Look Sue, everyone in the business will tell you NOT to list background work. Did you not get that I did background work?
The film work in on top because the temp-plate from the webmaster places it there, actually. On my paper resume, theatre is on top.
Quite a few of the directors (on the Jim Carrey, Chris Walken and Ally McBeal sets) moved me up to "featured" background players [because they were impressed with my acting abilities]. Many background players just follow directions and do not use much expression as many of them are not actors -- just folks looking for quick money to sit around all day. I even had and have other backgound people ask me . . . "You must be a real actor!" etc. because I take any work I do, even background work, as a chance to show my talent and skill. And it is noticed.
But, in the end, it is still considered "background" work. And my agent (the one in Los Angeles and the one here) have told me to leave it off my resume until there's enough of a role to put on a reel. The Japanese work and the commercials, which I list if they want it, are things I can make a reel from -- which I am in the process of doing.
On Ally McBeal I was in every single shot and working directly with Calista Flockhart (nevertheless, it was all acting and no speaking on my part) -- the whole episode was redone WITHOUT me and all the other players; and moved to a scene with only Lucy Liu and Calista. The Judge, the Jury (I was the Court Clerk) and the Defendant (who had a huge speaking role) -- we were all cut out and it never aired. They did show the back of my head upon airing of the show. Yet, it was three days of 12-hours of work [each day] for all of us!
I do run a meet-up group called "The Business of Show Business" and sounds like you need to attend, instead of making this thread about me, yes, I am helping, too.
What I do has worked for me, should it matter (to you) if I list it on my resume' or have to PROVE to you I've done what I've done. Unless you are thinking of casting me in something? Of course, it is my choice to prove it to you, too. Thus, I cannot blame you for it. I take that back. It's my choice.
Trust me, Sue, casting directors ask me and are fine with hearing about it from me and not having to read all the details of three days on Ally McBeal, or how Milos Forman and Jim Carrey pulled me aside [out of 1000 background actors] and personally thanked me for helping Jim Carrey stay in character . . . even when the camera's were off, during breaks.
Yeah, now that's a fun story of Jim Carrey (as Andy Kaufman) having an off-camera "duel" [for like ten minutes] because 'Andy' grabbed me as we exited the set. Yes, he grabbed me!!! It was hilarious and I wish it were on camera.
How do I relate that on a resume when it was only considered "extra" work? Thus, that is best left to verbal conversation as appropriate for the audition. Of course, I do have good reel material from the film because they were impressed enough to give me two huge closeups! The only reason they didn't let me do any speaking lines was because I wasn't SAG and they didn't want to Taft-Hartley me at the time.
Now you know, Sue. And so does the world of Broadway World, if they read this thread about me! Thanks, though, Sue . . . I feel like a celebrity. Not to mention, I love WICKED and my dream is to play "Elphaba" -- it is appropriate. At least, if I end up in WICKED, it will be even more uncanny.
I'll take this as law of attraction . . . preparing me for my career as I get closer and closer to my dreams. In fact, I will be on Broadway in an acting/singing role before 2008 is over. I know it now!
Love you, Sue . . .you've made my week! I hope I can count you as a fan,too. I love all my fans, both of you here and all the other ones I've gathered over the years!
MY SCHEDULE:
My last stage gig was November . . .as an actor.
But, two weeks ago, my play (a short play I wrote) was on stage at "Manhattan Theatre Source"; to rave reviews. So, I am still out and about. I will be putting up a couple of my plays this year, too and probably be in one of them, at least. I am also adapting a musical and will definitely be in it. I plan on doing it as an Equity Mini-Workshop.
I will keep you all up to date on it!
I do appreciate and love you, my fans. I will be in Los Angeles in March and will be having meetings with my LA agent at that time for possible work, too.
Love and Stage Lights,
Angela Theresa
Updated On: 1/16/08 at 01:06 PM