High School

Many children and high school students work as extras in TV shows and films. Though you won't need special training to become a film extra, you should at least obtain a high school diploma. Classes that may be helpful to you in your work as an extra include theater, dance, and speech.

Postsecondary Training

There is no postsecondary training required for film extras. Those who are interested in a career as an actor are strongly advised to complete at least a bachelor's degree program in theater or the dramatic arts.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for film extras.

No experience is needed to become a film and television extra, but any experience you can obtain acting in school or local theatre productions will be useful.

Extras need to be punctual, attentive, and capable of following instructions closely. Extras should also be patient, as they may spend much of their time waiting around, or doing the same things repeatedly.