Audition Dress

[nodaybut2day1205]

Posted: 9/27/06 at 9:24pm

I just auditioned for my first community theater production, and I wore a skirt and a blouse-sweater-ish kind of thing (sounds ugly, it wasn't). And then I got there and found 200 teenagers, little kids, and adults, all dressed in jeans. I don't know whether it was just that one particular theater or audition, but I was totally shocked at how everyone looked. Most of the teenagers looked like they had just come from school. Maybe I was just extremely overdressed but isn't the whole point of an audition to sell yourself? I was a serious musician before I got into theater, and I ALWAYS dressed up for any sort of audition or interview. And those kind of auditions are based purely on performance, while in musical theater how you look is a huge part as well, right?

I know that it also depends on the show you're auditioning for, but I don't think there would be any reason to wear jeans. You can dress down a skirt or dress pants while still looking presentable.

So anyway, question is, is this the norm for community theater auditions (and any other musical theater auditions while we're at it)? I didn't think so, but I guess I could be wrong.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 9/27/06 at 9:48pm

Hm- well. I hate to say it- but it really depends on the area. Here in CO, what you wore is the usual. The general rule I have heard is to dress as if you were going to a job interview- beacuse well, that's what it is. Unless it is a dance audition and leotards are required. It's just the national style to be come more casual (sadly) and audition attire is reflecting it.

[MissElphie]

Posted: 9/27/06 at 9:54pm

Wow. I just went through that at my last audition. I wore a skirt and blouse. Everyone else was in jeans. I felt completely overdressed. I was thinking the exact same thing you were. All I know, is my next audition, I'm bringing 3 changes of clothes and will be prepared to change based on what I see around me. But I will most likely show up in jeans first.

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 9/27/06 at 9:55pm

What you wore was fine. I would never wear jeans to an audition. I usually wear a nice pair of black pants and a solid color t-shirt. Usually when you are a teenager you can get away with jeans. Anyway, I think it's best to just keep wearing what you are wearing to auditions.

Updated On: 9/27/06 at 09:55 PM

[nodaybut2day1205]

Posted: 9/27/06 at 9:57pm

I wouldn't change what you wore- I think it made me stand out more from everyone else. And it's just more appropriate to me, so rock the skirt and blouse =)

[flaemmchen]

Posted: 9/27/06 at 9:59pm

Unfortunately, jeans is normal audition attire at many community theatres in Queens and on Long Island. Personally, I always wear a skirt and top because I feel I should come across as professional, but I try and keep it fun so that I don't come across as too professional, because community theatre atmosphere is a lot more laid back than most other auditions.

[LeadingDude]

Posted: 9/27/06 at 10:09pm

Actually...I no some directors on the professional level who think that it's silly to wear your "sundays best". You want to look presentable and nice but don't over do it because then you look stupid. Also, think about what show you are auditioning for. If you are doing Les Mis, you shouldn't wear a bright flower dress because Les Mis is a bit on the dark and depressing side. The most important thing is just being comfortable and look like you.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 9/27/06 at 10:13pm

When I audition for community, I usually dress up jeans. I wear a nice shirt with my jeans and usually wear heals. Never a t-shirt or anything. But if I audition for something professional, even if it's a small theatre in Atlanta, I dress up with at least black pants.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/28/06 at 1:47am

I dress up for all my auditions. I love it. I find it an excuse to wear a tie or something. When I audition for the South Eastern Theater Conference, I'd say everyone dressed up. There were numerous people wearing ties or dresses and khakis. Community is different, but I think if you dress up, it shows that you take it seriously. Sadly though, it doesnt matter for community stuff cause they're all bias and don't really care. At least that's what I've gotten from it.

[AnothaPartofMe]

Posted: 9/28/06 at 10:57am

Ya know this is something I've never understood ... when they ask to where character shoes, does that mean regular jazz shoes/sneakers - or actual character shoes (for males...).

[AnothaPartofMe]

Posted: 9/28/06 at 10:57am

Ya know this is something I've never understood ... when they ask to where character shoes, does that mean regular jazz shoes/sneakers - or actual character shoes (for males...).

[SCBWannabe]

Posted: 9/28/06 at 11:15am

Speaking as a casting director, I usually look for the talent in a person, not how they are dressed. I have noticed a lot of the actors will ask about the dress code. I don't care what you come in, as long as you don't look like complete trash (unless the role calls for it) I want the actors to feel as comfortable as possible so they can give the best performance that they can deliver.

[KQuill]

Posted: 9/28/06 at 12:04pm

It's also a good idea, if you are auditioning for a role in specific, to dress how that character might dress. As Robert Cohen says, don't dress exactl like the character, but dress as if you are the character.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 9/28/06 at 12:06pm

My dress. My dress. My fancy dress. I don't know why I'm wearing it (my lyricist couldn't come up with anything better for me to say), I must confess.

