Figuring out what to wear for an audition can sometimes feel really overwhelming. It can cause unnecessary stress and distract you from your work when all you really want is to feel confident. However, when you have a clear idea of what to wear to an audition, choosing your clothing is simple and it can even be fun too!
Just like with acting classes, it is always best to put comfort over style. Remembering that you are there to do a job will ensure you choose the right outfit.
In this guide, we will cover everything from what to wear to audition for an agent, to what to wear to audition for a musical, so you can feel more confident in your clothing choices for your next audition too.
What To Wear For An Audition
Whilst there are a variety of different auditions you may be asked to attend there are some general rules that apply to all auditions.
- Wear something that you feel physically comfortable in. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Consider the temperature and make sure you’re warm/cool enough. Wear clothing that fits you well and doesn’t swamp you or squeeze you in.
- Wear something you feel confident in. It’s not just about feeling comfortable physically, but mentally and emotionally too. If you feel self-conscious about what you’re wearing, you’re never going to be able to do your best work, and that’s the thing that really matters.
- Dress professionally, but don’t overdress. Choose smart clothes that are clean, ironed and in good condition. You don’t need to wear a suit or lots of make-up, but dressing somewhere around smart casual is a great idea.
- Wear something simple. While you may want to stand out, there will be no point if the casting team can’t focus on your great acting because they’re too distracted by what you’re wearing. Simpler clothes in solid colors are a better choice than overly bright or patterned clothing.
- Hint at your character. This doesn’t mean wearing a costume – no police officer outfits from your local costume store, please! It just means dressing with your character in mind so that casting can more easily visualize you in the role. For instance, if you’re playing an office worker, a shirt and slacks are a great choice. If you’re playing more of a rebellious character, then you could dress a little more casually and throw on a leather jacket.
What To Wear To An Audition For A Theatre Play
Choosing what to wear to an audition for a theatre play is fairly simple. As with the advice above, dress simply, smartly and in a costume that hints at the character. Make sure to note if you’re going to be doing any movement work during the audition. For instance, if it’s a physical theatre production, then you will need to wear something you can easily move around in. Consider what is going to be most practical for you.
What To Wear To An Audition For A Musical
When deciding what to wear to an audition for a musical, you will almost definitely have to prepare for a movement or dance section. Here are some things to consider:
- Wear clothes that are moveable and breathable so you can do your best work. Wear comfortable shoes or bring dance shoes.
- Make sure your clothes are fitted but not too tight. The casting team need to see how you move, but you still want to be comfortable enough to do your best work.
- Smart casual attire is often less important to wear to an audition for a musical. It’s still important to wear clothing that makes you look professional, but it is more acceptable to wear things like leggings and movement wear due to the nature of the work.
What To Wear To An Audition For A Film or TV Show
Compared to what to wear to an audition for a musical, auditioning for a film or TV show will normally not require much movement at all. The most important thing when you’re deciding what to wear to an audition for a film or tv show is to hint at the character. You won’t have much time in the room, so will want to make sure they can quickly and easily imagine you as the character. Remember to avoid patterns, small polka dots or pinstripes, as these can look strange on camera.
What To Wear For An Audition Tape
With the world of auditions becoming more and more centred around audition tapes and self-tapes, it is also important to consider what to wear for an audition tape. Similar to film and TV auditions, it’s important to choose something that is smart and hints at the character you’re auditioning for. It is even more important to make a quick impression when you choose what to wear for an audition tape, as they will see you for even less time than they would in the audition room.
What Not To Wear For An Audition Tape
One of the main things when deciding what to wear for an audition tape is making sure you don’t blend into the background. If you, like many people, have a white or cream backdrop make sure not to wear white or very light colours in your tape. Wear solid colours that help you stand out from your backdrop. As above with film auditions, make sure not to wear bold or complex patterns, as these can end up looking strange on camera.
What To Wear To An Audition For An Agent
It can be a bit confusing to decide what to wear to an audition for an agent. Often when you go to meet an agent, most of the meeting will simply be a conversation about your goals and how you might work together. Often, they don’t require you to perform anything, and if they do it will likely be a prepared monologue or a page of sides. Therefore, dressing smart casual, as you would for a regular job interview, is great to wear to an audition for an agent. Don’t be afraid to put a little personality into what you wear to audition for an agent, as you want to feel confident and like your best self.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Colour To Wear For An Audition?
What colour to wear for an audition can be an easy thing so overthink. You want to stand out but you don’t want to distract from your performance Here are some tips in order to choose which colours to wear for your audition.
- It’s been mentioned already a couple of times, but it is best to avoid bold patterns, pinstripes, and small polka dots as they can be distracting and look strange on camera.
- There are a couple of colours it’s best to avoid. One of these is white, which can blend you into the background. Another is red, as this can appear too bold and overwhelming, especially on camera.
- So what are some good colours to wear? Simple, solid colours are best. It has been said that actors wearing blue are more likely to book a role – although this may just be a myth!
- It can be helpful to consider your character when choosing what colours to wear. Are they sweet and feminine? Then try pink. Are they bubbly and cheerful? Give yellow a go. Are they mysterious? Try a grey or dark purple. See what colours resonate with your character’s personality and make you feel connected to them.
Can You Wear Makeup To An Audition?
When you go to an audition you want to look like your best self, whilst still looking like you. Feel free to wear some make-up to enhance your features but make sure not to go overboard. Make sure not to wear things like heavy foundation, bright blush, eyeshadow or lipstick, or heavy mascara and eyeliner. The casting panel want to see what you look like, not how good your make-up skills are. A light base to cover any blemishes and a bit of mascara to make your eyes pop should be enough.
The Takeaway On What To Wear To An Audition
Picking out what to wear for an audition doesn’t have to be overly stressful. While we’ve gone into it in some depth here, the simple guidelines you need to remember are to choose something comfortable, smart, simple, and something you feel good in. With a bit of practice, you will find the process of choosing what to wear to an audition more and more simple. You may even start to have fun choosing clothes for each of the characters you end up auditioning for! In the end, you will be able to walk into the audition room with confidence, ready to do your best work.