My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Student Blog: Returning to Live Performance

As live performance returns to the stage so does that nervous feeling. However, maybe we need a little suspense.

Student Blog: Returning to Live Performance Image

Diners clang their glasses and devour their plates of food. Waiters weave through the crowds of people to take orders quickly. A stage sits at the front of the room, a woman tests the mic at the front. The show is about to begin.

This year I participated in an end-of-the-year final concert for my vocal teacher. The performance took place at the HardRock cafe in Pittsburgh where I sang a few musical theater pieces. Live performance returns once again and so do the on-stage jitters.

It's important to note that my first show at university was a Zoom performance play including a full set of audio equipment, a greenscreen, and computer recordings. These items were sent to me in the mail as my Spring semester was fully online.

There's a different element to live performance compared to recorded. As I await my set, I'm aware of the diners eating their meals. I'm aware that I'll have to adjust the mic stand because I'm short. I'm aware that my voice feels a little dry. I'm aware of everything that could possibly go wrong.

When everything went online there was a little relief to the fact that I could record things, but there was the fear of rewatching my recording and criticizing every mistake I made. Now, I recognize how much I missed that live performance feeling. The feeling that I don't know what will happen is kind of exhilarating, it raises the stakes. I missed the jitters.

Because when all is said and done, I like not knowing what will happen. I like suspense. I missed the live performance.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Orchestrations - Top 3
1. Ethan Popp, The Rescues - The Lost Boys
24.5% of votes
2. Anders Eljas, Brian Usifer - Chess
12.9% of votes
3. William David Brohn - Ragtime
12.7% of votes

Need more Pittsburgh Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


MTV Unplugged Tribute Band at Sherman Showcase On July 11, 2026 in Pittsburgh MTV Unplugged Tribute Band at Sherman Showcase On July 11, 2026
Sherman Showcase (7/11-7/11)
Eaglemania: The Worlds Greatest Eagles Tribute Band in Pittsburgh Eaglemania: The Worlds Greatest Eagles Tribute Band
The Lamp Theatre (6/13-6/13)
Pet Sounds Live! The Music of The Beach Boys in Pittsburgh Pet Sounds Live! The Music of The Beach Boys
The Lamp Theatre (6/06-6/06)
Rainbow Kitten Surprise  in Pittsburgh Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Stage AE (9/23-9/23)
MTV Unplugged Tribute Band returns to Jergel's Rhythm Grille On July 16, 2026 in Pittsburgh MTV Unplugged Tribute Band returns to Jergel's Rhythm Grille On July 16, 2026
Jergel's Rhythm Grille (7/16-7/16)
Mullett: 80's Hair Band Tribute in Pittsburgh Mullett: 80's Hair Band Tribute
The Lamp Theatre (6/20-6/20)
Fleetwood Blues Festival of Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh Fleetwood Blues Festival of Pennsylvania
Evergreen German Club (8/23-8/23)
ROCK THE LAMP-A Party to Benefit The Lamp Theatre in Pittsburgh ROCK THE LAMP-A Party to Benefit The Lamp Theatre
The Lamp Theatre (5/29-5/29)
Destination Soultown with the Sensational Soul Cruisers in Pittsburgh Destination Soultown with the Sensational Soul Cruisers
The Lamp Theatre (6/12-6/12)
Kanin Wren's Taylor Swift Experience at The Lamp Theatre in Pittsburgh Kanin Wren's Taylor Swift Experience at The Lamp Theatre
The Lamp Theatre (7/11-7/11)