DivaFeva
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Dressing Up for Auditions?Hello Everyone,
I was just wondering what people thought about dressing up for auditions. I recently took a class that was all about auditioning for musical theatre. My teacher (who I loved) was big on dressing up for auditions, meaning skirts, a nice shirt and character shoes (for women), and NO flip flops, sweatpants, etc. Then if you have a dance audition to bring clothing to change into. What do you think? I am mostly auditions for school (Purdue University) and community theatre, should I be dressing up?
Thanks
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Ep-Griz-Reno
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I think they'd appreciate seeing some class, yes. =)
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stlgurl702
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I think it all depends if you are dancing or not. I personally would rather dance in jazz shoes and sweatpants than character shoes and a skirt. I mean if you can dance in a skirt go for it, but I think you are more likeley to get cast if you do a good job in sweatpants than if you fall on your face in a skirt
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Ep-Griz-Reno
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| stlgurl702 wrote: | | I think it all depends if you are dancing or not. I personally would rather dance in jazz shoes and sweatpants than character shoes and a skirt. I mean if you can dance in a skirt go for it, but I think you are more likeley to get cast if you do a good job in sweatpants than if you fall on your face in a skirt |
I agree...that's why I agree with her in saying...bring something to change into-maybe....as long as you aren't OVER dressed...haha...I can just see that...some girl walking into an audition in like some fancy shmancy ballroom gown hahaha
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LaurelDP
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I always try to look clean and presentable at an audition. And if there is a dance audition, I bring something to change into.
Street clothes can be distracting at auditions. I don't necessarily dress up, but I'll wear nice slacks or a skirt with a nice shirt. Just something nice that doesn't distract.
I usually don't wear character shoes to auditions, though. I usually wear flats or a low heel.
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Ep-Griz-Reno
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| LaurelDP wrote: | I always try to look clean and presentable at an audition. And if there is a dance audition, I bring something to change into.
Street clothes can be distracting at auditions. I don't necessarily dress up, but I'll wear nice slacks or a skirt with a nice shirt. Just something nice that doesn't distract.
I usually don't wear character shoes to auditions, though. I usually wear flats or a low heel. |
Yeah, flats are a lot more comfortable-so I'm TOTALLY with you on that one =)
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MsDivaKate
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For the most part I wear black stretch gauchos...easy to dance in and can be classy, over a leotard and then I tend to wear a dressy top and ballet flats. Then for the dance audition I'll remove the dress shirt and switch to my dance shoes.
That's just for an audition where there is a seperate dance section and know I may not have time to change completely.
For anything else where dance is a seperate day or not required I'd opt for the skirt.
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Ep-Griz-Reno
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| MsDivaKate wrote: | For the most part I wear black stretch gauchos...easy to dance in and can be classy, over a leotard and then I tend to wear a dressy top and ballet flats. Then for the dance audition I'll remove the dress shirt and switch to my dance shoes.
That's just for an audition where there is a seperate dance section and know I may not have time to change completely.
For anything else where dance is a seperate day or not required I'd opt for the skirt. |
ooo good idea!
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Chevstriss
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seeing someone do a singing audition in character shoes is one of my pet peeves.
Wear the shoes you would wear w/ your dress up clothes. Bring the dance shoes to change into.
Doing your 16 bars in fresh from the box, unscuffed c- shoes screams "I CAN'T DANCE".
invest in a good pair of Italian pumps to sing in. keep the c- shoes in your dance bag til needed.
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stlgurl702
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I think it all depends on what kind of theatre you are trying out for, if you are trying out for community theatre or Professional theatre may make a huge difference.
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SimplyElymas
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My strategy tends to be just black leggings and a white T-Shirt with a white button down Oxford on over it. For shoes, I tend to wear character, if only because I find many directors prefer me in character shoes for dance auditions. You look neutral, enabling the director to envision you as anyone s/h/it wants, and can go from dressy to casual. Plus, you can dance.
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katieanne
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i think business casual is the best way to go. you're not decked out in a ballgown, but you're not wearing pajamas either. the best thing to wear is something that looks nice but shows off your body as is. a director or choreographer needs to see what you really look like.
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MademoiselleMusicals
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Agree katieanne all the way! 
