The Weirdly Useful Things I’ve Learned from Playing Small Roles on Big Sets

It wasn’t glamorous. It usually isn’t.

But the lessons I’ve taken from the quieter corners of a set - from being there, watching, listening, waiting for the one line or gesture I was hired to deliver - have stayed with me longer than some of the lead roles.

There’s a certain kind of acting job where you’re brought in to play a small part. A supporting role. A two-line nurse. A clerk. A neighbor. The character exists to serve a beat in someone else’s arc. You might only be there for one day, or even half.

And still - it’s work. It’s a set. It’s a script. It’s a camera. It counts.

But if you’re paying attention, these moments can teach you things you don’t always learn when you’re in the spotlight.

1. You Learn to Make It Count Without Pushing

When you only have one or two lines, there’s a temptation to “do something” with them. To squeeze meaning out of every word, to layer in a whole backstory between syllables.But often, the most professional thing you can do - and the most watchable - is to not overreach.

Say the line. Be the person. Don’t apologize for not being the lead. It’s a form of discipline, and in some ways, confidence.

2. You Learn How the Room Works

When you’re not the one being mic’d up for every scene, you get to observe.

You see how the cinematographer and director communicate with barely a word. You see how the assistant director keeps everything moving with calm authority (or chaos, depending). You hear how actors adjust between takes. You learn what actually matters in post.

I’ve learned that even when the part is small, someone’s still listening. Watching. Holding the space.

3. You Learn to Be Ready - Without Needing to Be Seen

There’s a kind of self-trust that develops from doing small roles well. You’re not going to get a long tracking shot. You’re not going to get three takes from different angles. You’ll likely get one.

And that’s enough.

You stop performing for the sake of performance and instead begin to just be ready. Focused. Clear. Present.

That practice of readiness? It carries over into every role after.

4. You Start to Appreciate Crew More Than Ever

When you’re not “the lead,” you get treated… differently. It’s not cruel, it’s just structural. The way sets work.

But I’ve had more than one makeup artist quietly check in to make sure I felt seen. A wardrobe assistant make a passing comment that helped me ground the character. A boom operator offer a kind word between setups. These people are the soul of a set.

When I eventually take on bigger roles, I don’t forget that.

5. You Practice Showing Up Without Needing Proof

Small roles build something in you. Quietly.

They don’t give you a flashy clip. They don’t “change your life.” They often don’t even get credited properly. But they let you show up. Do your job. Contribute.

Sometimes, those roles are the reason I got the next thing. Sometimes they weren’t. But the work stays in you, even when the footage doesn’t.

And when you get a part that finally lets you do more - whether it’s indie or studio - you’ll be grateful for all the quiet reps you put in.

📌 More of my recent work and roles: www.livhansen.net/recent-work