Dressing the Part

As I write this I have four different outfits for three different auditions/meetings and one potential callback packed away in my bag for tomorrow.  Sound familiar?  

It is often said, "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." While this is true in most careers, it can be crucial for the auditioning actor. What you wear (or don't wear) to an audition is a huge part of the first impression, and can have a lot to do with how casting directors perceive you and how far you'll go in the casting process for a particular job.  

Even so, how specific do you prefer a CD to get in prescribing the audition wardrobe?  

I've had two auditions lately that made me utter an audible, "Really???" when I received the audition wardrobe instructions.  

It's been 90 degrees in Manhattan forever, so of course in comes the July audition that calls for cold weather apparel.  Grateful for the audition during a notoriously slow time, I decided to suck it up and wear jeans that day, but bring a sweater to put on over my tank top when I arrived.  Sure, I could have just changed when I got there, but I usually prefer to be dressed and ready when I arrive.  

My poor scene partner wore corduroy pants and his train stopped service several avenues away from the audition studio.  He had to run many long, unshaded avenue blocks in corduroy's and a long sleeve shirt with a sweater tied around his waist in the blistering heat.  Needless to say he was less than fresh when he arrived.  

The wardrobe breakdown for a recent print go-see was so specific, it stated the color and style of both shirt and pants.  And if one does not possess this exact outfit?  The presumed answer is, "Buy it."  For a job you don't even have yet.  This is truly a dress for the job you want moment.  The only trouble is that you're literally invested in the job before you ever walk in, and that cool, breezy, not-at-all-desperate vibe gets a challenge if you really need to put that money back in your bank account.  

The flip side of this is that if you have the requested outfit in your closet then you don't have to spare another moment thinking about it.  You just make sure it's clean and you're ready to rock, which could be an improvement from the time spent obsessing over vague clothing breakdowns, such as "dressy casual", "office chic", or "upscale mom-wear".  One person's "dressy casual" is another person's laundry day ensemble of last resort.  And I can't tell you the number of times I've walked into an audition and realized I may have gotten it wrong.  Not a good feeling when you're trying to summon all your confidence.

So I'd really like to know if you think it's more helpful when the wardrobe request is specific, but limiting, or when it is open to interpretation with the possibility of going off the mark. Do you have a wardrobe of set audition clothes in the various styles usually requested, or do you prefer change it up depending on how you're feeling?  

Leave your thoughts in the comments.

--Erin Brese

(Photo by Cathryn Lundgren)

Comments

[Mike McDermott]

Most casting calls/auditions I've been to do not require a particular wardrobe. However, there is the standard requirement of no stripes, checks, plaids or logos. What I do see is some folly. Actors showing up in jeans, t-shirts and sandals. If you go in sloppy, the casting director automatically thinks you're a sloppy actor. Dress for a job interview. Nice slacks, button-down shirt, shoes and an optional tie. Women should arrive in a dress or office attire. Respect the craft and you will get respect in return.

[Erin Brese]

Too true, Mike. I myself have fallen into the trap of, "Oh, it says 'casual'. I can wear whatever I want!" It's still a job interview. You're still trying to make an impression. Unless you want the impression to be that you don't really care how you're perceived.

[Kim Swanson, CSA]

Many actors fall into the trap of second guessing themselves when they see other actors in the waiting room dressed differently. YOU may be the only one dressed appropriately, so don't let your confidence fall when you feel you are not like everyone else. Just remember, when it comes to commercial work, the final selection of talent comes from the end client (the company that is actually advertising), which means corporate people, NOT artistic people are making the decisions. Everyone wants an "upscale version" of each character representing their product. When in doubt, look a bit nicer, cleaner, more pressed than everyone else in the room, and you'll already be ahead of the pack. In reality, "vague" descriptions aren't so vague when you understand this concept.

[Erin Brese]

Fantastic advice, Kim! Exactly what we actors need to know.

[Youlanda Burnett]

If I have a description of the character I try to dress the part. If not I go basic. A nice pair of pants and shirt very neutral colors. I was trained to look as much like my head shot as possible.

[Bree]

Thanks - what an eye-opener. Made me think of 'Ellie Parker'. Stay cool!