For many actors, working as an extra is the first on-set experience you get. It’s a chance to observe the flow of a professional production, pick up unspoken industry etiquette, and sometimes make connections that lead to future opportunities.
But it can also come with long hours, limited direction, and the challenge of staying motivated in the background while staying professional.
So let’s open it up:
Have you ever worked as an extra? What was the project, and what did you take away from the experience, good or bad?
Was it a stepping stone to something bigger? Did it help you understand what kind of actor or storyteller you want to be?
For anyone just getting started, what advice would you give about showing up, staying ready, and making the most of your time on set?
Let’s share stories, lessons, and tips, it’s all part of the journey! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
(And if you’re currently working background and looking to level up, Stage 32 has acting classes and resources to help you move toward your next role: https://www.stage32.com/education/collections/acting)
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Ashley Renee Smith i have never considered extra work. Perhaps wrongly, I viewed it. as a hindrance to ever getting cast in a more major role because you get known as an extra. Not sure where i got this idea from and it might be updated now at any rate
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Alexandra Stevens, that idea definitely circulated in the industry for a long time, especially in certain markets. But it’s shifted quite a bit over the years. Extra work today can actually be a great way to gain on-set experience, build connections, and observe how productions function, especially if you’re newer to the industry or transitioning between mediums.
Of course, it’s important to be strategic. If your long-term goal is lead roles, you don’t want to get locked into background casting exclusively, but using it as a stepping stone or occasional opportunity can open more doors than it closes. And in some cases, extras have been upgraded on set just because they were in the right place at the right time and brought the right energy.
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I was performing a comedy act when I contacted my local casting company and signed up to do background work in 2006. At the time, I was studying to transform my act from entertainment venues to theatrical venues. My training is extensive (built on a BA), and I've performed thousands of shows for as many as 3000-person audiences. But this means nothing when it comes to marketing as an actor. My third booking was as a stand-in, which was a great experience, but I was treated very poorly in the two following stand-in jobs. I eventually got my dream tour gig. A few years later, after I returned, I was on the set of Castle Rock, pulled from 200 extras to stand front and center for the camera. Then, on a film set, I was placed in a key position, and improvised precise and nuanced movements. My physical theater training has drawn attention. I have yet to be offered a role, but I had my first silent moment opposite a celebrity last year.
You are noticed. The job is two-fold: Don't make decisions for them. Be patient and be available. And, be prepared, understand the context, and do your solitary work. When you have your chance, your training, or lack thereof, will be known.
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I've enjoyed my extra work. I mostly keep to myself and watch. It's funny that you can learn what not to do more than what you can do. Problems that arise on set that cause delays can easily be avoided in the future to your production. Learn all that is learnable. Be careful what information you share or getting too friendly with others. They may try and also sabotage your reputation so that you're not invited back and you will have not the time nor the opportunity to defend yourself.
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Ashley Renee Smith your answer inspires me to look into extra work then as soon as my schedule is a bit freer
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Daniel Forlano, I love this!! You’re absolutely right that presence, preparation, and patience are the unsung skills in this industry. What you said here- “Don’t make decisions for them. Be patient and be available”, is such a valuable reminder. It speaks directly to the balance between artistry and professional adaptability. It’s also a great example of how important it is to keep showing up, stay ready, and trust that the work will speak when the moment arrives.