Facials!!!!

Facials:
      A show choir may have the most precise choreography, the most dynamic vocals, the most appealing costumes, and the most wonderful song set, but, if the performer's faces look like the walking dead, well, in this case, the singing and dancing dead, the group may as well forfeit the competition. A performer cannot, under any circumstance, look like a zombie facially even if every other aspect of the performance is flawless.  The audience will notice sharp choreography and tight harmonies, but what they naturally look at are faces, and facials are what draws them in. Facials bridge the gap between the stage and the audience. They are the communication tool that makes the audience a part of the show. By using facials, a performer shifts from a one sided show to expressing a conversation with the audience. Facials are NOT an option in a successful show choir. Facials are a requirement.
      There are a few crucial keys to effective facials:

1.   Eyebrows: As crazed as it may seem, performers need to lift and shift their eyebrows in order to have effective facials. This allows light to reflect off of the eye, instead of creating shadows. 
2. Over Articulate: Over articulation creates more than understandable lyrics, but it also makes a performer look more engaged in the message or story they are singing/saying. 
3. Change Character: To keep the audience interested, try to create distinctively different characters for each song in the show. Be alluring, then spunky, then have an attitude, then be tender, but do not be stagnant. This prevents the overly used, fake, cheesy grin from taking over. 
4. Believe: You MUST believe in what you are singing about, even if it is only make-believe. If you are not convinced that every word you are saying is the most important message for the audience to hear at that point in time, then the audience won't be convinced either. 

       Basically, if every face of every show choir member does not look completely ridiculous up close, they are not doing it right. The best performers know how to make an audience captivated by their expression. This is why showmanship winners are chosen for each group at competitions based on THEIR FACIALS. Facials bring meaning and energy to show choirs. Without them, show choir would just being singing groups who dance, but there would be no show.