Being a Good Colleague

by David Daniels

When I sat down to write this post, I quickly realized it could turn into a novella—or maybe even a Netflix limited series. So I’ll keep it focused and speak on two things that meant the most to me throughout my career: preparation and personal respect.

🎭 Do Your Homework (Yes, All of It)

Let me tell you something that never goes out of style: showing up prepared.

When you walk into that first day of rehearsal knowing your role—inside and out—you instantly earn the trust of the conductor, the director, the music staff, and your fellow singers. You’re not just another cast member—you’re someone they can count on.

Early in my career, I had the luxury of time between gigs. That meant I could dive deep into each role, and I became known for being exceptionally prepared. Later on, as my schedule filled up and I sometimes sang two roles at once, I occasionally found myself playing catch-up. And believe me—playing catch-up never feels good.

Worse still? Arriving late to rehearsal because of a previous contract. I hated it. I always felt like I had missed the bonding—the energy—the “family” vibe that forms early in the process. While conflicts like that are sometimes unavoidable, if I had the chance to go back, I’d choose fewer overlapping commitments. Because being fully present from day one makes a world of difference.

🤝 Respect the Person, Not Just the Performer

Now let’s talk about something just as important: personal respect—both verbal and physical.

When I was coming up, we didn’t have intimacy coaches. If a scene had sexual tension or physical closeness, we trusted each other to communicate and handle it with care. Most of the time, that worked beautifully. It was built on mutual understanding and—let’s be honest—a little bit of common sense.

But live theater is unpredictable. I’ll never forget the three different sopranos (yes, three!) who, in the heat of the same dramatic scene, “accidentally” slipped a little tongue. Same opera, same aria, every time. Wild, right?

Did I enjoy it? Not really. But I chose to move on and keep the focus on the bigger picture.

That said, let me tell you a moment when I messed up. One night before curtain, as we gathered to sing the opening chorus, I playfully smacked a colleague on the backside. It was thoughtless. I knew immediately it was wrong. I pulled her aside, apologized sincerely, and told her I couldn’t perform unless we addressed it. Thankfully, she accepted my apology and we had a great show.

Owning your mistakes—and making them right—is a vital part of being a good colleague. Accountability is everything.

💬 Compliment Your Colleagues

This one's easy: Be generous with praise.

A kind word goes a long way in this business. “You sounded incredible tonight.” “I loved what you brought to that scene.” “You nailed it.” It takes 10 seconds to say—but it can mean everything to the person receiving it.

We work in a high-stakes, vulnerable, often isolating field. Be the person who lifts others up. It doesn’t cost a thing—and trust me, it fills your own cup too.

😂 Don’t Forget to Laugh

Last but not least—have a sense of humor.

Some of the best artists I’ve ever worked with knew how to laugh at themselves. This job is too hard, too emotional, and too all-consuming to take yourself seriously all the time. You’ll last longer, love harder, and breathe easier if you allow yourself to enjoy the ride.

🎶 Final Note

Being a good colleague isn’t just about professionalism—it’s about humanity. Come prepared. Be respectful. Be kind. And never forget to laugh.

Thanks for reading.

With love,

David Daniels

Founder, Daniels Voice Studio

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