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<3Wilson<3
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Yea I agree, no need to break out the 5 inch stilettos or anything.
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jazzygirlsings
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I don't think wearing flats for women is the best idea, to be honest. The heel makes your legs look a lot more shapely and beautiful.
A comfortable heel is probably best (1-2 1/2 inches)...Like someone said, 5 inch stilettos are a bit much, but everything in moderation! LOL!
And it also depends on the role...
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MsDivaKate
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| jazzygirlsings wrote: | I don't think wearing flats for women is the best idea, to be honest. The heel makes your legs look a lot more shapely and beautiful.
A comfortable heel is probably best (1-2 1/2 inches)...Like someone said, 5 inch stilettos are a bit much, but everything in moderation! LOL!
And it also depends on the role... |
Flats are actually what they recommend you do your recitals in for college, or as flat of a shoe as you can find as any heel tends to set you too far forward on your feet and cut off the air supply. Flats allow you to evenly distribute the weight on the heels and balls of your feet which allows you to have proper allignment and therefore proper airflow.
For a dance audition, character shoes are good and they are more to be looking and focusing on what your legs are doing, verses when you are presenting a monologue and song and they need to focus on not only sound quality but your face expression and the movements of the upper half of your body.
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jazzygirlsings
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| MsDivaKate wrote: | | jazzygirlsings wrote: | I don't think wearing flats for women is the best idea, to be honest. The heel makes your legs look a lot more shapely and beautiful.
A comfortable heel is probably best (1-2 1/2 inches)...Like someone said, 5 inch stilettos are a bit much, but everything in moderation! LOL!
And it also depends on the role... |
Flats are actually what they recommend you do your recitals in for college, or as flat of a shoe as you can find as any heel tends to set you too far forward on your feet and cut off the air supply. Flats allow you to evenly distribute the weight on the heels and balls of your feet which allows you to have proper allignment and therefore proper airflow.
For a dance audition, character shoes are good and they are more to be looking and focusing on what your legs are doing, verses when you are presenting a monologue and song and they need to focus on not only sound quality but your face expression and the movements of the upper half of your body. |
I guess I'm talking in more of a professional sense then, as recitals are a totally different monster and flats are okay for those...As for auditions... as much as you think they are not sizing you up from the moment you walk in the door, even at a singing audition, they are! (Hence, if you have ever heard the term "typing" at auditions)
And nine times out of ten, you will be in heels on stage...so it's best if you sing in heels anyway...Though it's not the most optimum when it comes to air flow, it's not going to be when you're on stage wearing heels and dancing and singing at the same time anyway...
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MsDivaKate
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| jazzygirlsings wrote: | | MsDivaKate wrote: | | jazzygirlsings wrote: | I don't think wearing flats for women is the best idea, to be honest. The heel makes your legs look a lot more shapely and beautiful.
A comfortable heel is probably best (1-2 1/2 inches)...Like someone said, 5 inch stilettos are a bit much, but everything in moderation! LOL!
And it also depends on the role... |
Flats are actually what they recommend you do your recitals in for college, or as flat of a shoe as you can find as any heel tends to set you too far forward on your feet and cut off the air supply. Flats allow you to evenly distribute the weight on the heels and balls of your feet which allows you to have proper allignment and therefore proper airflow.
For a dance audition, character shoes are good and they are more to be looking and focusing on what your legs are doing, verses when you are presenting a monologue and song and they need to focus on not only sound quality but your face expression and the movements of the upper half of your body. |
I guess I'm talking in more of a professional sense then, as recitals are a totally different monster and flats are okay for those...As for auditions... as much as you think they are not sizing you up from the moment you walk in the door, even at a singing audition, they are! (Hence, if you have ever heard the term "typing" at auditions)
And nine times out of ten, you will be in heels on stage...so it's best if you sing in heels anyway...Though it's not the most optimum when it comes to air flow, it's not going to be when you're on stage wearing heels and dancing and singing at the same time anyway... |
True. However usually any heel you wear on stage is most likely not higher then 2 inches anyways. Did I ever say they aren't sizing you up, no. Of course they will look at the entire body. I've never had a problem getting parts and I always wear flats for at least the vocal part of the audition, then switch to character for dance.
And as for air flow on stage, you've had time in rehearsal to work with with the heels and finding your new center.
