Trying to respond to all the questions in one thread, so I apologize if I miss someone.
@KaMaMom - Binder color doesn’t matter. Making sure the music is cut, clean, and awesome for the accompanist is the important part there!
@Marbleheader - I agree, that size 14s can be real life princesses. They just can’t be one on a professional stage unless they have a director that likes risks. I would say that over half of my comment card complaints in a season (maybe 5 or 6) are about the looks of an actor. “Too old, fat, ugly…” My wife is a size 12 and perfect. I just can’t cast her as Belle.
KatMT is right about screenings. She also happens to teach at JMU where the students do well put together packages, though. I have screened, as I spoke about before, and many times all three of us (and the person running auditions) would say at lunch “I hate this…” or “I loved this…” If more than one adjudicator makes a comment about it, I would STRONGLY consider making the adjustment. Another thing to note, however, is that some states REQUIRE adjudicators to list “something to work on”. A comment like “more movement” might have been because they really didn’t know what else to say. Stillness can work great, so can a lot of movement, it is about execution.
@Sguti40 - It is industry standard to not wear character shoes. I was just talking to a CD friend of mine and she told me that it is becoming more and more taboo. SETC isn’t NYC and I know that. I was commenting to my casting team how at our New York call more than 75% of the actors wore jeans. I would say less than 1% at SETC did. The rules on what to wear are changing. Also, and I may give away who I am, but I hate heels, so tell your daughter that a practical flat is fine. (That is not necessarily industry standard, though!)
Lastly, re: socks. College auditions are going to be different, and I know that. They aren’t looking for polished professionals. It is extra work to “showcase” above your appearance. Why put yourself in that position? Wear appropriate dance attire. If you’re good, it just makes you better. If you’re average, it makes you look like you belong.