But WHAT Would I WEAR? -- Part 2

Welcome back! How was your time away? Did you try on absolutely everything in your closet? Do you feel enlightened? Do you feel overwhelmed? It's understandable -- there's a lot to unpack (pun sort of intended).

We've talked a little bit about the actual clothing you put on your back. But what about everything else you wear?

Shoes, Glorious Shoes

Ahhhhh, shoes. The most magical of accessories, but obviously, they're also necessary to complete an outfit before walking out the door. Depending on what pair of shoes we put on, we "wear" them differently, like each pair make us feel a certain way. What do I mean by this? Let's talk about a few types of shoe that I own and often choose from to explain.

We'll start with the tried and true: the character shoe. For some, this is the only type of footwear that they will deem "worthy" of an audition room. There is something special about wearing your character shoes because they've walked on other stages, they've been through other shows with you, and in a sense, they bring luck because they show (both figuratively and literally if they're well-loved / scuffed) experience. For me personally, I enjoy wearing my character shoes because I do feel the most like a "professional actor" when I wear them. But I don't wear them all that often (usually I will opt to wear them if the clothing I've picked would look best with characters) because "feeling like an actor" isn't exactly the feeling I'm looking to have. Those that exclusively wear characters, more power to you! I'd love to hear how they make you feel or why you routinely reach for them.

Next up: combat boots. These bad boys used to be a huuuuuuge no-no when considering standard of fashion in the audition room way back when, but nowadays? Boots / booties are among the most popular type of shoe you'll find in the holding room right now. I'm sure there are many reasons why this is or could be, including types of shows and roles being produced currently as well as general fashion trends in recent years. But those things aside, I think their biggest selling point (and it certainly is for me!) is that they make you feel powerful. Power can come in different forms based on the individual -- they can make you feel rebellious, tough, confident, punk rock, grounded, and so on and so forth. So it's really no surprise they're so popular. I certainly frequent them as long as the audition I'm attending fits into a similar "vibe" as what my boots give off.

Finally, my favorite: heels. No, I know! Heels are wildly uncomfortable, and they certainly make wandering the streets of NY difficult. But I just love them. I don't know what it is about them for me, but I put them on and I feel like I can take on the world, like I own the room. And confidence is something we could all use when walking into an audition, so I always am in support of the heel! That said, it's always funny playing I Spy: Actor Edition walking the streets first thing in the morning. If you spot someone dressed to the nines, hair and makeup included, and they're wearing tennis shoes? Yeah, that's an actor who carries their fancy shoes in their backpack. Work smarter, not harder!

Which are you in favor of? Or do you have another go-to style? Let's talk about it!

Balancing Accessories

From flashy jewelry and patterned neckties to colorful tights and glitzy wristwatches, there are LOTS of ways to accessorize. And here is where I think it's the most unassuming and most harmless way to showcase your own personality. I wouldn't recommend going overboard and wearing every accessory you own, but do you have some chunky earrings that go really well with that dress? Wear them! Do you need a pop of color and fun against your black suit? Put on the dancing banana socks! Do you love showing off your pastel rainbow leg warmers every chance you get? Why not, you'll be very memorable! Do you have a pocket square that goes well with that button down, blazer combo? Absolutely! You get the idea. And if you can find a way to use your accessories to subtly hint at who you'd like to play or character type? Think of the possibilities!

Personal Styling and Self-Expression

We've now talked about everything you put on your body for an audition, but what about things that are already there? Tattoos? Piercings? "Unnatural color" dyed hair? Or what about scars? Birthmarks? Visible disabilities? What can be done or should be done with those?

I'll let you in on a little secret when it comes to the industry. Yes, they're looking for great performers -- great singers, great actors, great dancers -- but they're also looking for great people. Unique people that stand out not only in talent or style, but in personality, work ethic, and manner. So walk in rocking your one-of-a-kind self! Because even if it's not right for this musical over here? Get in front of those casting directors enough and show them who you are, and they'll have other projects in mind for you over there one day. If you take nothing else away from these two posts, take this: wear YOU unapologetically, and you'll stand out from the crowd.

So what have we learned? Are we feeling ready to tackle the next open call head on? We didn't even touch on how fashion etiquette differs from a singing audition to a dancing audition -- what a different energy! -- but maybe we can revisit this topic in the future if there's interest. While I am not a dancer myself (strong movers unite 👏🏻), it's always an adventure finding myself in a dance call holding room. But that is a story for another day! If nothing else, I hope this little mini series has been entertaining. And if you ever have specific questions or need advice on audition attire, I would be more than happy to help -- it's a weird thing I love to do! Any lingering questions about fashion in the holding room? Leave a comment down below, and let's chat.

Thanks for reading, #DreamTeamHLJ, and strut your stuff.