Dress for Success
A Guide to Audition Clothing
Picking out an outfit for auditions can be challenging. There are so many factors to consider when picking out a perfect outfit other than what it looks like. For example, evaluating, movability, comfort, practicality. Plus, depending on the type of audition you are participating in, your outfit might have to be multifunctional. Auditions are a massive part of a performer’s life, and so it is important to know the basics so you are prepared. I hope this guide might be able to help you!
Audition Clothing Basics
No matter what audition you are going to, there are a few basics that can help with any fit!
Firstly, remember that the panelists are there to watch you perform, not to gawk at your outfit. That being said, don’t go too crazy with bright colors, sequins, glitter, uber-revealing, or super loud clothing. You do not want them to be distracted away from your performance by your clothing. Opt for jewel tone colors, like navy, black, red, dark green, and purples. For the more adventurous, some shades of turquoise and blue, pinks, and greys, can also be worn. Also, make sure that your clothing is comfortable, but something you would be okay with members of the general public seeing. If you wouldn’t wear it in front of kids or your mother, you might not want to wear it in front of a panel that is looking to hire people.
Second, make sure that you can move freely in your clothing. If you are playing an instrument, you want to make sure that you have ample stretchiness and space in the clothes to move tp accommodate the positions your instrument requires, and of course, for breathing. Same thing goes for singers. Make sure you can expand your ribs into their widest position and make sure you can lift your arms and roll your shoulders. Everyone should check that they can sit, bend over, and squat in their clothing choice. You may not be doing those kinds of movements onstage during your audition, but you don’t want to feel so stuffed in that you can barely move.
Finally, make sure you feel confident in your choice of clothing! If you feel insecure or uncomfortable in your clothes, you won’t be able to focus whole-heartedly on your performance. Plus, you might feel inclined to move or adjust your clothing while onstage, which is unsightly. Be confident!
Here are some additional tips based on specific audition types.
Musical Theatre
Music Theatre auditions are some of the more complicated auditions out there because of the many performing elements in musicals. Many musical auditions have dance calls in addition to music and acting auditions. When auditioning for a musical, it is crucial to know what you will be asked to do, and whether or not that includes dance, because it will require different clothing.
In the event that your audition includes a dance call, you have two options. The first option is to arrive to the audition wearing dance clothing. For women, I would recommend wearing tights, a standard leotard with or without sleeves, and a skirt overtop the leotard bottom. For men, go ahead and wear your tights and shirt, but you might want to wear a pair of shorts or jazz pants on top of the dancewear for the singing and acting portions of the audition. Ultimately, what you wear is up to you, but keep in mind that there can be several hour’s wait in-between portions of the audition.
Your second option is to wear standard audition clothes and bring your dancewear and shoes in a bag. Once you have completed all other sections of the audition, let someone supervising the auditionees know where you are going, and excuse yourself to the bathroom to change.
Be prepared! Just because a show doesn’t have dancing involved does not mean that you won’t be asked to do some movements in your audition. One time, and at audition, we played a mini game of charades and did some pantomime exercises, because our panel wanted to see how we could move and utilize the stage. I would recommend always bringing a pair of character heels and jazz shoes with you, just in case.
All-State Auditions for Voice
I have no experience auditioning for All-State Orchestra or Band, so I am just going to stick with what I have experienced here.
Avoid wearing any clothing that would tie you to your school. Panelists are supposed to be impartial, but wearing something like a school ID lanyard or a jacket with your school’s name is not recommended. Also, many sections of the audition happen in different rooms at the audition location (usually a school), meaning that you will likely be standing and waiting for long periods of time. You may want to consider more comfortable shoes, or at least shoes that are broken in.
For the first audition, wear something more formal. The second audition, which is usually a repertoire test, is less formal. but auditionees should still wear nice clothing. I usually wear a black or blue dress to the first audition, and a blouse and nice pants for the second one.
Callbacks
Generally speaking, I try to wear the same clothing to a callback that I did for a first audition, that way the panel can recognize me from the first audition. Sometimes, this is not possible, so wearing similar clothing is a good idea. It is also a good idea to wear all black, so that the panelists can envision you in the roles you are auditioning for.
General for Hair and Makeup
In general, for every audition you do, your hair should be neat and out of your face. Makeup, if you choose to wear it, should be a little bit lighter than normal stage makeup.