Open mics are an incredible opportunity to showcase your talent, build confidence, and connect with other musicians. Whether you’re stepping onto the stage for the first time or you’re a seasoned performer looking to refine your craft, here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your open mic experience.

For Beginners: Getting Comfortable on Stage

Choose the Right Song
Pick a song that suits your vocal range and showcases your strengths. Avoid songs that are too difficult or ones you’re not fully comfortable with. Confidence is key!

Prepare, but Stay Flexible
Rehearse thoroughly, but be ready for unexpected situations, like a different microphone setup or a live instrumentalist accompanying you. Stay adaptable and go with the flow.

Arrive Early & Scope the Space
Get to the venue early to sign up, meet the host, and get a feel for the room. Watching other performers can help you understand the vibe of the audience and adjust your approach accordingly.

Engage with the Audience
Even if you’re nervous, make eye contact, smile, and acknowledge the crowd. People connect with performers who invite them into the experience.

Breathe & Manage Nerves
Stage fright is completely normal! Take deep breaths, do a grounding exercise, or shake out nervous energy before stepping on stage. Remember, the audience is on your side—they want you to succeed!

Be Honest!
Feeling nervous at your first open mic is totally normal. You don’t have to pretend otherwise! Letting the audience know it’s your first time or that you’re feeling a little shaky can actually help build a connection with them.

Keep It Simple
If you’re new to performing live, don’t overcomplicate things. Focus on delivering a heartfelt performance rather than pushing yourself into something overly complex. Confidence will come with time!

For Advanced Artists: Leveling Up Your Performance

Experiment with Different Songs & Styles
Use open mics as a testing ground for new material. Try different arrangements or explore a new genre and see how the audience responds. This can help refine your setlist for future gigs.

Work the Stage Like a Pro
Move with intention. Use hand gestures, step forward during key moments, or interact with the audience. A dynamic stage presence can elevate your performance.

Engage in Storytelling
A short and engaging introduction before your song can help create a deeper connection with the audience. Whether it’s the inspiration behind your lyrics or a personal anecdote, storytelling makes your performance more memorable.

Network with Other Artists
Having an open mic is about more than just performing. It’s also about creating a sense of community. Stay after your set, support other artists, and connect with fellow musicians, potential collaborators, and industry professionals.

Challenge Yourself with New Environments
Different venues have different vibes. A coffee shop open mic might require an intimate, acoustic set, while a bar setting may call for higher energy. Performing in a variety of settings will sharpen your ability to adapt.

Record & Review Your Performance
Take a video or audio recording of your set so you can analyze it later. Note what worked, what didn’t, and where you can improve. Over time, this practice will help refine your stage presence and delivery.

Where to Find Great Open Mics in the Community

Looking for places to perform regularly? Here are some of our favourite open mics in Toronto:

Monday: The Tranzac Club or The Painted Lady
Tuesday: Handlebar or Free Times Cafe
Wednesday: Thai Mango
Thursday: Old Flame Brewery (By City Love Open Mic)
Friday: The Greenwood (By East End Weekend Open Mic)
Saturday: Saulter Street Brewery (By EEWOM) or The Singer’s Playground Open Mic
Sunday: Film Cafe

The Singer’s Playground Open Mic – What Sets Us Apart?

We always encourage our clients to explore different open mics, but what makes ours unique?

✨ The Singer’s Playground Open Mic is Toronto’s FIRST-EVER coached open mic! ✨

We wanted to create a space where performers can share their music in a supportive environment while receiving real-time feedback from industry professionals.

Here’s how it works: After each performance, our two coaches, Micah Barnes and Cameron Tania, provide a brief one-minute review highlighting your strengths and offering constructive feedback. This creates a valuable learning experience and helps you grow as an artist. If you’re looking to improve your stage presence, vocal technique, or song delivery, this is the perfect place to gain insights in a supportive environment.

When is Our Next Open Mic?

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new open mic series, kicking off on April 26th!

For now, we’re hosting this first event as a pilot to gauge interest and participation—stay tuned for updates on future dates!

📍 Location: The Pink Light Stage
🥂 Refreshments: Light snacks & drinks will be available for purchase, provided by venue owner Robyn.
🕕 Sign-Up: Begins at 6:00 PM (first come, first served)
🎵 Music Starts: 7:00 PM

For more details and to RSVP, check out our Partiful! We can’t wait to see you there. 🎶✨

Final Thoughts

Open mics are an invaluable tool for artists at every level. They provide a no-pressure environment to gain confidence, experiment with your artistry, and connect with like-minded musicians. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your live performance skills, making open mics a regular part of your journey will only make you a stronger performer.

Looking for personalized vocal and performance coaching? Contact us now and let’s work together to build your confidence and stage presence!