Introduction: During these challenging times, I will be sharing a range of ideas, dreams, essays and mostly-true tales stemming from the six decades (so far) of this wonderful career in the theater. I hope you enjoy.

– Joe Keefe

The Headshot

An actor’s headshot is not just a pretty picture, it’s the artist’s business card. That critical photo must convey a vast range of qualities: talent, ability, character and versatility. A well-crafted headshot gets the actor into consideration, where you can get a shot at the role. A bad headshot can get you fired before you’re hired.

This isn’t to say that a casting crew depends entirely on an inanimate photo to make critical decisions, quite the contrary, but a good photo shows awareness of craft and professionalism whereas a bad photo doesn’t. The care an actor takes with their headshot is an indication of the concern they will demonstrate toward the show. 

Here’s one of my headshots from the early ‘80s (1980s, not. 1880s):

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Yes, I know what you’re all thinking: “Who knew he was so cute?” I used to rent advertising space on that forehead and I still have those suspenders. 

So I need your help. I’m trying to select a new headshot from several recent photo sessions. You can email me your advice: jkeefe@metropolisarts.com. Here are the selections with a bit of description:

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This first one is titled “What does a Hemingway?” The answer: “Twice a Faulkner.” Probably not my best look.Here’s the next option:

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This one is called “The Old Testament”. It takes me back to the start of my career, right after that big flood. Here’s one more for your consideration:

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This one is “Joe Bi Wan Kenobi”. I didn’t want to “force” this one but it turned out okay. 

Clearly, I may be getting a bit stir-crazy and my creative outlets seem to be taking bizarre turns. But the craft work continues. 

While we’re on this hiatus, many initiatives are able to grow and prosper. We’re about ready to announce our upcoming season; I’m digging deep into an array of new show possibilities and I continue to work on a bit of original material for future use at our wonderful Metropolis. 

Our Presented Works Department is exploring dozens of new options in the areas of concerts, comedy, short-run dramatic shows, and many related concepts. We’re just beginning conceptual design phases for the 20/21 season and I’ll share some of those exciting developments in the coming weeks. 

So let me know which headshot you think I should use. I’ll tabulate the votes, select the right shot and then hire myself for an upcoming show. 

Stay warm. Stay well and I look forward to seeing you very soon. 

Joe Keefe