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Can you use a microphone while singing and dancing in an auditorium with terrible acoustics?

For my upcoming choir concert, a friend and I are singing and dancing to "Tango: Maureen" from the musical Rent. Our audition is in two days, and we might not use a microphone. The auditorium we will the performing in has terrible acoustics (you hear better in the back than right up the the front row. My questions are: 1. Should we use a microphone for this? And... 2. If we don't, how can we learn to project our voices in such a short time?

Public Comments

1. I would say it is better to use a mic together with a monitor, that is a speaker turned towards you and lets you hear what your voice sounds like (like they do in all concerts) hope it helps MW http://miketheblacksheep.wordpress.com/
2. It never ceases to amaze me how performance venues are designed for esthetics first and acoustics last. Oh well, I digress. Improving the projection of your voices is not something you're going to really learn in 2 days. Headset mics are the best solution (they stay in one place while you're dancing), but most facilities don't have them. So, hand held mics it is. If you haven't been practicing the routine with the intent of singing flat out, you'll likely have pitch problems. As far as the acoustics of the room, if the PA system is portable (that is, not permanently installed), make sure that the speakers are not pointing directly at a hard reflective surface. If you can get a monitor to fold your vocals (and backing track if your using one) back to you, so much the better. It will help you keep in time and in tune. Good luck to you. Greetings from Austin, TX Ken