Have you ever been an Extra?

Question

I am going to become a RN then move out to California, LA, when I get there I will work as a nurse of couse, but I want to take acting classes and become an "extra" and work my way up the food chain so to speak in acting and singing. Do you think I could have a good chance of making a hobby and then a potential living out of it? I will have nursing for financial support to pay for classes and headshots, is it easy to become an extra, Ive done some research but never talked to anyone who has ever done it. Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Being an extra is a lot of fun but it doesn't pay that well, is not consistent work, and is not a link on the "food chain." It's its own chain to nowhere. There are some legends out there, but it is extremely rare that an extra gets lines or moves up to bigger parts. There are extras out there who have been doing for 50 years. Your best bet is to take acting classes and audition for indie or student films, or industrials to get started. You may want to do extra work every now and then just for fun and some extra money.

Answer 2

Yes I have been.

Certainly you will realize that acting, initially, relates to becoming fond of Peanut butter as a staple, in ones survival...smiles.

If you have a desire to, then by all means do.

Wisely you realize the greater good at the moment, and as you use it to "Fall Back On" you might also be aiding others who otherwise might "Fall" in a physical sense.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

Yes, I was Fairy and Attendant in Stafford Festival Shakespeare's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It was fantastic, and Emma Atikins and Mark Little are so nice!
It was good work, but you need another job to keep the cash flowing!

Answer 4

Yes actually I was. I was the Korean guy in the film Taladega Nights. I even got to meet Will Farrel and he was actually a really friendly guy!