How can I maintain vocal quality during a play?

Question:In about 4 weeks, I will be starring in my second ever play - needless to say, I'm no expert in theatre, however, I would like to know something about maintaining my vocal quality on stage not only throughout the play, but for several performances.
The play is about 2 and a half hours long, and as the lead character, I am in nearly every scene; as such, I can't really rest much between appearances.
For my performance, I do alter my voice a bit (which the director seems to love) and while I can go for extended scenes and maintain this voice, after doing several in a row, my throat starts to hurt and become scratchy. Drinking water helps some, but there are times when I am on stage so much that a swig of water is only going to get me so far. Any recommendations on ways to keep my voice quality over not only several scenes but repeated performances? Practice? Drink tea with honey? I still have quite a bit of time to try some stuff out...

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: In about 4 weeks, I will be starring in my second ever play - needless to say, I'm no expert in theatre, however, I would like to know something about maintaining my vocal quality on stage not only throughout the play, but for several performances.
The play is about 2 and a half hours long, and as the lead character, I am in nearly every scene; as such, I can't really rest much between appearances.
For my performance, I do alter my voice a bit (which the director seems to love) and while I can go for extended scenes and maintain this voice, after doing several in a row, my throat starts to hurt and become scratchy. Drinking water helps some, but there are times when I am on stage so much that a swig of water is only going to get me so far. Any recommendations on ways to keep my voice quality over not only several scenes but repeated performances? Practice? Drink tea with honey? I still have quite a bit of time to try some stuff out...

i'm a director, so here are my two cents worth.

if i had an actor who's voice was getting tired because they were altering their voice i would be somewhat concerned. but, trusting your director knows you best, some hints.

hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. before during and after rehearsals and performances. keep in mind your voice is somewhat like a muscle and will grow stronger in time if your technique is right. if you're not sure your treating your voice correctly find a voice teacher to help even if it's just speaking.

never push it if you start to hurt, and talk to your director about 'marking' your part when your voice has had enough. especially mark through stuff during long rehearsals as you get into the final stages of the process.

other than water, you have to find your own secret recipe for what keeps you hydrated. i can drink milk, smoke cigs, eat chocolate and be fine. if i suck on a lemon or eat a mint it messes with my voice...go figure. it's a personal thing and find out what works for you. did i mention water and most of us go around under-hydrated all the time anyway?

oh by the way, stay hydrated, with water :-)

break-a-leg!!

Apple juice, cough drops, HYDRATION IS KEY!

If you're hurting your throat, you're doing something wrong. Probably placing the character voice too high and up in the top of your throat. It's not that you need a fix for when you have worn out your throat, it's that you need to not wear out your throat.

Some people's throats are tougher than others, but -

If the sound is properly produced, you should have no problem doing it for a few hours. Remember, that professionals have to do that eight times a week and sometimes twice a day. You can probably find some websites about vocal production and get some tips on character voices online. Also, you might find some good info in acting textbooks in your local library.

Breathing correctly. It really is that simple, and critical.

Can you get in a lesson or two with a voice teacher? In addition to breathing and hydrating, you also must make sure that your voice is properly supported, so that like in singing when you change registers or go up or down, you can do it in a healthy way that shouldn't make your voice tired (think of opera singers).
Also, make sure that your voice is warmed up properly before you start. There are a bunch of exercises you can do.
It's hard to describe all this on a board, I would recommend either asking your director for suggestions or checking out the theatre department of your local college to see if there are any voice teachers. There are also lots of books out there, look for ones on singing, much of the technique can be applied to speaking as well.

Oh and from now until your show closes, when you're not on stage, be sure to go easy on your voice. Don't yell at all or make any shrill noises. Try not to overuse it too much and give yourself some vocal rest between performances. Also, get some "throat coat" tea at the supermarket. Many singers use this before shows, it can help.

Good luck!