What is a Day Player in Acting? Updated for 2023

12/17/2022

So, what is a "day player" in acting?

A day player is an actor who works on a film or television set for a day or two and has just a few lines (they're usually in one or two scenes). They're hired for a short term contract and never on a repeat or long-term basis. Actors not considered day players include those who don't have lines (background actors) and main characters (actors who are in tons of scenes or multiple episodes).

In this guide, we'll go into depth on the following:

What it's like to be a day player
How to get acting work as a day player
Other key terms to be aware of as you grow your acting career.

If you'd like an in-depth list of the types of acting roles (such as lead, supporting, co-star, etc.) plus tips on how to find work in each, I highly recommend checking out my guide: Types of Roles in Acting: All You Need to Know.

What is a Day Player in Acting?

To make it simple, think of a day player as the character who is asked a few questions by police in a scene of Law & Order, or a waiter who takes an order at a restaurant from the main characters.

What it's Like to Be a Day Player

Most actors starting out try to get experience by working on student films for free. Whether by being in the background with no lines, or being fortunate enough to be cast as a lead, most actors get their feet wet working on small sets.

Shortly thereafter, they'll start getting background acting work on professional sets so they can get real experience and meet people. Occasionally a background actor might get bumped up to "featured extra," where the camera prominently highlights them next to an actor with a line (even though they themselves don't have any lines yet). Once they've done some work like that and have started to add some credits to their resume, they'll begin trying to get speaking roles on professional sets as a day player.

Here's what it's like to be a day player:

First you'll need to audition. Most background actors do not need to audition, but the moment you want to try out for a role with lines, auditioning is almost always required. You should memorize your lines, prepare properly by making clear choices, and then take direction well once you're in the audition room. Here's my Ultimate Guide to Preparing for an Audition, and if you're not sure where to find auditions you should check out my Ultimate Guide to Finding Auditions.
If the casting director likes you, you'll get a callback. A callback is where you'll be invited to come and audition again so the casting director and other high-level people (such as producers, directors, etc.) can compare you closely with their other top-choice actors. A callback is your chance to shine and refresh their memory on what you can do. Just be prepared for more direction and getting lots of specific performance notes from the director! Some callbacks are held weeks later and others are held the same day of the audition, but in the evening.
If they choose you, congratulations! In some cases, they might ask to "put a pin in you," meaning they think they want you but are still not 100% sure, so they just want you to hold the dates so they have a bit longer to make a final decision. In general, most productions are going to choose SAG-AFTRA actors over non-union (or SAG-Eligible) actors because they are required to do so by union rules. For that reason I recommend you consider joining the union as soon as possible.
You'll need to sign some paperwork. Most paperwork for major television shows, films, and commercials is standard and covers your pay rate, a non-disclosure agreement (meaning you can't share the production details with anyone), and a model release (saying they have the right to use your face in their production). You should familiarize yourself with contracts and how they work (or get a family friend who's a lawyer to review any documents with you before signing). If you have an agent, they can usually review contracts for you.
After signing, the full script will be sent to you. Read through it in its entirety and memorize all your lines/scenes. Do any necessary prep work for your character, including research into the time period the production is taking place in if it's a Period Piece. Figure out your character's objectives and goals and keep in mind that once you speak with the director some of your prep work might need to be changed.
You might need to go in for a wardrobe fitting. They'll usually send you instructions on where to go and what the wardrobe process will be so you can get your outfits taken care of for the scenes you'll be in. Be flexible because sometimes this process can take longer than expected (plus other people on set might require you to fill out extra paperwork or meet with them). You'll be given a call sheet with all the instructions about what days you'll be shooting, what you'll need to bring, start and end times, etc.
On the day of the shoot, be prepared to work. Try to get a good night's sleep the day before (you might want to consider taking 1-3mg of melatonin to help fall asleep because it can calm your mind.
1. Note: I am not a doctor; you should always check with your healthcare provider before taking supplements.
Plan on getting makeup. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your call time so no one is rushing for you and there is plenty of time for wardrobe and makeup. Let the makeup artist know if you have any allergies, and be prepared to spend at least 20-30 minutes with the makeup artist to look your best on camera.
You'll probably be told where to go. Don't worry about not knowing where to go – for professional film and television sets, there are production assistants whose job it is to tell day player actors where to go. You'll most likely wait in an area called the Green Room, which is where actors hang out when they're not shooting.
The Assistant Director and Director will be running rehearsals as crew sets up. Make sure to stay with the other actors, as they'll need you for rehearsals. You'll probably go through your lines at least twice before shooting starts, and you'll be able to grab food if you want (something called "craft services" is always provided on set, which is where you can get as much free food as you want).
You'll hang out in the green room with the other actors until it's time to shoot. You can chat with the other actors, eat, and get props/microphones attached to you by crew members. When they're ready for you, someone will come to get you for your scene(s).
Time to act. You'll be placed on your mark and then they'll start shooting – usually from a few different angles, so you'll have to perform the same scene many times. The director will tell you what to do; what's most important is that you both follow the director's instructions AND you ensure you do the scene as closely as possible each time (with the same hand movements, turning, etc.) so the editor can easily splice the scenes together without too many differences between each take. Note that if they never wind up pointing the camera directly towards you during the scene, it's OK – there will be plenty more opportunities for you in the future, so don't be disappointed! In some cases they might even shoot a direct shot of you and then delete it later – but that co-star credit on your resume will make it easier for you to book more day player acting gigs in the future!
After the shoot ends, you'll give your props, wardrobe, and microphones back. Make sure to thank everyone for their time and take down anyone's contact info that you connected with so you can keep in touch (remember, this industry is all about relationships)! You might even consider sending the casting director a big thank you note and letting him/her know the experience was great so they cast you again in the future.