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jazzygirlsings
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| MsDivaKate wrote: | | jazzygirlsings wrote: | | MsDivaKate wrote: | | jazzygirlsings wrote: | I don't think wearing flats for women is the best idea, to be honest. The heel makes your legs look a lot more shapely and beautiful.
A comfortable heel is probably best (1-2 1/2 inches)...Like someone said, 5 inch stilettos are a bit much, but everything in moderation! LOL!
And it also depends on the role... |
Flats are actually what they recommend you do your recitals in for college, or as flat of a shoe as you can find as any heel tends to set you too far forward on your feet and cut off the air supply. Flats allow you to evenly distribute the weight on the heels and balls of your feet which allows you to have proper allignment and therefore proper airflow.
For a dance audition, character shoes are good and they are more to be looking and focusing on what your legs are doing, verses when you are presenting a monologue and song and they need to focus on not only sound quality but your face expression and the movements of the upper half of your body. |
I guess I'm talking in more of a professional sense then, as recitals are a totally different monster and flats are okay for those...As for auditions... as much as you think they are not sizing you up from the moment you walk in the door, even at a singing audition, they are! (Hence, if you have ever heard the term "typing" at auditions)
And nine times out of ten, you will be in heels on stage...so it's best if you sing in heels anyway...Though it's not the most optimum when it comes to air flow, it's not going to be when you're on stage wearing heels and dancing and singing at the same time anyway... |
True. However usually any heel you wear on stage is most likely not higher then 2 inches anyways. Did I ever say they aren't sizing you up, no. Of course they will look at the entire body. I've never had a problem getting parts and I always wear flats for at least the vocal part of the audition, then switch to character for dance.
And as for air flow on stage, you've had time in rehearsal to work with with the heels and finding your new center. |
Isn't that the point of wearing heels all the time, then? LOL!  Then you have to keep adjusting to a different center, which I would imagine would throw you off a bit! LOL!
I did say a comfortable heel, whcih equates to the size you specified above...I wasn't saying 8 inch heels! LOL!
But seriously, (this is a general comment to all) if heels affect your singing so much that you are worried about wearing them, you may want to be in another profession. LOL! I've seen people have to sing on stage from some very strange poses, etc. It's all about training!
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whimsical
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I'm with jazzy all the way on this one. Heels are a necessity!
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MsDivaKate
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| jazzygirlsings wrote: | | MsDivaKate wrote: | | jazzygirlsings wrote: | | MsDivaKate wrote: | | jazzygirlsings wrote: | I don't think wearing flats for women is the best idea, to be honest. The heel makes your legs look a lot more shapely and beautiful.
A comfortable heel is probably best (1-2 1/2 inches)...Like someone said, 5 inch stilettos are a bit much, but everything in moderation! LOL!
And it also depends on the role... |
Flats are actually what they recommend you do your recitals in for college, or as flat of a shoe as you can find as any heel tends to set you too far forward on your feet and cut off the air supply. Flats allow you to evenly distribute the weight on the heels and balls of your feet which allows you to have proper allignment and therefore proper airflow.
For a dance audition, character shoes are good and they are more to be looking and focusing on what your legs are doing, verses when you are presenting a monologue and song and they need to focus on not only sound quality but your face expression and the movements of the upper half of your body. |
I guess I'm talking in more of a professional sense then, as recitals are a totally different monster and flats are okay for those...As for auditions... as much as you think they are not sizing you up from the moment you walk in the door, even at a singing audition, they are! (Hence, if you have ever heard the term "typing" at auditions)
And nine times out of ten, you will be in heels on stage...so it's best if you sing in heels anyway...Though it's not the most optimum when it comes to air flow, it's not going to be when you're on stage wearing heels and dancing and singing at the same time anyway... |
True. However usually any heel you wear on stage is most likely not higher then 2 inches anyways. Did I ever say they aren't sizing you up, no. Of course they will look at the entire body. I've never had a problem getting parts and I always wear flats for at least the vocal part of the audition, then switch to character for dance.
And as for air flow on stage, you've had time in rehearsal to work with with the heels and finding your new center. |
Isn't that the point of wearing heels all the time, then? LOL! Then you have to keep adjusting to a different center, which I would imagine would throw you off a bit! LOL!
