There will be an open casting call in Chicago on August 20, 2011 for background extra roles on The Playboy Club.
Have you ever wanted to know what it feels like to work on a television show? Here’s your chance to shine on the small screen and be part of the wonderful world of entertainment.
The upcoming NBC drama, The Playboy Club, which has already started filming in Chicago, is looking for men and women, all races, ages 18 to 80, for roles as paid background extras. On Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., there will be an opening casting call at The Chicago Academy of the Arts, 1010 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, Illinois.
This TV show is a period piece, so you are asked to come to the casting call dressed in 1960s attire (dark suits for men, dresses for women).
What I suggest for the ladies is that if you don’t have a dress that fits that decade, just wear a simple black or navy blue dress, or suit, and if possible, wear hose, because back then, all the ladies wore silk stockings. You may want to consider doing your hair and makeup retro – that will go over well, and look great in the photo they will be taking of you at the casting call.
Gentlemen, simple dark colored suits, and wearing your hair styled like the guys on Mad Men will work well for you. Do NOT go crazy and spend money…if you don’t have these things at home, either borrow from a friend or family member, or you can pick up some vintage clothes at neighborhood thrift stores.
When you go, remember to bring a couple ink pens, as well as bottled water and something to snack on, because you may be waiting in line for a while.
Here’s what you can expect to happen that day. You will be asked to fill out a form while you wait in line that asks for your name, contact info, and stats. Please, ladies and gentleman, know your sizes (shirt, pants, shoes, dress, height, weight, etc.) before you go to the call, because you will have to be accurate on this one. If you get booked to work on the show, you may be required to wear certain outfits, so it’s important to know your sizes.
Also, another tip, bring a good attitude. This should be a fun experience, but it’s also serious business. If you are chosen as a background extra, you are expected to listen, follow directions, and you can anticipate working long hours. It’s not difficult, but depending on the scene, it could be physically demanding, as some people may be asked to walk, run, or stand for long periods.
When you get on set, be a professional. Loud talking, hours of cell phone chatting and text messaging, sleeping, and disrupting the film shoot are not welcome. I know it’s tempting, but if you talk to the actors, ask them for an autograph, or snap photos while you are filming, you will receive a personal escort out the door.
You can count on a lot of down time while you are waiting for the crew to set up the next scene. Sometimes you can be in the extras holding area for hours until you are called to set, so have some reading material with you.
Sure, there are a few rules to follow, but for me, working as a background extra on TV shows and movies was truly the chance of a lifetime. When you are part of such an incredible process, with giant lights, cameras, rows of big-name studio trailers everywhere, makeup, hair and wardrobe departments, and you are eating delicious, fully catered meals just like the celebrities, it’s exciting.
For more information, you can email: [email protected].
Have a great time, knock ‘em dead at the open call, and hopefully I will see your smiling face on TV!
Patricia Batson has worked in television and film productions as a background extra in Hollywood, California, and Chicago, Illinois, as well as for local advertising agencies, TV, and radio stations. Her resume includes “The Chicago Code,” “Glee,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Dilemma,” and “Get Him to the Greek.”