THEATRICAL Headshots

theatrical headshots

Theatrical (in LA) means film and television however headshots designed for Film/Television are often also used for Stage or live-theatre auditions. What sets apart headshots for film and TV is a much broader style than commercial headshots. Many agents have very specific requests that their agency finds works for them. Some Theatrical Agencies want actors to have Theatrical Headshots that look cinematic in style. Cinematic usually means more shadowy and moody with a blurry environmental background that impies a mood or location matching the wardrobe of the actor to be used for submitting actors for procedural dramas and edgier shows. An example of this would be wearing a suit or professional wardrobe in an environment that gives the sense of an office or location.

Some theatrical agents, however, prefer a very neutral background for Theatrical submissions. In both cases, the backgorunds are not bright popping colors, they tend to be more subdued and serious to match the style of show and more grounded style of acting required for these types of auditions. It's important to ask your agent if they have any preferences with the background of the photo. SInce we shoot all our actor headshots in studio, it is possible to accomplish both clean and environmental changes options within the same look of clothing. Make sure to communicate your preferences when it comes to the background of your Theatrical Actor Headshot. Many headshots do cross over from commercial use to theatrical use. The actors expressions and energy also define the differences in these looks.

There are always exceptions to all these "rules" so the best thing to do is to have a clear idea of what you are looking for and allow the photographer to use their expertise to match your look/background to make your Theatrical Actor Headshot work for you.