How to be a Background Actor

Lately I've been exploring the world of background acting.

When you're watching your favorite TV show or movie...do you notice those people walking down the street in the background and wonder if they know they're on film? They do, in fact, they're ALL paid to be there.  (Even those crazy Times Square scenes with like 300 people!)

Doing work as a background actor can have many benefits:

• You can work towards getting your SAG card (which can also turn into your Equity card for all of the theatre folks reading this!)
• Meet likeminded creative people
• Easy work for decent pay
• Learning about set life
• Working towards being a Director/Writer/Videographer/Costume Designer/(etc)

How to get work as a background actor:

Signing up is easy!  The best way to get jobs is through either Casting Networks or Backstage. Simply sign up, upload your photos, and start applying for jobs! In New York City you can also get jobs through Central Casting.  Simply go to their office on the correct day and sign up!  Read through their website to make sure you bring the right documents!  Once you're in their database they will call you for jobs that suit you!

I have a blast working on sets in NYC and I've been thinking about the Dos and Don't I wish I had known before starting.  So here's my 10 cents on the matter! 

(Keep in mind this advice is typically for non union actors and specific to NYC)

Dos:

• Check your call time change box again in the morning before you go to set because a lot of the time they will move your call time back so you can sleep in longer in the mornings! (Which can be a HUGE plus because a lot of call times are around 5am)
• Call your casting agency if you're going to be late or there is a chance they WILL replace you
• Come to set hair and makeup ready (hair and makeup will check you usually but they like you to approve you, not make you over)
• Bring TONS of wardrobe changes
• Bring comfortable shoes! You might be standing for upwards of 12 hours
• Check in with your number NOT your name
• ALWAYS bring your passport OR your drivers license AND original Social Security card. So to be clear if you bring your passport you ONLY need your passport, BUT if you bring your drivers license you also need your SS card.  (They will NOT accept a copy or picture of your SS card, only the original.)
• Look for crafty! All sets must have an area with food for you to snack in, scout it out early in the day so you can get there quickly on breaks!
• Also scout out the bathrooms early!
• Bring things to do! As a background actor you will be on set the entire day even when you are not filming so bring a book!
• Fill out your tax form during the day so you can be the first in line to sign out! (Bring your own pen to fill it out too!)

Don'ts:

• Don't be late!
• Don't bring heels because wardrobe will almost always make you wear them and I don't care if "omg these heels are so comfortable," by the end of the day your feet will be dying.
• Don't check in with your name, check in with your number
• Don't lose your tax form on set!
• Don't write your social security number on your tax form until the very end of the day for security purposes!
• Don't eat from SAG and Crew only crafty unless you are in fact SAG or crew
• Don't EVER do drugs or drink on set (or come to set drunk or high)
• Don't EVER drink or eat ANY of the prop food on set during a bar/restaurant scene (unless specifically told to!) They use the same drink cups and food ALL day...you don't want that in your mouth!
• Don't ever ever talk to a principal actor on set unless they talk to you first!

Best of luck! Comment below with any questions!