<p>I know talent is first, but how important are the physical appearance of the person auditioning? Also the attitude + physical beauty MUST be important, right</p>
<p>Yes, looks are very important, of course, but not everything. My D is a Theater Tech student at Carnegie Mellon so I have seen some CMU performances and most of the actors are gorgeous–but not all. The one thing they do all have in common, really, is charisma. These are people who get your attention, for one reason or another.</p>
<p>At Tisch I would say that they look like normal people. From the friends of my daughter’s that I’ve met, I don’t see any indication that they were based on looks.</p>
<p>In my opinion, being striking or interesting is more important than being traditionally beautiful. Broadway “superstars” like Kristen Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Sutton Foster… they aren’t traditionally stunning, but they are watchable and attractive in their own ways. Individualism and standing out will get you farther than being boring but pretty. But yes, looks matter to an extent, especially once you delve into defining your type.</p>
<p>The actors mentioned by Alexa are all MT performers and this is the drama forum, so the answers might be different. </p>
<p>I find it hard to believe that these programs are selecting people based on looks. With hair and makeup they can do anything to anyone. So often when you see an actor come out the stage door, they look nothing like they did on stage. I’ve often been surprised by how small some of them are compared to how they appeared onstage! They project a larger presence!</p>
<p>I’d think the programs might look more for diversity in terms of ethnicity than looks per se.</p>
<p>I don’t think it makes much of a difference whether an stage actor is musical theatre or drama. Forgive me for posting about MT performers, they were just people who came to my mind as “superstars” of the Broadway stage. I think my response to the question is still valid- being traditionally beautiful isn’t as important as having a presence and a look that triggers attention. If you can be the best you you can be- that’s what’s important. Every person is unique, and a lot of times programs look for people who DO look original verus a more standard attractiveness.</p>
<p>I’m not sure that spectacular good looks are necessary, but I think most schools look for “castability,” because they are building repertory ensembles. They will probably, therefore, prefer someone versatile, who can play straight roles along with character parts. With only one or two exceptions, these programs train dramatic actors - they are not designed around screen-acting. I doubt they’d accept someone physically attractive, but utterly untalented, but they’re likely to prefer someone good-looking.</p>
<p>I think stagemum is probably right. My s is not striking/unusual or gorgeous. He is average…height/hair color/build/looks. An acting professor we know tells us, in the long run, this is good. He can be cast in such a variety of roles that he can be more employable. I think college theater programs must be similar (at least that is what I hope!)</p>
<p>You are what you are, and you can’t change it. Look your best, get in there, and kick butt… A beauty queen cant play Ursula. And a hag can’t be Juliet. There are roles for every type. Be yourself in the audition, dont try to be something you are not. The beauty of theatre is not in the attractiveness of an actor, but in seeing real people in real (yet incredible) situations.</p>
<p>In my opinion, only YOU are you. You can bring to the table what others cannot and vice versa.
As long as you look professional, and are prepared & on time…you should be golden. 
Each individual is unique, and there’s no way to really compare two people together.</p>
<p>What I find is most important is that you know how to make yourself look best. Do you have long legs? Play is up with heels! Look good in blue? Wear a nice shade of sapphire or periwinkle. It’s not so much appearance as it is personality. When I went in for my auditions, I wore a red dress because red is my color and I was the only girl wearing red that day! Find what works for you—and work it!</p>