Mirren and Saoirse Ronan. But behind all that success is a young artist who’s learned the importance of boundaries, self-care, and staying grounded in the work.

In this conversation, Chelsea and Elizabeth talk about:

• Growing up in the industry and learning from theatre greats
• How to protect your joy and your voice eight shows a week
• The realities of balancing work, school, and creative life
• The power of art and connection in hard times
• Why you don’t have to be perfect to start creating again

Elizabeth also shares her creative process as a songwriter—her debut album Out There is available to stream now—and what’s next for her on stage and beyond.

✨ Follow Elizabeth on Instagram @elizabethteeterofficial

🎧 New Single "Do You Like Me?" dropping October 24th

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass

5 ways to work with us:

• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

“At a certain level, everyone can sing that note. So now casting is saying: who are you?” – Adam Wachter

How do you actually build a musical theatre audition book that works? What songs belong in it—and which ones can you finally stop worrying about?

Chelsea and Cynthia sit down with Titanique music director, composer, and author Adam Wachter to talk about his new book Your Rep Book: How to Find, Choose, and Prepare Successful Audition Songs.

You’ll hear Adam share:

🎭 How your audition book evolves through different career stages—from college to Broadway
 🎶 What makes a song “high quality” (and what doesn’t)
 🙅‍♀️ Why “overdone” songs aren’t the problem you think they are
 🧠 The difference between jukebox musicals and story-driven pop/rock shows—and how that changes what you sing
 💡 Practical tips for choosing, cutting, and preparing songs that show who you are

Whether you’re auditioning for college, regional theatre, or Broadway, this conversation is full of concrete, encouraging advice to make your audition prep a little less stressful—and a lot more personal.

🎧 Your Rep Book is available wherever books are sold, with the audiobook (featuring Adam at the piano!) coming soon.

📚 Connect with Adam:
Instagram @zebraadam
Website adamwachter.com

👉 Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of the Broadway Vocal Coach Podcast—and share this one with a friend who’s revamping their audition book!

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass

5 ways to work with us:

• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

Back in 2022, we first asked the question: Is a BFA in Musical Theatre worth it? Three years later, it’s still the conversation on every aspiring performer’s (and parent’s) mind.

In today’s bonus episode, Chelsea sits down with Julie Kavanagh—performer, choreographer, and Program Director for Broadway Vocal Coach’s College Prep Program — BVC Aspire. A proud graduate of CCM (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music), Julie shares both personal experience and professional perspective on whether a BFA is still worth it in 2025.

You’ll hear us talk about:

• What a BFA in Musical Theatre can give you beyond training.
• Why alumni networks and industry connections may matter as much as technique.
• How to weigh student loan debt against long-term career sustainability.
• When a BFA might not be the right choice—and smart alternatives to consider.
• The one piece of advice Julie would give her 18-year-old self about choosing a program.

Whether you’re a student dreaming of Broadway or a parent weighing the investment, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and practical guidance for making one of the biggest decisions in a young artist’s journey.

⭐️ High School Juniors: Looking for guidance for your college auditions? Join us for a FREE Musical Theatre College Audition Q&A!

📆 Monday, October 20th 8pm ET
📍 Zoom (replay available)
📋 Register: bwayvocalcoach.com/college

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass

5 ways to work with us:

• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

“The most useful thing you can do on social media is show who the heck you really are.” – Kate Lumpkin

What do casting directors really notice—in the audition room and online? Chelsea and Cynthia sit down with casting director Kate Lumpkin for an inside look at how performers can stand out without faking it.

You’ll hear Kate share:

• How authentic social media posts can actually help get in the room—and book the job
• What makes a performer’s online presence useful (vs. distracting)
• Why ECCs and EPAs still matter—and yes, actors do get hired from them
• How to reframe “failure” as a pivot in your bigger artistic journey

Whether you’re just breaking into the business or trying to get more consistent callbacks, this episode is packed with practical insights that will help you feel less mystified by the casting process. 

📸 Connect with Kate on Insta

👉 Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of the Broadway Vocal Coach Podcast—and share this one with a friend who’s getting ready for auditions!

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass

5 ways to work with us:

• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

Mix voice might be the most misunderstood topic in all of singing. Is it a style? A register? A magic “secret” only some people can do?

In this episode, Chelsea and Cynthia bust FOUR of the biggest mix voice myths and share what it really means to sing in a healthy mixed voice. You’ll hear:

• Why there isn’t just one “right” way to mix
• The difference between mix vs belt (and why both matter)
• What to expect when you’re learning a new vocal coordination (hint: “weird” doesn’t mean “wrong”)
• How social media and studio recordings can warp our expectations of what our voices should sound like

By the end, you’ll see that mix voice technique isn’t mysterious—it’s learnable, it’s for everyone, and it’s the key to singing with freedom and balance across your whole range!

🎧 Tune in, myth-bust with us, and start building a mix that feels like your voice.

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass

5 ways to work with us:

• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter