In drama, an extra is a performer in a film, television show, or stage production who appears in a nonspeaking capacity, usually in the background (for example, in an audience or busy street scene). War films and epic films often employ extras in large numbers: some films have featured hundreds or even thousands of paid extras.

On a movie set, film extras are technically referred to as "background action," "background performers" or, simply, "background." In a stage production, extras are commonly referred to as "supernumeraries." In television they are sometimes known as "supporting artistes" or "S.A.s".