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Well, I’ve been called in as an extra anyway! This MethodistChick is ready, willing, and able! I live in Utah, sub-California film-mecca of the West. Check back to see what they have me do! It’s kind of like a secret-agent thing, you get the instructions at the last minute -should you choose to accept them!
My first film! What an experience! Today, I was in the background of a scene with about 850 people. Putting together over 700 teenagers and adults travelling from far and wide in a few minutes of footage is quite an undertaking. This is about how the day went to give any of you aspiring actors and actresses some insight:
Casting Call was at 8:30 am. We had to bring 4-5 changes of clothes and be what is called “camera ready.” That means, shower, hair, clothes, all perfect. After 2 1/2 hours, a little breakfast, and one fire drill, I wasn’t sure how camera ready we all were, but they took us all to do a scene in the East High School Auditorium. Now I know why actors wear those dark glasses! The lights are blinding! All 800 or so of us stuck it out with enthusiasm. We learned to do scenes as a group cheering, acting bewildered, shocked, rolling over with laughter, and tried to show off some dancing talents in the crowd. It was a good time. The Director, Kenny Ortega, is really funny and knows how to keep a crowd enthusiastic. There were also fines! Anyone caught yawning had to give a $1 to charity and had to stand up to be acknowledged by the whole group as a yawner. There were a few key actors on set (Kelsie and Ms. Darbus) and they were all professional and wonderful to watch. We had some impromptu dancing to cheer up the crowds by a few special visitors. I am really impressed.
After 4-5 hours of 800 people cheering, dancing, and sweating, the auditorium needs to be aired out! Yes, I think we were all getting a little stinky! It was a great time. I wonder what it was like on Brad Pitt’s Troy set?
It was interesting to be an adult among so many teenagers. The education of how teenagers talk, dress, and act today is very interestingto me. The director said he keeps choosing Utah because of the people. There were a lot of really great people representing Utah on set today.
