by Linda Kick

Created on: May 01, 2008   Last Updated: May 07, 2008

So you want to be a Star! Then let's turn that dream into a reality.

First of all, if you haven't chosen a career in acting up until now, a great place to start is to become an extra. In the industry, an extra is often referred to as background castings. Extras are the ones that don't have speaking lines.

There are many scenes in movies, commercials, and television shows that require extras. They are the backdrop or prop for the main characters and give depth and reality to the scene.

Don't worry about your rating on the glamour scale. Extras are usually everyday average people. Remember, an extra is a background casting, not the star. Watch any movie or TV show and you will see people eating in restaurants, walking on a college campus, standing around, or just walking down a street. These are everyday people filling in the background for the stars of the show. Our world is filled with a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and you have the qualities to make a perfect extra in any movie, commercial or TV show!

How does it all work? Start by finding an Agent to represent you or register directly with a Casting Director. The phone book will list agencies in your area. It is the Casting Director you want to eventually connect with. It's the Casting Directors who provide Agents with the requirements needed for a part.

When you are called for an audition, be prepared to hand the Casting Director a resume and headshot . Your resume will not look like your business resume. It will include your physical specifics such as height, weight, size, hair and eye color and any acting experience you may have had. Be sure to mention any special abilities such as multiple languages or bull riding. Finally, have a short monologue prepared.

Once in the audition you will introduce yourself (in the business, this is called your slate) and then deliver your monologue. At the end of the monologue, say thank you and leave. Do not wait around for questions and answers or a pat on the back.

Next, you may receive a call-back from the Casting Director. Always arrive on time. On time means 15 minutes before the appointed time of our meeting. This will allow you ample time to sign in and compose yourself. Be prepared, as you were in your first audition, with a short monologue.

Once you have the part, be patient, you may sit around for hours. A typical day could be up to 14 hours. You will want to bring snacks, water, and something to keep yourself busy while waiting for your scene. Be calm, quiet, and follow directions. Don't allow yourself to appear bored or tired.

Your pay will vary per job, so make sure you understand the terms of your employment as an extra. Some jobs pay by the day and others pay by the hour. A days pay may range from $55-$100 or you may be paid an hourly wage perhaps ranging from $5-$7. If you have special skills that are needed in a scene, your pay could be bumped to a higher rate. So, make sure you give as much information as possible on your resume.

Bring your identification, driver's license and social security card, and be ready to complete paperwork at the beginning of your day and again at the end. This is how you will get paid. No paperwork, no pay.

Being an extra can be time consuming, but the experience is rewarding and could eventually lead to speaking parts. Hop on the wagon; you are on your way to being a Star!

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