Clothes Make the Singer?
Rosemary Barenz
I was invited to the callbacks of a voice competition recently, and it was a great chance to observe. I saw beautiful dresses on lovely women, but some of those women simply should have purchased dresses in the next-larger size. Casual clothes tend to have a more relaxed, generous cut and can fool us into thinking we wear a different size. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to try on neighboring sizes when shopping for audition dresses since those fashions tend to have a more contoured cut. The size tag can mean very little. No one will ever see the size tag, and it is much worse to have an ill-fitting garment.
I have three or four dresses in my closet that I only wear for auditions. Since the audition process is a distinct event, I prefer to delegate these dresses to one purpose. I also tend to wear certain jewelry with a certain dress. It takes less thought on the day of the audition and directs my focus on the audition and the music.
I have fair skin and can appear very pale on stage or even at an audition. I have found that makeup one tint slightly darker than my own skin tone solves the washout problem.
I like to dress up for a Sitzprobe. Donors and major contributors can be invited to a Sitz, so it is important to look professional. The same goes for opening night receptions, where it is likely that singers will be introduced to donors, as well as other people in the business.
At auditions, I don’t think directors need spoon feeding, and second-guessing is a waste of time. I’d rather spend my energy on the music and presenting a pulled-together package. People will respond to an honest, positive presentation.
It may sound extremely corny but might bear repeating: The thing some people forget to wear into an audition is their smile.
Just Me… and My Tuxedo
Kelly Anderson
The categories of clothes a male singer needs would include: concert wear for afternoon, evening, and summer; rehearsals, including the Sitz- probe; auditions; and parties and meetings. I consider the following essential for a basic singer’s wardrobe.
Auditions
If it is a normal audition in NYC for a regional company, slacks, sport coat, or suit, tie or open-collared shirt, dress sweater. I find it is better to be comfortable. I do not wear a tie unless I feel it is needed. You rarely wear a tie in opera performances and the less around the vocal mechanism, the better and more relaxed I feel.
I always wear dress shoes with laces. I think loafers are too casual for auditions.
A dark suit and tie are needed for formal auditions, when you are singing onstage for the actual opera house. For the Met, Chicago, Houston, or even smaller houses, it is always better to be more formal.
Here are some specific suggestions for auditions.
Dark navy sport coat. This is a must. It goes well with anything, including jeans, and is great for auditions, parties, and agent meetings.
Dark gray, navy, or black suit. This, too, is imperative for more formal auditions. I prefer a single-breasted suit, because you have more freedom for arm gestures. A double-breasted suit is fine, and even makes you look taller. But if you are overweight, a definite no on double-breasted; it makes you look heavier.
Gray slacks and khaki slacks. They go well with the navy jacket and are fine for rehearsals and less formal meetings.
Black and brown dress shoes and belts
Performance
Black tuxedo. You can find shawl or notched collars, in single- or double-breasted. Don’t go crazy here. If Cary Grant would not wear your tux, forget it. Cummerbunds should be worn, pleats up. Be aware, if you are overweight, cummerbunds make you look heavier. You need a white tux shirt, collared or wing tip. If the shirt does not require cuff links, forget it because normal white dress shirts should never be worn with a tux. You need black cuff links and black shirt buttons for black tie and a set of white buttons and links for white tie. Do not wear wristwatches with a tux. It would be rude to be at an opening night party and checking your watch to see when you can leave.
Black tie. You need a black tie for concerts and recitals. Colored ties are fine for parties.
Rehearsals
First rehearsals (music rehearsal) are hard and stressful enough. I tend to be less dressy than some. I want to be comfortable yet respectful to my new colleagues. Khakis and jeans are fine with a nice shirt.
Staging rehearsals are a place to be in character and not a fashion show. If costumes are not available, wear clothes that will make you feel in character and comfortable. You will be on the floor, doing fight scenes, running around the stage. I wear jeans (especially black), T-shirts, sweatshirts, cotton sweaters, and black gym shoes. I bring a sport coat if I know I will be wearing one in the show. I bring other shoes if they are needed as well. If the rehearsal room is very warm or outside, you should be fine. If you are not sure, ask the stage director.
I have never understood why singers dress up for the Sitzprobe, but we do. Khakis and a nice shirt will be fine. Don’t be surprised to have the orchestra in jeans. Shorts and sandals are not recommended for rehearsals except for summer opera.
Opening night parties are the place to dress up. Even though you might be dead tired after the performance, this is where the money people will see you for the first time. Always check to see if it will be formal (black tie) or semi-formal (suit and tie). Always remember, these are the people who are on the board of directors and have influence on future productions.
Concert performances have a few standard rules. Dark suit and tie or white tie dinner jacket for afternoon concerts. If it is a very formal concert in the late afternoon, a black tux jacket can be worn. Evening concerts should always be black tie or white tie and tails.
