Audition Attire

Audition Attire

Sometimes getting dressed in the morning can be hard enough, let alone getting dressed for an audition like that. Let’s check to Audition Attire.

But what we wear truly influences the way that we are perceived and remembered. We see it every day, in every place, and at every given situation. Clothing is important and speaks volumes about how we perceive ourselves and how we want others to see us.

So here are few rules for dressing up for an audition-.

THERE ARE NO RULES:

This is the ultimate truth about any industry — Rules are made to be broken and constantly rewritten. It is often those who do not follow the standards that stand out the most. However, there is a fine line between ‘being original’ and being self-sabotaging.  Remember when breaking the rules, break them with respect.

DO YOUR RESEARCH:

It is important to do your research and understand who is going to be in the room with you. Is it someone that you already have a working relationship with? Is it a casting director who specializes in discovering new faces for television? Is it a casting director who tends to appreciate the craft?

Is it a choreographer who embraces cleanliness or one who throws technique out the window? All of these things can inform the way that you walk into the room and what you should be wearing when you do. Be a smart actor and accommodate the people who are taking the time to give you a shot.

Know Yourself:

The thing that impresses most casting judges the most in an audition room is when someone walks in knowing exactly who they are and honours their truths. You can tell instantly. It is very rare, but when they see it they are instantly hooked.

This is not something you can buy at a store. It is found that people who take the time to establish a sense of style that represents who they have a much stronger tendency to feel comfortable in their skin — which is the first step towards honouring your truths in the audition room.  This is far more important than any heel height or suit cut.

BE COMFORTABLE:

That means if you know that you are never comfortable in high heels -don’t wear them. If you think a dress makes you look lumpy -don’t leave your house on it. If your suit makes you feel like an n uncle-wear jeans. Do not sacrifice what your gut tells you because you think that it will make you look more ‘the part’.

SHOWCASE IS OVER:                 

Men should avoid wearing black vests, colourful button-up shirts and black dress pants. Women should stop wearing jewel tone dresses and nude heels. SHOWCASE IS OVER. Find something that represents who you are and what you bring to the world of storytelling.

People can’t stand when they know someone has created an ‘audition uniform’ that they wear to every open call. It feels straight lazy- and actors must never be lazy. Take the time to break free from your university training and be interesting beyond the jewel tones.

ASK FOR HELP:

Take an on-camera class if you have never done a film or TV. Ask the teacher for feedback on what he/she thinks looks best on you. Set up a camera in your house and try different makeup, hair, and colours. Take dance classes and look around at what other people are wearing. Ask them where they buy their clothes. Go try things on. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a look that is uniquely you. Other people see you differently so take the time to ask them what they think.

FILL THE TOTE:

Make sure that you have everything that you could need with you at the start of the day. Find a large comfortable tote bag and make it your new best friend. I know it is terrible to have to lug a large bag around — just think of it as a great warm-up! Have another outfit option in your bag that could provide a different look if needed.

Bring your makeup bag and have anything that you might need to fix stray or unruly hair. If there is the possibility of staying to dance, make sure you have your shoes and all of your possible dance attire. Think of everything so that you will never have to feel unprepared.

DON’T BE AFRAID OF PATTERNS

Somewhere along with the line people were told that solid colours were the only thing they could wear to auditions. People are convinced that patterns or playing with colour mixing might make them stand out in a bad way.

When in fact many conversations with actors in the audition room start because the colourful pattern on their dress intrigues the casting judges. The only time that patterns are a ‘no-no’ is on film.  When going in for commercial or television auditions subtle is always better.

IMPLY – DON’T TRY:

It is important to imply the world of the play rather than trying too hard to emulate it. Casting directors can always tell when someone is trying to be a character rather than organically living in the text and the world of the play. They would rather see an actor who shows them that they can play an 18th-century courtesan by their demeanour than one who shows up in a dress with a built-in corset.

However, if you know that that dress will help you achieve a stronger audition then it is recommended that you wear it. There’s a saying that goes like-‘Donot wear the policeman’s badge –just act as you have it in your pocket.’

There are so many things outside of your control at an audition -the bus is late, the child actor before you is super annoying, the accompanists slaughters your music, the casting director is hungry. However, there are two things that you can control: Preparedness and how you present yourself.

Show up to share yourself, be interesting, and break the rules with respect.