Commerical vs Theatre headshots

Is there a difference between commercial headshots vs headshots that I would use for music theatre?

  Whether they are for theatre or commercial work, your headshots should always reflect YOU.  If you are a happy, bubbly, full-of-energy kind of person... your photos should reflect that because THAT is what you will be cast as (ie: big smiles and laughing).  If you are looking for more serious, drama work, perhaps your photo should be a bit more stoic.   Remember, there is no reason why you can't have a number of "looks" in your portfolio and choose the appropriate headshot for each audition.

  In my experience, I honestly haven't noticed any stringent restrictions on what casting agents prefer from your picture. A nice photo that showcases you -something to remind them of how they perceived you in the audition- that is all they are really looking for.  (I mean, if the photographer can capture your inner-beauty, all the better right?)

  As far as commercial vs live theatre, the largest trend would be color vs black & white (respectively).  For a while, there was a big trend on the West coast (primarily commercial) to get horizontal headshots made.  While this may help set you apart from the majority of the headshots passing over a casting agent's hands, I believe the vertical alignment is preferred because it will correspond more easily with your bio on the back.