I Haven't Got A Thing To Wear!
by Brian Blythe (Associate Artistic Director of The York Theatre)
Dressing for an audition is one of the key components of putting together the right package. To qualify, I come from a musical theatre background, and can speak to that--there may be a few differences for TV/film, but I think the concepts are the same. From behind the table, I like to see that the picture, the outfit and the material being sung all line up with the person who walks in the door for the audition. That helps me not only remember the particular actor, but clues me into the fact that I'm working with a professional. Someone who has thought about what they are marketing and then put the pieces together to fit that package shows a great deal of initiative and, dare I say, business savvy, that telegraphs I'm going to have someone in rehearsals who will be on their game, ready to give me what I need.
Lets face it, the guys have it easy when it comes to dressing for auditions. A nice pair of slacks, a button down shirt, and done. Going out for the nerd add an argyle sweater. Going out for the leading man maybe a jacket. Its easy. Ladies lets talk.
Recently, I was conducting a mock audition with a group of young actors visiting from Southern California. I had a panel of New York-based writers who were behind the table with me, made up of three women and one man. All of them, especially the women behind the table, were surprised at some of the choices the actresses were making. There were quite a few cocktail dresses, many of them low-cut, and high heel shoes that were difficult to walk in. After the audition, I gave the writers a chance to give their feedback to the actors; all the writers encouraged the ladies to make sure the message they were sending with their outfits was the right one. Ultimately, what they were looking for was someone who was professionally and modestly dressed, wearing something that gave an essence of who she was and that gave the impression she was ready to work. We chalked the cocktail dresses up to a California thing and encouraged them to think of dressing more corporate casual.
I take a further step in my thinking, make sure you're dressing to reflect your type. That doesn't mean arriving in costume (because that can easily backfire), but it's finding something that, again, suggests you know what you're packaging. For a leading lady, either a nice dress or a pair of slacks with a sweater or button down shirt. For the side kick, something fun and quirky; I'm a lover of polka dots. For the vamp, sure, put the girls up and out where they need to be, but do it in a smart way; if they are the only thing we're watching in the audition, you're in trouble. Ultimately, you need to stand out in your audition, so find something that gives off a great energy and sense of who you are. Ask everyone you know, and some folks who you don't know as well, what does this outfit say about me? You'll get a bunch of different answers, but hopefully you'll start hearing some recurring themes in the comments that will help you define your look.
For homework watch What Not To Wear on TLC. It sounds strange, perhaps, but there are lessons to be learned, especially for those ladies who are blessed with a normal body with curves and whatnot! Hosts Stacy and Clinton are great at showing you how clothes can not only be used to emphasize your best assets, but how they can be used to express who you are. And when you have a two minute job interview that involves either singing a song or reciting a monologue or doing a scene, perhaps the strangest job interview in the world, you need to be dressed for success!