I did say a comfortable heel, whcih equates to the size you specified above...I wasn't saying 8 inch heels! LOL!
But seriously, (this is a general comment to all) if heels affect your singing so much that you are worried about wearing them, you may want to be in another profession. LOL! I've seen people have to sing on stage from some very strange poses, etc. It's all about training! |
I am not worried about wearing them. I'm just going based off of what you are told as a vocal performance major about proper attire and what should and should not be worn. Wear whatever you like to your audition. Go naked for all I care.
It is all about training. I'm simply recommending, for your average community theatre singer. And heels would effect ANYONE'S singing.
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EmmaOwnsBiatch
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When you are auditioning for something the judges aren't sitting there going "Oh wow look how shapely her legs look! She has the part!" No. They are listening to your voice, watching your posture, listening to your projection, which are all effected by your center.
When you wear heels, you are throwing your center off. Which in return doesn't allow for correct posture, which then negatively effects breathing, which affects projection, which affects sound quality. That is why wearing heels any time while performing, especially an audition when you're trying to impress someone, is just not the right thing to do.
Stick to flats. You will find your much more comfortable singing and your tonal quality will be much more higher.
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LisaKitty
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I'm sorry, but I've got to go with Jazzy on this one.
I always wear heels for auditions and recitals. Nothing extreme, maybe 2" (3" at most). The reason for this is quite simple - I feel much more confident and "put together" when I'm wearing heels. And yes, a casting director is definitely going to notice an actress who goes in with an air of self assurance, even if it only registers subconsciously.
And FYI, I am a classically trained opera singer with a BA in vocal performance. I've attended many workshops and master classes on how to audition and perform a song, and most of the presenters actually did suggest a low heel (1-2 inches), rather than flats.
So far my strategy has seemed to work out pretty well. The only times I was passed over for a role because I was taller than the leading man (I'm 5'8" without shoes), it wouldn't have mattered whether I was in flats or stilettos.
Though I did once have a director ask me to take off my shoes and stand next to the man I was reading opposite. We both got the roles, BTW. 
I say, go with whatever you are most comfortable in, be it flats or heels.
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whimsical
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| EmmaOwnsBiatch wrote: | | When you are auditioning for something the judges aren't sitting there going "Oh wow look how shapely her legs look! She has the part!" |
Actually, they are. Isn't that comforting? To a certain degree, anyway. Your looks matter a lot in this business, unfortunately. Generally, most women look MUCH better in heels (and they don't just shape your legs, they also make your butt look nicer!). If you are one of the lucky few who look fabulous in flats, good for you. By all means, wear them to auditions. But don't speak for everyone else. Some of us have learned how to sing on our heels just fine. 
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MsDivaKate
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| whimsical wrote: | | EmmaOwnsBiatch wrote: | | When you are auditioning for something the judges aren't sitting there going "Oh wow look how shapely her legs look! She has the part!" |
Actually, they are. Isn't that comforting? To a certain degree, anyway. Your looks matter a lot in this business, unfortunately. Generally, most women look MUCH better in heels (and they don't just shape your legs, they also make your butt look nicer!). If you are one of the lucky few who look fabulous in flats, good for you. By all means, wear them to auditions. But don't speak for everyone else. Some of us have learned how to sing on our heels just fine. |
Whatever. We can argue this til we're blue in the face and no one is going to change their opinions. So we'll all just do what is best for us.
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EmmaOwnsBiatch
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Wow don't talk down to me and Katie. We actually now what we're talking about. And we were just lending our advice about this topic. You don't have to go be all all snotty. We don't care if you get a part, we just were simply stating that VOCALLY you will be better off in flats because they support your posture more and therefore, create a better sound for you vocally. But wear your heels, go ahead. I hope you fall.
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whimsical
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Wow...I didn't mean to talk down at all. Seriously. I apologize. I was just trying to defend my opinion. If you look and feel better in flats, wear them, like I said.
LisaKitty said it lovely.
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jazzygirlsings
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I don't think whimsical was talking down to anyone...It's just too bad that a sound clip can't be alongside a post, as you often don't catch the humor when it's just typed out.
Whimsical is not the type to be nasty to anyone, especially about something as inane as whether or not someone should wear heels...
