You Better Work (Supermodel)

… Cover Girl — WORK, turn to the left WORK, now turn to the right Sashay Shante — RuPaul

Last month yours truly had an opportunity to watch some amazing models try out for Kansas City Fashion Week’s (KCFW) casting call! The entire experience from working an imaginary runway to deciding who will get featured and what won’t was thrilling. Although not everyone who tried out made the cut, I got some tips from Teisha Barber (KCFW, Executive Director) to share with existing and aspiring models to use at their next audition!

I’m not going to lie, whenever I see a mirror, I always do a little quick ‘smeyesing’ (a la Tyra Banks) practice. — P’Trique

What are you looking for when you watch models walk?
T :: Ultimately, we are looking for confidence, posture, a strong runway walk, keeping your eyes off of the floor, and a model’s appearance. We look at this as an interview for a job. We look for models that are professional and look professional.

What are some tips to prepare for a casting?
T :: Practice, practice, practice your runway walk in the heels that you plan on wearing to the casting. If you can’t walk in heels at the casting, it’s very difficult for us to select you to walk in heels in the actual runway show.

Always read the casting instructions completely. If they want you wear something specific, follow directions. If they don’t specify what to wear to a runway casting, you should wear something form fitting, such as leggings, or skinny jeans, and a tank top. This will help the casting directors and designers see your actual body type. Don’t wear revealing clothing, or something you would wear to go out to a club. You want to look as professional as possible.

Be on time. If you have a scheduled time, don’t be late.

Which three items are essential for a casting call?
T :: Your current measurements. They won’t always take your measurements at every audition or casting call. Make sure these ar current and accurate.

The correct contact information. Be sure to write clearly on all application forms that you have to fill out. The casting directors can not contact you for a job, if they can’t read your handwriting and don’t know how to get a hold of you.

Once again, you MUST wear heels to a runway casting. The casting directors/designers have to be able to see if you can walk in them.

Make sure that when you walk into the room to audition, you are ready to go, with your correct shoes on. Don’t walk in and have to put your shoes on in the audition room. Be ready to audition when you walk in.

If you have a comp card or headshots, these are also great to bring, even if they don’t specifically ask for them in the audition instructions.

Heels are needed for a casting call. What is the minimum heel height?
T :: Three inch minimum. Don’t try to wear six inch heels if you can’t walk in them well.

I noticed some models interacting with the judges while others just simply walked out. Do models who stop to interact with the judges leave a better impression?
T :: Being friendly is always a great way to impress the judges. It shows us that you are personable and helps the judges remember you. While points are not deducted for not stopping and talking with us, the models that did definitely were a little more memorable.

Special thanks to Ink Studios (aka Kris Hanke) for the photos!