<p>^However, well tailored and well made slacks with a good suit jacket can be highly appropriate for a Mezzo. (But unfortunately this look is very difficult to pull off inexpensively.)</p>
<p>Cerabellum, DD was always told sleeves are a must. And remember you are auditioning in winter. You do not want to look or feel cold. They should not be worrying about how you feel, only to how you perform.</p>
<p>On the subject of wearing boots for those midwestern and eastern auditions…what exactly do women wear? When I search for snow boots online I am presented with images of brown canvas lace-up boots, suitable for plunging into an icy stream to catch a fish to roast on the campfire. What style do people wear in a more urban setting?</p>
<p>@lastbird - I live in New York, and Hunter boots are very popular for rain and snow (if you add a fleece welly sock) The best part about them is you can wear them all year long. They’re great for walking around the city!</p>
<p>I meant bring boots with you to wear to GET your audition, walking to the parking lot etc. Bring your audition pumps/shoes in a bag, and change your shoes once you get in the building and get settled. This was a new thing for us as we live in the south. But if you are from up north you are probably all too familiar with the need for snow boots in the cold.</p>
<p>I rarely wear boots, a frequent source of regret! If you are going to be in NYC midtown for auditions during the winter, boots would be a nice addition. Sidewalks will be shoveled, but crossing the street can be a problem, as slush accumulates at every curb cut. If you are a good broad-jumper you’ll be fine, but broad-jumping in heels is risky. Last year, D4 did a week of auditions in February in NY (in her case theater.) She was glad she brought boots to navigate 4" deep lakes of slush at every crossing. I had wet feet all week. She carried her good shoes in her purse (and twice forgot to remove the boots for the audition-- good thing they were “nice-ish” boots.)</p>
<p>If packing boots for a plane ride is going to cause a space problem, consider stashing a pair of running shoes: much smaller, water-resistant, comfortable, broad-jump-enabling, and unlikely that you will forget to change out of them before the audition.</p>
<p>Curlymom – yes, I meant boots to get to the audition. D and I are going to try to walk whenever possible. We are NOT from up north and have only used snow boots in the past for ski trips!
McKinster – thanks, I’ll look those up! Happy to have a brand name to look at.
Glassharmonica – My broadjumping skills are rusty so we both will definitely invest in some boots. Running shoes are practical but I really hate wet feet…</p>
<p>Hi lastbird, we are about to go to REI to look at some waterproof running/trail shoes for D. This might be a more versatile option for us Californians. Also I would like to mention that good gloves or mittens are a must. In fact the next time I am out there in the winter I will definitely find some good mittens and use chemical hand warmers. My heavy duty REI gloves somehow failed these old hands when the temps got below 20.
Also, inside temps are a lot toastier in those colder climates. Wear layers.</p>
<p>Uggs- having been properly treated with waterproofing spray in advance-are great for snowy campuses; stash your shoes in your music bag. As for VP audition clothing, floor length is not appropriate nor is very short. Knee length is fine, but adjust the hem to your height so that you don’t look like you’re standing in a hole! My D never wore black when auditioning or competing as an undergrad and was always remembered for the color she wore. Since HS girls may or may not remain mezzos as training progresses, stick with dresses as opposed to pants. Now that D has settled into a fach, we invested in a good black pants suit which she wears with a signature color blouse- appropriate for a mezzo auditioning with “pants role” pieces. Do make sure that you try ok the outfit with the proper undergarments- Spanx can be your best friend as they act like a built in corset and help support breathing. That can he helpful if you’re nervous! If you usually sing in heels-D always does-go ahead and wear them, but make sure that they are comfortable because you may have to run to the far side of a building from a theory test to your audition.
Guys, wear a suit and make sure that your socks match and your shoes are shined. All of this is a mark of respect for the panel and they do take note.
Good luck to all!</p>
<p>We found most of the auditions have coffee/tea/water, some even snacks, but we always brought our own water with us b/c as clrn8mom said, it can be very warm IN the buildings and you don’t want to be dehydrated especially if you are vocal performance.</p>