In General
- Opera in Germany is a profession, and a part of normal life, so dressing for auditions is not about social or sartorial airs.
- What you wear depends a great deal on what suits you and can range from casual to reasonably elegant. In some cases it depends on what Fach you are presenting yourself as.
- Mostly your clothes, like you, should look well cared for and attractive.
Women
- Don’t wear very short dresses. Remember, you’re up on stage and they’re down in the audience. It’s distracting and embarrassing.
- Also don’t show too much cleavage. You make your points by your performance.
- No gowns and the like, but whatever makes you look your best and will let you move onstage.
- If you are a Soubrette, a “perky” dress can be appropriate.
If you are singing for Operetta Diva parts, something a little more elegant is also appropriate.
Men
- Wide range, even from jeans and a sports jacket, to dressy slacks and a nice shirt.
- If you really feel best in a suit and tie that will do as well although it is generally viewed as a bit stiff.
- Some agents have told me that if a singer is really buff and wants to accent that, a cutoff shirt can even be alright. Just be aware of what you’re singing for and who.
- Slacks and a nice sweater are a standard outfit as well.