The attention to detail given to each scene blows me away.
I've learned that sometimes it's OK to interact with main actors — but other times it's a no-go.
When I started working as a background actor last year, I had no idea what to expect.
One year later, and after having worked on the sets of popular shows like "And Just Like That," "Succession," and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" (you may remember me as "Ticket Agent #3"), I've found that each set has its own quirks and unspoken rules.
I've also learned that background acting is a unique, fun opportunity to get a sneak peek of what goes on behind the scenes of TV shows.
Here are some of the most surprising things I've learned while doing work as a background actor.
Each set is entirely different when it comes to accommodations for background actors
You truly never know what the production will have for background actors until the day you show up on set.
Some productions cater breakfast and lunch while serving snacks and coffee, but others don't even give you water.
To stay prepared for any set, I've started bringing my own water bottle and a few snacks to stow in my pockets. I also bring comfortable footwear and jackets that I can wear before and after my scenes.
The attention to detail given to each scene blows me away
Sometimes I spend hours in hair, makeup, and wardrobe as a background actor.
Alison Van Glad
Background actors often need to report to set two or more hours earlier than main actors — I've had call times as early as 4:30 a.m.
On the set of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," I spent hours alongside hundreds of background actors being ping-ponged between hair, makeup, back to hair, wardrobe, final checks, and then props. Eventually, the wardrobe director personally checked each background actor to ensure they were ready for set.
A single scene can also take anywhere from six hours to two days to film.
For every take, many props and people must be repositioned, and everyone on set must follow the same movements each time. This means one false move, and the entire shot has to be reset. It really is a team effort.
I was surprised by the spoken and unspoken rules of taking photos and videos on set
Background actors typically sign a bunch of preliminary paperwork, with one document being a nondisclosure agreement that states we will not distribute any content before the production is aired.
The production crew will also be sure to remind you that doing so will get you kicked off set — and possibly sued.
The unspoken rule, though, is that it's all right to take a selfie with your background pals, especially if it's a cool set or you're wearing something out of the ordinary.
However, it's never OK to take photos or videos of the main actors. It will surely get you escorted off the set.
A lot of background actors aren't actually pursuing acting careers
The cool thing about being on set with a group of background actors is that everyone is there for their own reasons.
Some want to be actors and get a feel for how a set runs; others just enjoy the hustle and bustle of a set. I've also met a lot of retired folks who said they do background work because it's a great way for them to get out of the house and socialize.
One of my favorite parts of the field is that everyone seems to have their own unique story, and having downtime between takes allows me to discover bit-by-bit what those stories are.
Sometimes it's OK to interact with main actors — other times it's a no-go
Some lead actors linger on set but others head back to their dressing rooms.
Alison Van Glad
All actors have their preferences for what they do between scene changes. Some prefer to return to their private dressing rooms, and others like to enjoy the energy and excitement of the set.
For example, between scene transitions on "Succession," Jeremy Strong walked around playing music on his Bluetooth speaker, and many of us sang and danced along.
I've found it's best not to approach lead actors to force conversation, but it's OK to chit-chat for a bit if they start talking to you.
Lead actors are doing a job and just looking to pass the time between takes, so any conversation with them tends to be the equivalent of water-cooler banter.
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