Audition Style Tips: Looking Your Best! (Part 1)

Few things are worse than stressing about what you’re going to wear to an audition. Your attention should be on giving your best performance, not finding your best shirt – so we tapped George Brescia, NYC performer and stylist to stage stars, to get tips on simplifying your self-styling.

George shared a very telling story about going into a prestigious NYC college showcase dress rehearsal to critique outfits.  He went through all the actors one by one after each performance giving corrections on their looks, and afterward all the students changed back into their street clothes.  AND THEY LOOKED MUCH BETTER.

Too often, actors overdo it – costuming for a role in the audition instead of bringing the best version of themselves to the table. 

The people who book the jobs, George tells us, are those who look like their photo and bring a strong sense of self to the room.  Trying to guess what the CD wants or jump into your preconception of the role with your look can backfire.

Here are some of George’s top tips for looking great & like your best self while making a positive impact at on-camera auditions, including your ActorIntro shoot:

Be sure your headshot and ActorIntro look the way you’re going to look when you walk in the door.  It’s too confusing for CDs to re-assess; they need to have a clear idea of you that’s consistent.

Your face is #1 priority – your outfit, makeup, and hair should be illuminating YOU.

Be more selective and more tailored. Color and silhouette become ten times more important for film and television – the camera sees every detail. 

Know what colors make you look your best.

It’s easier for CDs to picture you more “done up” than less.

People want to see YOU - a healthy, rested, attractive, appealing YOU.

Show up well-rested, hydrated, healthy, and bright-eyed.  A big night out shows at a morning audition.

Bring your energy into the room – and your energy has to be some form of “up.”  Even if you’re auditioning with a sad song or complex scene, the energy you bring has to start from a place of attraction to get the attention and engagement of everyone else in the room.

Make your style choice endorse you instead of overpower.  This is a big one for redheads!  Think Marcia Cross on Desperate Housewives – they should remember you including your beautiful red hair, not just your clothing color choices.

Don’t fall back on black.  It’s too generic and too down. If you are going to wear black, you must build in some bold accents like color or accessories - just not too busy.

Stay away from prints – 9 times out of 10, it’s too busy.  A print should be an accent, not the focal point.  Tend toward muted prints.

And our favorite: Don’t be everything to everybody – be you and the right opportunities will come.

You can set up a personal style appointment with George at www.georgebstyle.com – be sure to mention ActorIntro! 

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