How does one go about getting a proper headshot for an acting resume?

Question:I have never auditioned for anything besides the high school play. My local theater company is putting on a production I love, and I'd really like to give it a shot. They want me to bring a headshot and resume. How do I do that?

And what should I prepare for the audition? I sing soprano. I've never done anything like this before. Any help or advice would be much appreciated!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have never auditioned for anything besides the high school play. My local theater company is putting on a production I love, and I'd really like to give it a shot. They want me to bring a headshot and resume. How do I do that?

And what should I prepare for the audition? I sing soprano. I've never done anything like this before. Any help or advice would be much appreciated!

I agree with just getting a friend to take a picture. Headshots are 8 x 10 with your name on either the bottom right or left corner, so you will need to get it formatted. A place like motophoto could do this for you for about $20.

As for the shot, it should be from the shoulders up, no distracting background. Take a whole roll of film, changing your positioning slightly and trying some different facial expressions, though I would go with a smiling one (so try some closed smiling, open smiling, full out laughing, etc).
You staple your resume to the back of the headshot to turn in at the audition.

As for songs, it depends on what you're trying out for - it should be in the same style. For example, if you're trying out for Jesus Christ Superstar, you could sing something from another rock opera like Tommy. If you're trying out for Carousel, sing another classic broadway like Cinderella or The Music Man. There are a bunch of song books out there. Check out the Soprano volumes of the Singers Musical Theatre Anthology series. They each have about 50 songs and you can also purchase accomplaniment CD's to practice with at home.

If you tell us what show you're auditioning for, we can give more specific suggestions. But in general, stay away from songs from shows like Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis, Wicked, Hairspray and Disney (unless you're auditioning for a Disney show). Try to find something a little more obscure so you're not the 25th person to get up and sing Defying Gravity ( or Part of Your World!)

At the audition, they usually ask for about 16- 32 bars. If this is community theatre, it will probably be more towards 32. Depending on the speed, this is usually around 45 seconds - 1 minute. This is enough for them to a. see if you can sing and b. if your voice fits any of the characters.
Pick the best 32 bars from the song and clearly mark in your music where you will be starting and finishing. Before you sing, you will go to the accompanist, show them your music and tell them the tempo you want. Then, go the the front, introduce yourself and say what song you'll be singing and from what show. Give a nod to the pianist and start.

best of luck!!

** just want to add, that if this is indeed community theatre, don't stress about the headshot. Despite the fact that they're asking for one, they will probably have someone on hand to take snap shots and being community theatre, would understand that not everyone is going to have an actual 8x10 headshot.

Below is a link for headshot information.

On the resume put all your stage experience. Even things for your church, like the choir.

Prepare a couple of things. A scene from a play. A song that showcases your voice. And possibly a song form the production.

And go knock them dead.

Heey.
Well if you're JUST starting out and not wanting to pay about 250-300$ for some proffesional headshots.
Then it's bets to get a friend to take some nice pictures of you.
If you have an agent, show them to the agent and she can pick which one she likes best.

If you aren't just beggining and want to get proffesional headshots done, then you can call up photgraphy places, even Walmart ahaha, but yah those types of places. And ask if they do headshots.

No for color, I find black and white looks more proffesional, so it's best to go with that.
Makes sure the headshot is 8x10

Good Luck!
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Many community theaters use a local photographer for headshots for publicity purposes. Find out which photographer they use and set up an appointment.
As for your resume, list any and all roles and/or positions you have held in your school productions. It's only community theater, so don't be embarrassed that your experience is only in high school theater, so far. Type up your resume and print it out on the back of your headshot, it will look very professional. Be sure to include all your contact info: address, e-mail, phone, etc.
If you are auditioning for a specific show with the theater, research the show. I do not recommend singing something from the show, but you should be familiar with the score, in case they ask you to sing something from it. Choose the role that best suits you and find a song from another show that fits that character. Trying out for the wicked witch by singing an ingenue song isn't going to help you. Limit your audition song to 8 bars. If they want to hear more, they will ask you. Good luck!

for community theatre, you do not want to spend a lot of money for a head shot. get a good 8x10, the advice to use the theatre's recommended photographer is a good one. To choose a song, sing the song you sing the best, take the music for the accompanist to play.

A great photography resource no one seems to think of is college students. Most art students I know have been required at one time or another to take portraits. By putting up flyers in a local college town (or more realistically, craigslist.com) you may be able to find a student who will do it inexpensively or for free if you allow them to use the photos for their portfolio.