‘Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries’ offers chance for locals to shine
“Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries: Blessings in Disguise” returns a talented, experienced group of actors, many of whom have worked with this material before. However, there is an opportunity for locals who want to be background actors to join in the production.
While a background role in a television series probably won’t lead to becoming the next Robert Redford, Brad Pitt or Scarlett Johansson, it quite possibly could lead to that joyful moment of spotting yourself on the small screen in the new television series “Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries: Blessings in Disguise,” which is currently being filmed in downtown Sugarcreek.
Producers of the series are currently seeking background actors to create an authentic down-home appeal, and anyone interested in becoming an extra might have a chance to flex those acting chops in a very minimal yet interesting way.
Prior to casting the background extras, getting the nearly 140 paid actors to commit to the series is one major challenge.
Co-producer Micah Lynn Hanson said that painstaking chore is always a challenge.
“There is a ton of organization,” Hanson said. “We have to make sure the actors are available. We fly them in. Their schedules must align, and sometimes schedules don’t mesh so you don’t get the people you want. It’s never easy and you want to bring in the perfect people for each role.”
Casting for background actors is an entirely different task.
Hanson also has the job of recruiting local acting talent to work as background characters that may not have lines but add to the ambiance and authenticity of the show.
“That is a whole different challenge because you have to find people willing to be background actors and are close enough locally and willing to bring wardrobe,” Hanson said.
Thus far, she said the community has shown up and done well, some of them willing to stand out in 90-degree temperatures while filming a winter scene, garbed in winter coats and apparel.
With filming going on through August, there is still opportunity for anyone interested in landing a background role to do so. Hanson said she has created an email sign-up list that people can join, and she sends blast casting call emails out daily, usually a couple days ahead of scheduled shooting but sometimes the day of, requesting those who are available to sign up for that specific time and scene.
“If they sign up and are accepted, they will get a return email stating, ‘here’s the location, here’s what you need to bring, here’s how many people we need and other vital information.’ If they are going to play an Amish person, obviously we will get them in costume,” Hanson said.
She added that they need to bring at least three sets of clothing so the wardrobe department can choose the costumes and colors that will work best on camera.
“I’ve met some really wonderful people through the process,” Hanson said. “It’s always neat to be able to see a production and say ‘Hey, that’s me.’ Or ‘I was right there.’ While there’s never a guarantee that just because they are filmed that they will show up in the final production, it’s always an exciting time for many people.”
If anyone wishes to possibly become a background extra, they may do so by emailing Hason at amishmysterycasting@gmail.com, and she has also posted information on Facebook.
“Just let me know you’re interested and I’ll send you a form that you can fill out,” Hanson said. “Then they’ll be on the list.”