What NOT to Wear: Audition Edition

Written by Michelle Evans

February 14, 2018

As a director and audition coach, I have seen it all when it comes to what people will wear to an audition. Oh, the stories I could tell! To make sure that you don’t end up as some casting directors story, I have laid out some basic “What Not to Wear” rules when you are selecting your next audition outfit!

1. Don’t overwhelm with patterns

I’m not saying that bright colors and patterns are a bad thing for auditions, but there is a limit to how much is too much. If you want to use a bright color or bold pattern, make sure it is balanced with a neutral color. Try a bold print pant with a solid color top, or put your pop of color in something like your shoes. You don’t want them to be distracted by your clothing!

2. Leave the sweats at home

Yes, you should be comfortable in what you are wearing, but there is a limit to how comfortable you should be. Leave the sweats and workout clothes at home. If there is a dance audition, make sure that you bring a change of clothes. Auditions are an important day. Dress like it means something to you and that it isn’t just something you decided to do last minute. Remember that you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

3. Too tight… no thanks

This goes for clothes that are ill-fitting as well as tight. Make sure that you have room to breath and move around. There is nothing like too tight or constricting clothes to make those sitting behind the audition table feel uncomfortable. If you look like you can’t move or breath, judges are not going to feel comfortable watching you audition. So, before you walk out the door, make sure that you can move around without popping a button or seam. As a gentle reminder, you may not want to show any “parts” that may need to stay hidden!

4. Not a time for costumes

There is a difference between giving a subtle nod towards a character you would like to audition for and wearing a red cape because you want to be Little Red Riding Hood. Leave the costumes at home and be careful that your audition outfit doesn’t nod so much to that desired character that it takes you out of the running for something else. You never know how the artistic team may see you, and if you make that difficult, they may only remember you as the person who wore their Halloween costume to an audition.

5. Don’t over accessorize

You are the main attraction of your audition package, not your jangling jingling jewelry or your overwhelming scarf. Accessories are not bad, but make sure that they are not distracting the directors from you and your talent. Make sure that if you wear accessories that they are doing what they are meant to do and that is to compliment what you are wearing. If they make a noise or constrict you from moving, just leave them at home.

6. Keep it covered

Let’s say you have killer abs or legs for days. That doesn’t mean that they need to see them at the audition. Even if crop tops are in style, it still doesn’t mean that they are right for the audition room. You are auditioning your talent, not your body. The lack of clothing can give the wrong focal point. Make sure that what you are wearing isn’t showing too much skin and distracting them from you and your material for the day.

7. So, what do I wear?

Make sure that your audition outfit is flattering and doesn’t distract. Your clothing should be comfortable but well-tailored. It is ok to play around with color, texture, and patterns, as long as they don’t clash and fight each other. A great audition outfit gives us a sense of who you are and your “type”. If you still don’t know if your outfit is right, try it on. Take some pictures and get a second opinion. Your outfit is just as important as your audition material, so don’t leave it until the last minute!



Need some advice? We’ve got you covered.

Michelle J. Evans is a sought after private acting and college audition coach based out of the Atlanta area. She has had a long career as a performer, director and instructor and is currently on staff with The Performer’s Warehouse. Michelle spends most of her time to training high school and college aged performers on how to have successful careers in the performing arts. You can find out more about her and upcoming projects at www.michellejevans.com.