High-Quality Headshots Aren't Essential for College Theatre Auditions

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

I recently saw a video on TikTok where a musical theater audition coach was speaking to a group of high school students about the importance of their headshots. This person spoke about how the headshots needed to be a certain size and printed out on photo paper. I felt compelled to respond to this video because of how much it may be cringe.

When it comes to college theatre auditions, there's a common misconception that high-quality headshots are a prerequisite for success. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. While headshots can certainly make a positive impression, their quality is not the be-all and end-all of audition success.

In the almost two decades that I've worked in college theater auditions, I have never encountered an educator who places the quality of a headshot from high school students at such a high level. I have never seen the quality of a headshot or the size of the paper determine whether or not a student is admitted into a program.

College theatre auditions prioritize talent and potential over appearance. Unlike professional auditions where a polished headshot might carry more weight, college auditions are primarily interested in your abilities as a performer and your growth potential. College auditions seek performers who are relatable, expressive, and capable of connecting with their audience on a deeper level – qualities that cannot be captured through a glossy headshot alone.

Investing in professional headshots can be expensive, especially for students or families on a tight budget. A lack of financial resources should never be a barrier to entry into the performing arts. All college educators understand this(or at least they should), which is why I’ve never seen such high importance placed on the quality of the headshot. They use them for one reason only - as a visual reference to who you are.

I've seen students use their class photo, or what was a quick snapshot from their phone, and that's 100% okay. I would rather care about how you deliver a monologue or sing 32 bars of your favorite song. What's even more important to know is that most college theater programs will have courses in audition preparation which would include how to take a fantastic headshot and prepare your resume. There shouldn't be any expectation that high school students should have that perfected at their age.

Now this is not to say that students shouldn't try to make their headshots or resumes look good or that I'm against educating students on those things in high school. What I am saying is that it is not essential or something that students should feel pressured about having when walking into college theater auditions. And if a college educator does place the size and quality of headshots and resumes at such a high priority for auditioning students, that’s not a program I recommend auditioning for.

So, instead of fixating on the quality of your headshot, focus on honing your craft, showcasing your unique abilities, and letting your passion for theatre shine through in your audition. That's what will truly make you stand out in the eyes of college educators and admissions panels.