Commercial vs Theatrical Headshots: A Chicago Actor’s Guide

What is a commercial headshot?

A commercial headshot answers one question for casting: would people like this person?

That’s it. Commercials, print ads, and industrial videos are selling something. Casting needs someone the audience would believe, relate to, and want to keep watching.

So the energy is open and easy. That usually means a real smile. Not a posed one. The kind that shows up in your eyes because we were just talking about something that made you laugh.

Commercial doesn’t mean generic, though. If you usually get called in as the tough guy or the dry, sarcastic coworker, your commercial shot is still that person. Just in a good mood.

What is a theatrical headshot?

A theatrical headshot (you’ll also hear “legit”) is for plays, film, and TV drama. Casting is asking something different here: is there something going on with this person?

This is where people overcorrect. Theatrical doesn’t mean angry, brooding, or dramatic. Some of my favorite theatrical shots have a small smile in them.

What changes is that the expression feels specific. Like you’re thinking something and not telling us.

Chicago is a theatre town. A lot of actors I photograph are submitting for storefront and regional theatre while also going out for TV that films here. Your theatrical shot has to hold up for both, which is one more reason to keep it clean and focused on your face.

Is there a headshot that works for both?

It’s usually called a crossover shot.

A crossover has a relaxed expression, often a closed-mouth or small smile. Wardrobe is neutral. Lighting isn’t too bright or too moody. It can go out for either kind of work.

If you’re just starting out, or you’re watching your budget, a strong crossover plus one clear commercial shot covers a lot of ground.

But if you’re regularly submitting for both, give each one its own shot. Casting looks fast. The clearer the image is about what it’s for, the easier you make their job.

Do you need both commercial and theatrical headshots?

It depends on what you’re going out for.

•     Mostly on-camera commercials, industrials, or hosting: lead with commercial.
•     Mostly stage and film or TV drama: lead with theatrical.
•     Both: you need both. Most of the actors I photograph are in this group.

If you have an agent, ask them before your session. They know exactly what they’re submitting you for, and they usually have opinions about it. Bring those notes with you and we’ll build the shoot around them.

If you want more on how casting actually looks at your photos, I wrote about that here: What Chicago Casting Directors Look for in Headshots.

What about musical theatre headshots?

Musical theatre shots usually sit closer to commercial than people expect.

Casting wants energy and warmth. Someone who can hold a stage and pull an audience in. A bright, open expression tends to read better here than a heavy dramatic look.

If most of your work is musicals, it’s worth having one shot built specifically for that instead of borrowing your commercial shot.

How do you get both in one session?

You don’t need two photographers or two shoots. You also don’t need to change locations.

I’ve written about why most actor headshots are shot in a studio. The short version: casting is looking at you, not the background. In the studio, I can change the look by changing three things:

•     Lighting. Brighter and more even for commercial. More shape and shadow for theatrical.
•     Wardrobe. Brighter solids for commercial. Deeper tones and simpler textures for theatrical.
•     Direction. This is the big one. For commercial, we keep it loose and talk the whole time. For theatrical, I’ll give you something specific to think about and let it sit for a second before I shoot.

Which session covers what

•     30 minutes, 1 look. Pick the one you submit for most.
•     75 minutes, 2 to 3 looks. Enough for a commercial shot, a theatrical shot, and a crossover. This is where most actors land.
•     2 hours, up to 5 looks. For separate looks by type, or a dedicated musical theatre shot on top of the rest.

Pricing is on the actor headshots page, and there’s a full breakdown of what headshots cost in Chicago if you’re comparing options.

What should you bring for commercial and theatrical looks?

Bring clothes that match the roles you actually get called in for.

•     For commercial: a couple of solid tops in colors that look good on you. Blues, greens, and richer jewel tones usually work. A casual layer like a denim or cardigan gives us options.
•     For theatrical: deeper or muted tones. A simple jacket or a textured layer. Nothing that pulls focus from your face.
•     For either: skip logos, loud patterns, and anything you’d have to explain.

Not sure? Bring what you’ve got. We’ll narrow it down fast. There’s more detail in my guide to what to wear for headshots.

Ready to update your headshots?

If you’re getting ready for new shots, take a look at my actor headshots in Chicago. You show up, I’ll guide you through it, and we’ll get both looks you need.

Not sure which session makes sense? Email me at kyle@kylebondeson.com and I’ll help you figure it out.