For opera singers, this question takes on a new significance. It may be lyric mezzo-sopranos whose wardrobes require the most variety. Classical Singer recently invaded the lovely New York home of mezzo Paula Rasmussen, where we had the chance to talk about her choices for audition wear, rehearsals, and performance dress. Here are some of her comments:
I do tend to wear concert clothes appropriate with the season even if they are indoors. There is no guarantee that hallways and backstage or even getting to and from the theater is going to be climate-controlled. Wearing a velvet dress in August could be very uncomfortable.
For afternoon concerts with orchestra, I don’t change to a less formal dress, and I have never worked with anyone who did. However, afternoon recitals or solo concerts are different, and I would definitely wear a lighter color or tea-length dress for those events.
I think many women often make the mistake of not visualizing their clothes from far away. A great cocktail dress might not work onstage because of a bland color or odd cut. I think the color should look great on you, and the lines should be simple and flattering without too much overbearing detail. Of course I’ve made a few mistakes, too, and wore some scary ‘bridesmaid’ dresses in the beginning!
I once had a recital videotaped and learned a great deal. My makeup was not right (not enough), and my hair was creating shadows, covering my eyes. The dress was not quite as flattering around the neckline as I had thought. I learned a lot by that, and I have not worn that dress since! I think it’s a good idea to try to videotape yourself, to see what you look like to others.
As far as rehearsal dress, I don’t think there are any rules. There is really no way to know every situation–it’s a matter of personal comfort, first and foremost. I think the safest thing is to dress nicely but casually at first (nice trousers or skirt), and then follow the lead of the company heads or conductor/director. I think jeans are okay, if everyone is wearing them and you are comfortable. In a way, it’s a lot like the first day of school!
I used to be concerned with how I was perceived, but now I realize that I am there to rehearse and get a job done. If I am singing an active boy part, I have to wear moveable clothes and rehearsal shoes. If I am singing a woman’s part, it’s easier because I always wear a rehearsal skirt anyway. [Some companies provide singers with a functional–not beautiful!–skirt to use for rehearsals, with pockets or other details as your character will need.] As soon as possible you need to find out what shoes you will be wearing onstage and try to ask if you can wear them in rehearsals. If not, find a similar pair. It makes a huge difference in how you move, and when you go onstage the transition feels less jarring. I always travel with character shoes (or boots when doing pants roles).
I always ask people, “Why did we start dressing up for the Sitzprobe?” Maybe people get tired of being casual for all those staging rehearsals, or perhaps because they are onstage sometimes people want to feel as if they are performing a concert. I have no idea, but it definitely remains a tradition. There is always one person who refuses, though!
I do think men dress more casually than women, but isn’t that the general case out there? Women just have many more options.
