Quiet on set...and ACTION!
This week I had the joyful and fascinating experience of being an extra – or Supporting Artist (SA), for the first time. You might remember I joined a casting agency earlier this year with the aim of being on Dr. Who, one of my 40/40 challenges.
Well, It wasn’t Dr. Who and I can’t tell
you about what I was on or what I did, but I can share some of the experience
with you.
I had no idea what it would be like, thoughts whizzed about in my head - how many people will be there, will I embarrass
myself by doing something silly, will people be friendly etc.... I also thought about Not doing it. About changing my mind. I’m so glad I
didn’t listen to my inner critic. Pipe down I said! I’m so glad I showed up.
I read the really helpful information in the booklet we
are given when we sign up and had a chat online with another SA who was super helpful
by giving me some tips on what to expect, other than that it was a step into the unknown! I went to bed early, was up at 04.30, and off I went on a new
adventure.
It was still dark when I sent out and I was surprised how
busy the roads were. I’d thought it would have been just me and Henry (my car),
but no. I was not alone. I arrived early and was directed to a parking place. All
good so far.
As soon as I’d gotten out of my car, I met a chap who was also new to this. As more SAs arrived and we all started chatting
those last few nerves vanished. Phew, of course, I was in this with others. All kind of others as I was to
discover throughout the day. Such a mix of people; ages, backgrounds, cultures
and what they do as their day jobs. It was fascinating. From meeting a games
designer, a retired police motorbike officer, a lady who used to play rugby and
who now writes scripts and short stories part-time, a Mum, son and daughter team
all there together, to a drummer who’s toured with a rather famous Welsh band (not Stereophonics)...a real mix.
I even came away with a recipe for a great way to cook
brussels sprouts ‘for people who hate
brussels sprouts’ (lightly pre-cook sprouts then cover in a cheese sauce - as
you would cauliflower cheese - add a topping of breadcrumbs mixed with cheese
and pop that in the oven till golden). I also gained some crochet tips from a
lovely SA who’d taught herself via videos on youtube and was in the process of
making a scarf, and met a few SAs who have been on Dr. Who.
Whooo Hooo! I'm getting closer...
Being behind the scenes and watching the crew in action was very interesting. I did have to stop myself asking them lots of questions
though! The team that looked after us were friendly and I felt well looked
after. It was a very positive experience, one that I’m looking forward to
repeating – hopefully on Dr. Who. (fingers crossed).
Doing this is also a mini victory for me. Having had a Brain Hemorrhage at 12 (a form of Stroke) I walk with a limp and I do feel self-conscious
about it. Being an SA is actually something I’ve thought about doing since I
was at Uni, but never had the nerve to do it due to those feelings and having a whole host of assumptions of
what it would be like! As I’ve discovered, those assumptions are misplaced. I’m so glad I said Yes!
How about you? Is there something you’d like to do but you’re
feeling anxious about it? I’m sure you’ll find it’s never actually as scary as
you think its going to be. Our imaginations can be a bonus – OR they can keep
us in a place of fear. We can choose. Keeping an open mind of curiosity and a
sense of wonder when you try something new can make all the difference. That
first time is always the hardest.
What new experience is calling you? I'd love to hear from you!
