There’s nothing worse than being immersed in a performance and having a wardrobe malfunction. It could be stumbling over the hem of a skirt that’s slightly too long, a loose strap on a top slipping, or feeling wobbly in the shoes you’re wearing.
Not only is it potentially dangerous, but it’s also incredibly districting and bound to pull you out of the moment. In an audition, where there is unlikely to be a second chance, it could even cost you the role.
What should a casting call audition outfit look like? It can feel overwhelming to decide what to wear to an acting audition, but this guide outlines some key things to consider.
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1. Don’t hide.
“Avoid things which hide you,” says Ruth Naylor-Smith, head of movement at the Mountview drama school.
That includes sunglasses, caps, hair over your face, or very baggy clothing. It’s important that the audition panel can clearly see your facial expressions and physicality to observe how you portray a character.
2. Prioritise comfort.
Wear clothes you feel comfortable in. Avoid “new high heels you cannot walk in,” Naylor-Smith says. Instead, wear something you’ve worn before so you know you won’t think twice about.
3. Think about free movement.
To give your best performance, it’s important to feel relaxed and free in your physicality. Tight clothes will only hinder that. Wear something that’s comfortable to move in, especially if the audition may involve dance.
4. Keep it casual.
“You don’t need to dress like you’re going in for a corporate interview,” New York Film Academy advises. Your clothes “shouldn’t be a wrinkled mess,” but you should also avoid wearing business attire (unless you’re auditioning for a show like Industry and you’ve been asked to dress the part!).
5. Avoid wearing a costume.
Some actors like to wear clothes that hint at the character they’re auditioning for, but it’s generally advised to avoid wearing a full-blown costume, because it could be distracting to the panel.
Your audition clothing may differ slightly depending on the scenario, whether it’s a drama school audition or a movement or dance casting call.
Many of the same principles apply here, with a few additions.
“Choose comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and that you feel comfortable in,” says Dan Fulham, vice principal and director of strategy at drama school Italia Conti. “At a drama school audition, you may take part in various workshops, including movement, voice, and improvisation, as well as performing your prepared speeches or duologues. You want to feel ready for all of those activities without having to adjust your clothes or worry about them.”
Fulham advises auditionees to explicitly avoid restrictive clothing, as well as “large slogans, noisy jewellery, or immodest clothing,” which he says “can also pull attention away from your performance.”
Alan Pearson, head of acting at Mountview, also advises against “clothing with particularly bold logos or statements that might draw the panellists’ attention away from your work.”
“My honest advice would be to wear whatever makes you feel confident, comfortable, and able to engage fully in the practical work,” Pearson says.
Regardless of whether you’re auditioning for a musical theatre course or a programme with more of an acting focus, Pearson advises dressing so you’re “prepared for any physical tasks you might be asked to undertake.”
What to wear to a movement or dance audition
Many of the same principles for a general casting audition outfit apply, but for dance calls it’s even more important that the clothes you wear facilitate physical activity.
That means they must be flexible, secure, and breathable; you don’t want to end up overheating!
“Make sure you are wearing something you can comfortably move in: sports, dance, or leisure clothes that are not exposing and in which you would happily roll around on the floor,” Naylor-Smith says.
She advises auditionees to avoid restrictive clothes such as skirts, leather belts, and nonstretchy tight clothes, as well as garments that need constant adjustment – such as a top that keeps slipping down your shoulder. “You want to be able to focus on what you are doing, not what you look like,” she says.
Rarely, you may be given specific instructions on what to wear to an audition. If that is ever the case, follow the guidelines. But otherwise, most importantly, wear something that feels comfortable and fits your personality and style.
“Ultimately, wear something that allows you to feel like yourself and do your best work,” Pearson says.
Credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock
This auditionee is wearing casual, comfortable-looking clothes that are easy to move in. The beige top with a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and white trainers are neutral and not distracting in any way, while still expressing some of the actor’s individual style.
Credit: PeopleImages/Shutterstock
This dancer is wearing a plain white top and slightly more stylised tracksuit bottoms, which express his individuality without grabbing too much attention and distracting from the work. The clothes also look breathable and allow for movement.
Credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock
This actor looks comfortable in her smart-casual outfit, which expresses individuality with the pale yellow cardigan without feeling too loud.