How to Get Acting Work as a Day Player

The best way to get day player acting work is by getting a talent agent, but since that's easier said than done, here are a few alternative methods you can use:

Self-Submitting Through Online Casting Websites: There are a few key websites where you can create a free or paid profile and start finding almost daily opportunities to submit yourself to auditions. Using any of these 6 legit online casting websites is probably the fastest and most straightforward way to find auditions, and I recommend you start trying to get day player work there.
Connecting Through Social Media: You can connect with casting directors and other industry gatekeepers through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms, which will inevitably lead to more auditions. If you love social media, this might be right for you, but if you're not into it, feel free to skip over this strategy.
Getting special access to hidden co-star and guest star auditions. This advanced strategy is typically used by full-time working actors to generate consistent auditions when they are in-between agents. If you're willing to put in a bit of work, you can start getting directly invited to audition for network-level productions, even if you don't have an extensive resume or reel. You'll cold-email casting directors (or if you prefer, meet them through classes/social media) and keep in touch for a few weeks by providing added value. Because you've given so much to them (before you expect to gain), these casting directors will feel compelled to invite you to audition for their next major project – and you'll have a leg up on all the other actors auditioning (because the casting director already knows you)!
1. Free Step-by-Step Guide: 3 Strategies to Get Casting Directors to Invite You to Day Player Auditions (includes word-for-word email templates and a tutorial on how to become friends with any casting director – even if you've never met)
Networking in Other Ways: Most people hate the word networking, but the fact is, if you really want access to higher-level day player auditions without an agent, you'll have to network directly with people in the industry. Most online casting website and social media casting calls are for lower-quality day player roles (unpaid, non-union gigs for independent and student films). Networking directly with casting directors is the only [almost] guaranteed way to start getting access to legit film, TV & theater auditions. You can do this during regular times of the year AND pilot season!
Being Creative: There are plenty of other creative ways to find auditions, including contacting your local film production office, perusing local theater websites, and even joining local school casting lists.

To dive much deeper on getting auditions for day player roles without an agent, check out my Ultimate Guide to Finding Auditions.

And if you want an agent, check out my Ultimate Guide to Getting a Talent Agent.

Types of Roles/Jobs in Front of the Camera

Now that we've covered what it's like to be a day player and how to go about finding day player acting work, here are some other key roles/positions you should be aware of as you grow your acting career:

Background Actor: This is someone who is typically in the background of a scene (walking by or dining at a restaurant, etc.) to give the scene more life. These actors don't have lines.
Bit Part: This is a role where there is direct interaction with the main characters, but usually only a few (less than five) lines of dialogue.
Cameo: When someone famous appears for a brief moment in a film, often just for fun.
Featured Extra: An actor without lines who is featured prominently in a scene (think of a doorman who opens the door for a main character and smiles to them).
Lead Actor/Actress: This is the main protagonist of the story, and also typically the biggest role.
Photodouble: This is an actor who looks similar to one of the main actors in a production and is used to perform in place of that person on camera if needed, especially for stunt work.
Principal Actor: Any actor who has lines.
Stand-in: This is an actor who is typically of similar height, skin tone, and stature to a principal actor. This person "stands in" for the crew to set up the shot and adjust lighting so the main actor doesn't have to wait the whole time.
Stunt Performer (or "Stunt Double"): A specially trained actor who performs special stunts on camera in place of a main actor (to keep the main actor safe).
What is a Supporting Actor or Actress? A speaking role that is smaller than the lead, but larger than a bit part.
Understudy: A theater performer who is hired to be a backup actor in case one of the main actors is sick or unable to perform for any reason. Many actors make their Broadway debuts as understudies.

