[Perform-Talk] What to wear for things as a performer

Fri Sep 13 11:51:08 UTC 2019

Thank you everyone for your awesome responses. For me specifically it’s musical theater or film. One night is an audition for the acting and singing part of the musical theater show, and the next night is the dance part. Since I do dance primarily  ballet, is it necessary to wear a leotard and tights? Or do I just wear something comfortable. And do I wear like jazz shoes, ballet shoes, or character shoes. I think maybe character shoes. And I also like how we have a diverse topic of the different performing arts and how you should dress for each thing. This is awesome. Thank you all so much.

Cierra Theriot

> On Sep 12, 2019, at 9:55 PM, Amy Sabo via Perform-Talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> hello Julie and all,
> yes, this is indeed a good topic that sierra posted here not just for
> women but, for men too who have to look good in doing all kinds of
> performing and, we as blind people we want to make a good impression.
> thanks Julie for also giving these good tips for finding clothes as a
> blind person. I have done this with sighted friends and, also with my
> mom too but, I have been able to do this indepentally too! you just
> need to find a favorite store that you shop at and, have a favorite
> salesperson that you know personally and, has waited on you in the
> past. you can always ask for them when you go into that store if you
> are alone and, they already know your size, color, taste, and what
> kind of occasion or reason you need that particular type of clothes.
> like for casual, business casual, or just casual.
> 
> I also like the tipps that Julie also gave in the idea for cleaning
> out your closet or drawers in your dresser. your body and taste
> changes over the years and, you want to express yourself in the best
> manner you possibility want to showcase yourself! I have my mom or a
> sighted friend do for that for me and, it really works out great too!
> you want to stay in fashion even if you are blind and, you also want
> to make the best impression in any situation in the chosen field of
> performing arts you are going to do in your life.
> 
> well, that's my ideas and thoughts on this topic and, i'am glad that
> we decide to post this thread on this list because fashion is
> sooooimportant to all of us especially as women!
> 
> 
> hugs,
> amy
> 
>> On 9/12/19, Julie McGinnity via Perform-Talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Hi Cierra,
>> 
>> Great questions!
>> 
>> As for what might be appropriate to wear, this depends on your
>> performance.  If you are playing guitar at an informal event or
>> restaurant, you will want to dress more casual.  If you are going for
>> an audition for an opera company, you will want to dress quite
>> formally.  So first, think about your audience and what they might
>> expect.
>> 
>> 
>> I suggest you learn as much about the kinds of clothes that would work
>> for your performances as possible.  I believe you are in training now,
>> and this is the perfect time to learn what you need to know.  How you
>> dress is extremely important as a performer.  It defines your look and
>> gives the audience an impression of who you are.  It's part of your
>> presentation.  So, learning about clothes is valuable and can be super
>> fun.  Learn what different textures and styles feel like.  You can
>> feel the difference between a blouse and a more casual shirt, for
>> example.  Learn which tactile qualities might make a dress more casual
>> than another.  The material of the clothes can be a good place to
>> start.  Then you can determine by touch if something is loose-fitting,
>> fitted, or meant to be snug.  You can also determine cut and the line
>> of the clothes by touch.  Fashion is not a purely visual art.  Yes,
>> you'll need colors and patterns described, and you'll want to form a
>> kind of understanding of what makes light blue more appropriate than
>> florescent green in certain situations, for example.  For that, I
>> recommend getting one or two people you trust, I mean seriously trust,
>> to describe colors and patterns to you.  Work with that person
>> consistently until you have a grasp of what looks good on you,, what
>> you like, and even what's out there.
>> 
>> So first, think about the people in your life who like shopping and
>> fashion and have a strong attention to detail.  Then ask them if they
>> can advise you on your wardrobe.  Ask them to help you go through what
>> you have and tell you if it's formal, business casual, or casual.  Ask
>> them why so that you can learn to identify some of these
>> characteristics on your own.  Some time later, ask them to go shopping
>> with you.  Make sure they know to be completely honest with you.  If
>> something doesn't look good on you, they need to tell you.  Everyone
>> has a different body type, so if one thing doesn't look great on you,
>> there will be another item that does.
>> 
>> I had friends back home who loved describing clothing to me.  They
>> taught me a lot about what to look for (with my hands) when shopping.
>> We had a great time, and I am now completely confident in my ability
>> to pick out the perfect outfit.  I know that if I am picking that
>> outfit out of my own closet, I can do it completely independently, and
>> I know when I'm shopping and need a second (visual) opinion.
>> Sometimes I don't even need that opinion when shopping.
>> 
>> Just a pro tip: it's good for everyone, particularly performers to pay
>> or barter with a sighted person to go through your closet twice a year
>> to eyeball your clothes.  The truth is that clothes can fade, acquire
>> snags, etc, and those things can be difficult to feel.
>> 
>> Another tip: simple is never wrong.  If you want to stick to mostly
>> solid colors, there is nothing wrong in that choice.  It is
>> unadviseable to dress too flashy in most audition situations, so I
>> would recommend keeping things classic at first until you're ready to
>> experiment with different styles and looks.
>> 
>> I much enjoy discussing this topic, so feel free to message me with
>> any questions.
>> 
>> Best of luck!
>> 
>> Julie
>> 
>> On 9/12/19, Joshua Hendrickson via Perform-Talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>> Hi Cierra.  I've never had any kind of rehearsal, or audition, but I
>>> have played guitar and sang at various local events in my area.  It
>>> all depends on the event.  Sometimes I wear a nice shirt and jeans, or
>>> more casual.  I'm totally blind, I usually have my mom help me.
>>> Sometimes my dad would also help me.  It all depends on the event.
>>> I'd presonally recommend someone help you pick out what you want to
>>> wear.  Good luck.
>>> 
>>> On 9/12/19, Cierra Theriot via Perform-Talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>>> Hello my fellow performers.
>>>> Hope you are all doing well. I was wondering if you are totally blind, do
>>>> you have someone help you pick out outfits for head shots, auditions, or
>>>> rehearsals. Also what is appropriate to wear professionally for these
>>>> things? I’m trying to figure out if I need sided help or if I should just
>>>> pick something. But I do know that certain things can’t be worn due to
>>>> being
>>>> too distracting or plain. Thank you all. Hope you all have a wonderful
>>>> rest
>>>> of your day. Hugs from me.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Cierra Theriot
>>>> 
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>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
>>> Joshua Hendrickson
>>> 
>>> Joshua Hendrickson
>>> 
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>> 
>> 
>> --
>> Julie A. McGinnity
>> MM Vocal Performance, 2015; President, National Federation of the
>> Blind Performing Arts Division; First Vice President, National
>> Federation of the Blind of Missouri
>> 
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> 
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