[SarahBeth]

Posted: 9/28/06 at 12:57pm

Since it was community theatre i'm not surprised people were wearing jeans. When I auditioned for Grease a girl came in straight from work in a filthy food splattered uniform and got the part of Sandy. I usually wear nice jeans and a dressy top for community theatre since the directors there that I have experience with don't expect people to come in lookng professional.

[Guillermo Ugarte]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 10:52am

Here is a tip to use or not, as you choose. It never hurts to stand out in any way you can and while some casting directors really don't care what you wear, some do. Dress simply with no busy patterns or weird clothing. One actress I know always wore all black with a solid, brightly colored scarf. You will stand out without being loud. Men can do the same thing with a tie or by wearing black pants and a shirt that has a colorful highlight on the collar or simple colored stripe on the sleeve. I have seen some men wear a solid color shirt that is an interesting or different shade that what you might normally wear.

Whatever you do, don't become so obsessed with how you dress that you forget the one crucial thing: talent tells the tale. So be prepared and give it everything you have got.

Updated On: 9/29/06 at 10:52 AM

[Josephine2]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 12:37pm

I think you should dress in manner that best represents you, but also that complements the piece for which you are auditioning. As far as jeans, it depends on which show, theatre, casting director, etc. I don't think jeans are completely out of the question, as I know a few people who've worn jeans to a "Rent" audition and booked the job (jeans are appropriate in this case). One might not, however, want to wear jeans when auditioning for "42nd Street." I suggest continuing to do your homework, to dress how you feel is appropriate for the instance in which you are auditioning, and not worry about what other people are wearing around you. Just stay focused on the audition at hand.
Updated On: 9/29/06 at 12:37 PM

[rflpfl2]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 3:19pm

When it comes to dressing for an audition- you dress for the role you want to be seen for. It's important to make sure you are making the casting decision as easy as possible by selling yourself as the role from when you step into that door. Just don't go overbored- nothing is worse than seeming too desperate.

This isn't a job interview at an office- this is for a role in a show- so dress appropriately so casting directors see you as the role. Sometimes jeans may sell a character more than a skirt and blouse- especially if the role is for a teenager or a free spirit or something.

Now if you're going in for something that is period- wear clothes that somewhat evoke that feel. For example- if you're going in for Fidler- I wouldn't wear jeans and a t-shirt- wear something modest and probably covering your body. If you're going in for Good Vibration- you better break out that skirt and bright colored top.

[actor]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 3:23pm

It depends on the town, the theatre, the director, the show, the character you are auditioning for, and the people auditioning.

Always bring a change of clothes in case you feel overdressed.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 3:35pm

I've never dressed up for an audition.

If it's community theatre, I guess it doesn't really matter much. But if there's a dance portion, I would hate to have shown up in clothes I can't move in.

Just be yourself. You'll be in a costume anyway, it doesn't really matter.

Posted: 9/29/06 at 3:57pm

In auditions and job interviews, it is said that you should dress at the level that you strive to be, not at the one you are at. Those teens in jeans were just country bumpkins or unsophisticated suburbanites.

[rflpfl2]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 4:13pm

I wouldn't post a second time on something like this- but I am- mainly because I see so many actors and actresses get caught up in this type of stuff- and it should be pretty simple.

Munk made a good point in that you wear clothes you are comfortable in- but it's VERY important to wear clothes appropriate for the role. And auditioning is very different than a job interview- being professional here means- looking neat, attractive (unless the role calls for someone plain or ugly), and appropriate for the character. Show them that you understand the role on at least a superficial level.

I know actors who once they get a callback- will wear clothes that are totally different than what they wore in their original audition to show off a different side- MISTAKE. Someone saw something they liked- so repeat it- even wear the same outfit.
Updated On: 9/29/06 at 04:13 PM

[Josephine2]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 7:11pm

I just felt compelled to comment on Glinda2's recent post...

"In auditions and job interviews, it is said that you should dress at the level that you strive to be, not at the one you are at."

Glinda2, sometimes it is better to stay true to yourself rather than trying to be something that you are not. Many casting directors want to see you and what you can bring to the role.

"Those teens in jeans were just country bumpkins or unsophisticated suburbanites."

Jeans don't necessarily suggest "country" or "unsophisticated," depending on how they are worn. If they are worn in such a manner that they do, maybe that's what is appropriate for who, what, and where one is auditioning.

No matter what you wear, it's important to feel comfortable, stay true to yourself, and be aware of who, what, when, and where you are auditioning.


Updated On: 9/29/06 at 07:11 PM

[actor]

Posted: 9/29/06 at 9:24pm

When auditioning, be yourself. Dress the way you feel comfortable dressing. Don't put on a personality.