For more terms and roles, try searching google for "acting terminology pdf" and plenty of guides will pop up!

You can also check out my guide: Acting Role Definitions (day player vs supporting actor, etc.)

How to Know if You're Ready for a Higher-Level Acting Role

In general, most actors underestimate themselves and hold themselves back for years, thinking, "Maybe I'll be ready for that kind of role someday."

The problem with that is it means you're letting yourself off the hook. How? By not forcing yourself to get better as quickly as possible!

I have a whole article on that here: How to Stop Getting in Your Own Way

I recommend you look at your resume right now and ask, "What's the next level up from what I've done so far?"

For instance, if you have 1-2 day player (co-star) roles, it means you need to start looking for guest star or recurring roles. If you have only worked in background acting, I recommend you start looking for your first day player role. By simply holding yourself to a higher standard and thinking about what you need to do to get to that next level, you'll instantly put yourself ahead of most other actors out there and move your career forward more quickly.

That's the kind of thinking needed to keep growing your career and avoid staying stuck!

3 Numbers All Actors Should Know

Knowing how to become a day player is important, but it's just one small part of growing your acting career.

If your goal is to act full-time, you should know these 3 numbers:

40-60 Submissions – This is how often full-time, working actors submit themselves (whether they have an agent or not) each month.
10-20 Auditions – This is how many times full-time working actors audition (or at least record and submit self-tapes) each month.
3-5 Bookings – This is how often full-time working actors book real, paid acting jobs each and every month.

If your numbers aren't there yet, that's OK! It's certainly not easy to audition and book that much.

But those are actual, real numbers from busy, working actors who didn't just get lucky.

Those busy, working actors started at the beginning – for them, the biggest question swirling in their minds at the time was:

How do I get taken seriously by casting directors when I don't have good credits or footage? And how do I get credits/footage without being taken seriously by casting directors?

It's the classic actor's catch 22.

When we're struggling to get our careers off the ground, our minds can slip into "desperation mode" and start looking for quick-fix solutions. We'll ask ourselves questions like:

"Should I take another acting class?"
"Do I need better headshots or should I pay to shoot a reel?"
"What's the fastest way to get an agent?"

But questions like those mean you're focused on Tactics, instead of Strategy.

Think about it this way: Would you bake a cake by randomly sliding a pile of flour, eggs, and chocolate into the oven? Of course not! How you combine the ingredients, the temperature you cook it at, and for how long are all just as important.

Similarly, the long-term, well thought-out strategy you follow as you grow your acting career matters. A LOT.

That's why "strategic thinking" is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as an actor.

So today I'd like to give you a gift: 3 tools specifically designed to help you start thinking and operating strategically.

These tools have helped over 14,000 actors so far, many of whom have gone on to:

Book Broadway roles
Land network television and Netflix shows
Sign with agents and managers
And much more – faster than you'd expect (you can see some success stories here).

My free Actor's Toolkit will help you BLAST through the actor's catch 22 so you start getting WAY more auditions and bookings every month:

The Actor's Toolkit

The Top 6 Casting Websites to Find Auditions, plus 3 specific submissions strategies to get higher-quality auditions from them
3 Pro Actor Resume Templates, professionally formatted (they work on any device – just add your info)
Contact info of over 140 Top Talent Agencies & Submissions Techniques to save you the hassle of trying to find legitimate (non-scam) agents

Send Me the Toolkit!

Martin Bentsen (author of this guide) is an actor marketing coach who uses strategic thinking to help actors book more work. He’s helped over 14,000 actors with their careers and actor headshots since 2009 and his photography studio City Headshots is ranked #1 on Yelp. He’s spoken at NYU, The New England Theater Conference, The Actor’s Green Room, and other venues.

Want to book more acting work by thinking strategically? Start with his free Actor’s Toolkit to create new opportunities right away, or visit his website at www.martinbentsen.com.

Some Additional Q&A

How Much Do Day Players Make?

The SAG-AFTRA day rate is $1,056, or $3,564 for an entire week. Learn more about joining SAG here.

What are Movie Day Players?

So what is dayplaying? Well, if the article wasn't enough, to sum it up in one sentence, dayplaying means performing roles where you're hired for just a few days at a time. No long-term contracts – instead, small bit parts for actors that are basically one-offs.

What are the 4 Key Types of Actors?

There are four key types of actors, which are defined as Personality Actors, who use their own personality to bring life to a character; Creative Actors, or actors who go against their own personality; Chameleon Actors, who can play a wide variety of unrelated roles; and Nonprofessional Actors who add realism to stories.

Learn more about the types of actors here.

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