I too, am a professional and I've taken numerous voice pedagogy, master classes, audition workshops, etc. I have also been on the other side of the casting table. You make an impression the second you walk through that door. In fact, I've taken classes that literally make you practice walking in, talking to the pianist, stating your name and piece, etc...It's so much more than producing sound...(which you should be able to do in a modest heel, no problem)...it's personality, look, acting, sound, etc.
If you like your flats, fine! Not a biggie! You say tomato, I say...well...tomato! LOL!
I think LisaKitty put it best...In fact, I feel like most of her post is exactly what I go through on a regular basis! (I'm 5'7")...
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whimsical
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Thanks jazzy...appreciate it. My post was truly meant to be light and I even tried to make it a bit funny. I guess I need to be more careful. Damn these message boards!
Jazzy, I've taken those type of classes as well -- very helpful! Auditioning technique has been beaten into me a ridiculous amount...it's funny how we study auditioning as an art itself. I've almost learned to enjoy them now because it's such a big part of the business.
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MsDivaKate
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| whimsical wrote: | Thanks jazzy...appreciate it. My post was truly meant to be light and I even tried to make it a bit funny. I guess I need to be more careful. Damn these message boards!
Jazzy, I've taken those type of classes as well -- very helpful! Auditioning technique has been beaten into me a ridiculous amount...it's funny how we study auditioning as an art itself. I've almost learned to enjoy them now because it's such a big part of the business. |
I think its safe to say anyone who went to school for performance also took those classes or similiar classes. You can't get your B.F.A. without having usually taken Audition Techniques or whatever the name of the class may be at your similiar university.
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jazzygirlsings
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| MsDivaKate wrote: |
I think its safe to say anyone who went to school for performance also took those classes or similiar classes. You can't get your B.F.A. without having usually taken Audition Techniques or whatever the name of the class may be at your similiar university. |
And, as performers, we never stop learning. I have continued to take open classes/audition workshops and I'm constantly learning more things that I may not have known before. This business is constantly changing!
I recently observed an audition workshop on 16 bar auditions that featured the top musical theatre casting directors in NYC...I LOVED IT! They provided insight on everything from what to wear to should you or should you not make eye contact with the audition panel...(I also heard some great audition ideas for songs!)
I have also learned a lot from the audition experience itself...In NYC, anything can and WILL happen! LOL!
There are certain protocols that should be followed in audition situations. There are also things that are grey areas...Nothing is set in stone, but you have to create the best "package" that you possibly can to the audition panel.
A great book for all to read is "Audition" by Michael Shurtleff. Many of these issues are addressed. It is a book I have read and re-read! To many of us in the field, it's the "Bible" of musical theatre auditioning! LOL!
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whimsical
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| MsDivaKate wrote: |
I think its safe to say anyone who went to school for performance also took those classes or similiar classes. You can't get your B.F.A. without having usually taken Audition Techniques or whatever the name of the class may be at your similiar university. |
Yep.
Jazzy:
See, it's so cool to me that even though we all learn different "don't" and "do's" and there is so much grey area...there are still some constants. Like Michael Shurtleff and "the package". I'm always hearing about the package (although I guess what makes a person a good package will vary a good bit). And I think just about everyone reads Shurtleff (aka the Bible as you call it -- with good reason)!
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jazzygirlsings
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| whimsical wrote: | | MsDivaKate wrote: |
I think its safe to say anyone who went to school for performance also took those classes or similiar classes. You can't get your B.F.A. without having usually taken Audition Techniques or whatever the name of the class may be at your similiar university. |
Yep.
Jazzy:
See, it's so cool to me that even though we all learn different "don't" and "do's" and there is so much grey area...there are still some constants. Like Michael Shurtleff and "the package". I'm always hearing about the package (although I guess what makes a person a good package will vary a good bit). And I think just about everyone reads Shurtleff (aka the Bible as you call it -- with good reason)! |
It's so much about knowing who you are and how to properly market yourself. It is so valuable and I find that I learn more in just getting older! LOL!
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MsDivaKate
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[quote="jazzygirlsings"] | MsDivaKate wrote: |
A great book for all to read is "Audition" by Michael Shurtleff. Many of these issues are addressed. It is a book I have read and re-read! To many of us in the field, it's the "Bible" of musical theatre auditioning! LOL! |
Have it. It was actually part of our audition techniques class text.
