Stand-In Central

Interview with Sara DeRosa

In what I hope to be a semi-regular feature on Stand-In Central, I’m introducing the first-ever Stand-In Central Interview.  We’re not talking “interview” in the sense of a stand-in audition.  Instead, we’re talking “talking with stand-ins”!  Our first interview is with Sara DeRosa, who gave me some of my first tips for standing in.  Read on!

- The Editor

Sara DeRosa

SIC: What’s your name and what do you do?

SDR: My name is Sara DeRosa and I am an actor! I also work consistently as a stand-in and a photo-double for both television and film productions.

SIC: You’ve had some pretty high-profile stand-in gigs.  For which actors have you had the opportunity to stand in?

SDR: I have worked as a stand-in for Kate Winslet, Christina Applegate, Abbie Cornish, Blake Lively, Taylor Momsen, Kelly Rutherford, Kim Raver, Anna Torv, and Bonnie Somerville.

SIC: You see yourself as an actor.  How do you find standing in complimentary with your acting career?  What has standing in taught you about acting?

SDR: Learning the technical side of how television shows and films are made has helped me as an actor. You learn about how scenes are broken down and blocked to look their best through the lens of the camera. As you are working as a stand-in, you learn where you need to be positioned in relation to the camera and the other actors to capture each piece of the scene, and understand how all of the shots fit together to make it work. And observing the other actors working on set is always a great learning experience!

SIC: What is the greatest benefit of standing in?

SDR: For me, the biggest benefit of standing in has been learning exactly what it’s like to be right there in the middle of a set. There are many crew members working all around you to make the production run efficiently. It’s a fast-paced environment, and it can be overwhelming for someone who is not used to it. Through stand-in work, you become familiar with what a set looks like and how it feels to be there. So when you are booked as an actor, you already feel comfortable on set, and you can focus on the work that you need to do!

SIC: Do you find that standing in interferes at all with your acting career?

SDR: There have been times when standing in has interfered with my acting career. It can be a challenge to find time to audition and meet your acting goals while balancing work and the rest of your life. But I try to figure out what is best for me day to day, and trust that I’m making the right decisions. Stay positive, and you will find a way to make it work!

SIC: What are 3 pointers you would give the first-time stand-in?

SDR: First, be early! Give yourself plenty of time to find your location and to check in. It’s very important that you are ready to step onto set at your call time.

Second, pay attention! There will be a lot of work going on around you while you are standing in. You need to stay focused so you can be safe. Listen to directions so you can do your job well.

Lastly, and most importantly, ask questions! Every production works a little differently, and sets can be confusing places. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

SIC: Thanks, Sara!

SDR: Thank you!

Sara DeRosa lives in New York City.  Her website is http://www.saraderosa.com.