Hi. I’m Katelyn and I’m a Junior musical theater major. Before, I wrote an article about the 8 types of musical theater majors. That article was well liked, so I decided to continue writing about what I do. So here is “How to Dress like a Musical Theater Major: A List of Dos and Don’ts”.
Do have a pair of black leggings for every day of the week. Once you start wearing them, you will never wear anything else. You have to be “dressed for movement” in almost every single one of your core classes, and leggings are the best for that. The other day all of my leggings were dirty so I wore a pair of jeggings (still not real jeans, but I never wear anything besides leggings) and one of my colleagues looked at me and said “Kate I’ve been trying to figure out what looks different about you and I realized what it is. You’re wearing jeans today.”
Don’t wear heels (or shoes that are uncomfortable to move in). Not unless you’re going into an audition in which case a sensible three inch heel (aka your La Ducas) is absolutely appropriate. They’re uncomfortable and impossible to move in. Yes, sometimes a heeled ankle boot is very cute but why would you wear that when you have to go to three ballet classes, an acting studio, a pilates class, and another class that no one really understands the purpose of but it results in you rolling around on the floor. They’re just inconvenient.
Do possess an abundance of “layers.” You need something that will make you look semi put together after your dance classes and a cute button up sweater over your leotard paired with your black leggings does the job. If you’re having a day where looking put together is the furthest thing from your mind, but being cozy is top priority, a crew neck sweatshirt is a prime choice of layer.
Don’t wear show shirts. Ever. In high school it was cute when you wore shirts from your shows. Everyone wore them on opening night and took pictures and it was super cute and campy and just altogether very “high school.” You are here to get your BFA. This isn’t high school anymore. Don’t bring your high school to University. Turn them into a tshirt blanket or some pillows, that way you have them as memories forever, but please for the love of all that is right and good in the world don’t wear them.
Do have a section of your closet that is designated audition/jury wear. Although most of your time is devoted to looking like you just rolled out of bed and took an 8:30 ballet class, sometimes you have to look amazing, it’s part of the job. Having a few super cute audition and jury outfits that really make a statement to who you are as a person and a performer is always a good plan.
Don’t ever wear black tights underneath your leotard. If you wear black tights under your leo it makes your legs look shorter, cutting your lines short. If you wear them over your leo it makes your legs look like they go on for DAYS and that is the goal in a dance call.
Do have a really comfy pair of running sneakers. This goes along with the don’t wear heels/shoes that aren’t comfortable to move in. You’re moving around and walking all over the place. You’ll thank me when people around you are whining about blisters but your feet are fine because you’ve been taking care of them. Running sneakers can be cute. Don’t tell me they can’t because that’s a lie, half the time people wear them for the statement.
Don’t EVER wear a black leo (or t-shirt if you’re a guy) to a dance call. Everyone’s faces run together in those things. Have a solid selection of bright colored leos (or t-shirts) that you can choose from for dance calls so that you stand out from the crowd of high pony tails and perfectly styled hair.
I hope that these little dos and don’ts are helpful to you on your BFA MT journey! Can you think of any others? Comment below!
Xo,
Kate