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jazzygirlsings
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[quote="MsDivaKate"] | jazzygirlsings wrote: | | MsDivaKate wrote: |
A great book for all to read is "Audition" by Michael Shurtleff. Many of these issues are addressed. It is a book I have read and re-read! To many of us in the field, it's the "Bible" of musical theatre auditioning! LOL! |
Have it. It was actually part of our audition techniques class text. |
LOL! I'm glad you have it! It is one of those MUST HAVES! And any program in their right minds would recommend it!
Another good book on auditioning is "The Complete Professional Audition" by Darren Cohen and (the other guy I forgot his name! LOL!) Darren was one of my professors and the things I learned from him were priceless! Another thing I like about the book is that it addressed parallel songs...That helps you to find varied materials and how to pick proper audition songs...but I digress! LOL!
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Live to perform008
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I don't know about dressing up with skirts and what not because it's uncomfortable but I don't think you should wear sweats. Maybe nice jeans with a nice shirt that way you don't look over or under done. And you don't look like you're trying to hard to ipress people.
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pinkstiletto510
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my rule of thumb is that if I'm auditioning for a female role then I must wear a skirt or dress (not formal, like if I was going to a matinee opera) if there is a dance audition the same day then I bring dance clothes and shoes and change
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MsDivaKate
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| Live to perform008 wrote: | | I don't know about dressing up with skirts and what not because it's uncomfortable but I don't think you should wear sweats. Maybe nice jeans with a nice shirt that way you don't look over or under done. And you don't look like you're trying to hard to ipress people. |
Its pretty hard to dance in jeans though. There is always going to be a point where you need to change into dance gear for better movement. Though thick sweats wouldn't be good either because they mask your form.
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LaurelDP
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On the topic of heels:
It's a huge decision for me to wear heels to an audition. It really does depend for me.
I'm nearly 6 feet tall already, and I'm fat. So heels can really make me look like a drag queen. Even a kitten heel. Sometimes this works in my advantage, but a lot of times it doesn't, especially if I'm going for an exceptionally feminine role.
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MsDivaKate
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| pinkstiletto510 wrote: | | my rule of thumb is that if I'm auditioning for a female role then I must wear a skirt or dress (not formal, like if I was going to a matinee opera) if there is a dance audition the same day then I bring dance clothes and shoes and change |
Sometimes you may not have time to change though. I've been to auditions where I've sang, left the room and literally had the directors follow me directly out of the room to call the numbers of people they needed to see dance.
However the skirt thing could work because I guess quick change you could always pull your dance pants on under the skirt and then pull the skirt off before going back in.
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Holly
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| jazzygirlsings wrote: |
A great book for all to read is "Audition" by Michael Shurtleff. Many of these issues are addressed. It is a book I have read and re-read! To many of us in the field, it's the "Bible" of musical theatre auditioning! LOL! |
Oh wow. I think that book is sitting in a room at my school that we're using as a dressing room for the show I'm in now...something to read when I'm not on stage, I guess
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mtgirl118
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| Holly wrote: | | jazzygirlsings wrote: |
A great book for all to read is "Audition" by Michael Shurtleff. Many of these issues are addressed. It is a book I have read and re-read! To many of us in the field, it's the "Bible" of musical theatre auditioning! LOL! |
Oh wow. I think that book is sitting in a room at my school that we're using as a dressing room for the show I'm in now...something to read when I'm not on stage, I guess |
And something to mysteriously take and send to me .
Ellen
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MaryMag
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When I've gone to those giant ass cattle calls for summerstock I've been surprised by how many girls were in skirts and dresses. I was in what I thought was a fantastically sharp outfit - modern yet professional green pants and a blue collared, tailored business shirt. Yet I felt under dressed! I think the next time I go to a professional audition I will go in a skirt or dress (but always bring dance clothes that I can slip into in public and in 10 seconds if necessary).
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jazzygirlsings
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| MaryMag wrote: | | When I've gone to those giant ass cattle calls for summerstock I've been surprised by how many girls were in skirts and dresses. I was in what I thought was a fantastically sharp outfit - modern yet professional green pants and a blue collared, tailored business shirt. Yet I felt under dressed! I think the next time I go to a professional audition I will go in a skirt or dress (but always bring dance clothes that I can slip into in public and in 10 seconds if necessary). |
At cattle calls, they usually give you PLENTY of time to change.
