Comfort and flexibility are the most important factors in audition clothing. You may be expected to dance, sing, or even perform improvisational comedy at an audition. Tight or restrictive clothing could limit your movements or even prevent you from completing a task. Ladies should never wear short skirts unless paired with boy shorts. High heels are never recommended, except for character shoes at a dance audition.
Avoid typecasting yourself with your clothing. Dressing a bit younger or older than your chronological age or adding glasses is fine, but stay away from specific character costumes.
Dressing head to toe in neutral colors or black clothing can make you look boring, but do not overdo the flash. A single tasteful piece in a vibrant color helps you stand out.
Although many artistic people live in ripped jeans or vintage skirts, save these items for rehearsals. Choose clothes that are clean and in good repair. If you have long hair, pull it away from your face. Dress modestly but not overly conservatively. Check your hair and fingernails just before you enter the audition room.
Skip the overdone stage makeup, and choose flattering, moderately applied colors. Some men wear a bit of stage makeup to auditions to avoid washing out in the theater lights. Before you do this, make sure that the audition will be held on stage!
Jewelry is fine, but choose pieces that are not overpowering. You want the casting director's attention on you, not on your oversized necklace or dangling earrings.
If you are called back for a second or third audition, wear exactly what you wore to the first audition. Casting directors generally remember early auditioners by look rather than name, and formulate impressions of each person. If you were "the guy in the red vest" at your first audition, and are now "the guy in the yellow pants," the casting director may not remember your fabulous dramatic monologue.
Many well-meaning stage parents dress their children, particularly girls, in elaborate costumes with tightly done hairstyles and heavy makeup. This can be detrimental for the child's audition, as it sends a message to the director that the parent may be hard to work with. Child performers should follow the basic audition clothing tips that apply to everyone. Dressing a child to portray a slightly different age range is okay, but dressing a 10-year-old like a 25-year-old is not recommended.