Day Player
An actor hired for a single day or brief period, typically for small roles with few scenes.
Definition
A day player is an actor hired on a daily basis rather than as a series regular or recurring cast member. Day player roles are typically small parts requiring only one or a few days of work—the waitress with two lines, the police officer in one scene, the featured extra with dialogue.
Day player rates are set by union agreements, with minimum daily rates established by SAG-AFTRA. These roles provide income and credits for working actors building careers, and professional talent for productions needing quality performances in small parts.
Why It Matters
Day player work is how many actors sustain careers and gain experience. Understanding this tier of the profession provides realistic expectations for emerging actors and appreciation for the depth of professional talent that makes productions work.
For productions, using skilled day players rather than amateur extras elevates overall quality.
Examples in Practice
A character actor works consistently as a day player across many productions, building a career from quality small roles.
A production's day player delivers a memorable two-line performance that ends up in the trailer.
An emerging actor's day player credits build a resume that eventually leads to recurring roles and series regular status.