If you do well at a singing audition, they will ask you to come back to dance on a different day or usually later in the afternoon or after the next 20 people go about 99% of the time. It is rare when you have to scramble to get into dance clothes...
And yes...I have an audition dress that is SUPER spiffy that I found. I wear it for everything. It's great because when you have 4 auditions in a day, you can ball it up and it doesn't wrinkle, yet it looks FANTASTIC! It's a solid dark-teal color with braided straps and a criss-cross front...LOVE IT! It took me SO LONG to find "the audition dress"! LOL!
I tried wearing pants for a bit, too, but it serves you better generally to wear a dress/skirt.
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MaryMag
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| jazzygirlsings wrote: | [
And yes...I have an audition dress that is SUPER spiffy that I found. I wear it for everything. It's great because when you have 4 auditions in a day, you can ball it up and it doesn't wrinkle, yet it looks FANTASTIC! It's a solid dark-teal color with braided straps and a criss-cross front...LOVE IT! It took me SO LONG to find "the audition dress"! LOL!
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Hilarious! me too! It is impossible to wrinkle! It's creme and brown, knee length, empire waist, and with a little key-hole thing at the neck. Very retro but terribly beautiful. And a little too expensive. but it is THE audition dress.
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MsDivaKate
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| MaryMag wrote: | | jazzygirlsings wrote: | [
And yes...I have an audition dress that is SUPER spiffy that I found. I wear it for everything. It's great because when you have 4 auditions in a day, you can ball it up and it doesn't wrinkle, yet it looks FANTASTIC! It's a solid dark-teal color with braided straps and a criss-cross front...LOVE IT! It took me SO LONG to find "the audition dress"! LOL!
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Hilarious! me too! It is impossible to wrinkle! It's creme and brown, knee length, empire waist, and with a little key-hole thing at the neck. Very retro but terribly beautiful. And a little too expensive. but it is THE audition dress. |
Ah the infamous Audition dress. Mine is strapless (I wear a cardigan with it) and black with hot pink accents on it. It falls somewhere between the knee and the calf. Cutest dress in the world (for pro auditions).
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jazzygirlsings
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| MsDivaKate wrote: | | MaryMag wrote: | | jazzygirlsings wrote: | [
And yes...I have an audition dress that is SUPER spiffy that I found. I wear it for everything. It's great because when you have 4 auditions in a day, you can ball it up and it doesn't wrinkle, yet it looks FANTASTIC! It's a solid dark-teal color with braided straps and a criss-cross front...LOVE IT! It took me SO LONG to find "the audition dress"! LOL!
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Hilarious! me too! It is impossible to wrinkle! It's creme and brown, knee length, empire waist, and with a little key-hole thing at the neck. Very retro but terribly beautiful. And a little too expensive. but it is THE audition dress. |
Ah the infamous Audition dress. Mine is strapless (I wear a cardigan with it) and black with hot pink accents on it. It falls somewhere between the knee and the calf. Cutest dress in the world (for pro auditions). |
A cardigan...very classy lady!
We probably run into each other all the time and don't even know it! LOL! (That goes for MaryMag, too...LOL!)
One of these days, our worlds are going to collide!
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audreydarling
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WOW..that sounds really cute Kate! sadly I do not have an audition dress..most of the stuff that I've been auditioning for is dance and vocal combined, so you need to dress comfortably. I usually wear a really nice shirt to make a good impression and nice jazz pants..so I look polished. but the dress idea is a really good one, when I have auditions with dance ad vocals seperatly I'll take that into consideration...or if I audition for a play.
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jazzygirlsings
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| audreydarling wrote: | | WOW..that sounds really cute Kate! sadly I do not have an audition dress..most of the stuff that I've been auditioning for is dance and vocal combined, so you need to dress comfortably. I usually wear a really nice shirt to make a good impression and nice jazz pants..so I look polished. but the dress idea is a really good one, when I have auditions with dance ad vocals seperatly I'll take that into consideration...or if I audition for a play. |
I've seen a lot of dancers at dance/singing right away auditions that take their jazz pants and roll them up (or take them off and use their tights) and throw on a skirt and use their leotard as a "top" if you will...Or they put on a cami over the leotard to use as a top...
