Should I do extra work as an Actor?

IF YOU HAVE TO START SOME WHERE, IS EXTRA WORK THE ANSWER?

A common question that I hear often especially from newer actors is if they should start off by doing extra work, otherwise known as background acting.

To jump straight to it - I want to say that I am not against extra work at all. Someone has to fill this spot in order to make the scene seem “full”". Classrooms need other students at the desk. Concerts need fans in the seats. So there is certainly a need there. Now is it right for you?

IF YOU HAVE ZERO EXPERIENCE OR SOLID INTEREST IN ACTING, YES.

If you have zero experience on set, or teetering between your interest of becoming an actor - I say it’s fine to do extra work. This gives you the ability to not only gauge your interest in pursuing an acting career, but also make a few bucks while building connections. Sometimes you may get lucky and get bumped up to a co-star (one to two lines) - but that’s like the lottery. You are not gaining actual acting skill from doing extra work. You still need to get into acting classes and learn the craft, but it doesn’t hurt to try a background role or two to see if it’s your jam.

IF YOU ARE A DIE HARD THESPIAN THAT LOVES ACTING, NO.

If you know that acting is your passion and/or you have done some light acting work on-camera already, I say stay away from background work. I know it can be enticing to make a few bucks while pursuing the dream - but it can honestly do more harm than good. Case-in-point: You work a major show as an on-camera background actor - If you’re in the production system and/or have it in your resume - this can prevent you from coming back in a speaking capacity for that project. Additionally, consistently taking on extra work may lead to typecasting, where an actor gets pigeonholed into non-speaking roles. You don’t want casting or studio executives to view you as such.

Additionally, the time and resources spent towards being an extra can be better used with training and coaching, or even better - working the short film and indie circuit. Our company takes on many actors who are usually at the beginning of their career for development. We always advise to self submit on indies while we work on the bigger fish. NEVER extra work.