I tend to ascribe to the school of wearing what is comfortable-- look nice, but also look "normal". But I also know a lot of girls wear dresses, heels, etc. This seems to be more true for theatre... what do you all do? Do you find it makes a difference at all?

I know ultimately its a little silly to worry about, but I've more aware of it lately.

Thanks!

This isn't a silly question at all... wardrobe can fulfill a vital function in creating character, be it for an auditioning or otherwise.

Although I don't believe in going "overboard" in dressing for auditions, I think it's a good idea to stay "in the ballpark." In other words, dress according to type. If it's a corporate role for Law & Order -- a suit or blazer, for the hooker that the lawyer is bailing out of jail -- something a little more risque, and so forth.

I vividly remember the most extreme length I've ever heard a customer take to land a role -- it was for a the part of an Eskimo in a national American Express commercial. He rented an entire Eskimo outfit at Western Costume -- a fur parka, fur mukluks, even a spear. To complete the ensemble, he dragged in a wooden sled!! But he booked the job, making tens of thousands in the bargain, AND IT WAS HIS VERY FIRST COMMERCIAL AUDITION. It was was the craziest idea I'd ever heard of, before or since. But under the circumstances, can you say that his plan was faulty?

"Whatever works."

www.robertkim.com

In my experience, looking the part is huge. I've talked about this a lot on the board, so I'm not going to go into too much detail, but visuals are huge. I wouldn't recommend showing up in full-on Eskimo gear, but you definitely want to convey the essence of the role. In general, imagination is not guaranteed in the room. Make it easy. Look like what they want.

I sure went in for a Wal-Mart casting wearing mom jeans and sneakers today. That was painful.

These are the horrifying and life-altering indignities suffered by us all...

Darbi you are so right! There is rarely any imagination in the casting room! It always amazes me that what they see is all they can see most of the time. Therefore - dressing to suggest the role is really important. My daughter can play 12-16 and dress accordingly because these cds often can't see her older or younger if we don't help them!

quote:

These are the horrifying and life-altering indignities suffered by us all...

And you didn't even see me pulling out my mom jeans wedge...


What I find interesting is the various interpretations of specified wardrobe. Today I went in for a casting where I was told to wear something versatile enough for work and a nice dinner out, more upscale. There were conservative suits, shiny cocktail dresses, jeans... Of course, perhaps I should take into consideration that many of these girls haven't worked the actual 9 to 5 jobs that the client's customers do work.