OR...(If they have a dress like mine) they can just leave their leotards on and throw a dress over their leo and tights and it works great!
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star2ballie
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| MsDivaKate wrote: | For the most part I wear black stretch gauchos...easy to dance in and can be classy, over a leotard and then I tend to wear a dressy top and ballet flats. Then for the dance audition I'll remove the dress shirt and switch to my dance shoes.
That's just for an audition where there is a seperate dance section and know I may not have time to change completely.
For anything else where dance is a seperate day or not required I'd opt for the skirt. |
that's what I do too, exactly, except for the ballet flats. I stick with my soft-soled character shoes (they are the most comfy shoes I own, believe it or not!). I actually bought two pair of my nice black gauchos so I can wear the same outfit (or a variation on it) to call-backs, if I get one. It's a great system, I love it. My director actually mentioned to me that he thought I had the best appearance at auditions, because for my acting and singing, he thought I looked very classy and sophisticated, and for my dance I was also very put together (as opposed to some people who changed into like, big pajama pants or sweats and baggy t-shirts). Also, I think he was able to connect the dancing "me" with the singing/acting "me", because the outfit was the same (minus the dress shirt). 
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opheliarose
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my two centswow, this is a really fascinating thread!
It's really interesting to me how different auditions are in different cities and whatnot.
It's funny, when I was in school and doing some of my early pro stuff in a smaller town, EVERYBODY really dressed up for auditions, ie dresses, pantyhose, heels and the lot for singing, and leos and ballet skirts with either character shoes or ballet flats. No kidding.
When I moved to the big city, I found I was WAY overdressed! Nowadays, for any winter audition that isn't a dance audition, I always wear dark jeans and a black t-neck. (I have long blonde hair and big boobs. It works ) Nobody takes you seriously if you dress up around here for whatever reason. It was a bit of a shock.
For dance auds, the uniform around here seems to be some sort of boot-leg jazz pant and cami. I sometimes will wear a dance skirt with trunks just to look different, but lately I've been doing the gaucho thing myself. They're comfy
I always wear some sort of dance shoe whether or not it's a "dance" audition- it's easier to move, you don't track in snow, and then you're ready for anything- I've been asked to do some wierd stuff!
My big peeve is wierd hairdo's and makeup. I always wear my hair simply pulled off the face (I like those cheap stretchy comb headbands) and basic, pretty makeup. Older directors in particular seem to like girls to look pretty, not scary. And the only jewelry I wear is my watch and wedding ring.
I've gotten a lot more work myself since I simplified. I guess it comes down to what you are the most comfortable with, so you aren't self-conscious or fidgety
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sunrae
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I don't know if anyone else said said anything like this...I'm a newbie...but I actually had a director tell me one time that she was sick of seeing every single girl come in wearing a skirt! I was so suprised to hear that!
I was told to dress like the part you want...and I don't mean go full out or anything....but, for instance, when I auditioned for Peter Pan I wore pants, jazz shoes, and a nice green shirt. For Adelaide, I wore a really cutsie top, with some gaucho pants and my character heels.
I'm sure it doens't always work like a charm, but I think it defintely puts a picture in the directors head and would help him/her envision you more in that part that you reallly want.
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opheliarose
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| sunrae wrote: | I was told to dress like the part you want...and I don't mean go full out or anything....but, for instance, when I auditioned for Peter Pan I wore pants, jazz shoes, and a nice green shirt. For Adelaide, I wore a really cutsie top, with some gaucho pants and my character heels.
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Oooh, that's tricky. There's actually an Equity house near here that wants actors to come in full costume. If you know that's what the director wants to see, I say go for it. It might limit you a bit if you want to be considered for more than one character.
What really gets tricky is when they decide to set the show in a different era (they do this with Shakespeare all the time). When I auditioned for JCS, I thought they'd do like the current revival-and dressed all punked out- turns out, they set it in Biblical dress! Fortunately they liked me anyway, I met my husband doing that show!
I think if you can suggest the character without going completely in costume, that's awesome. How do you handle period shows? Just do a frilly blouse? Or haul out your halloween costume ? (that's a joke)
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