It's not something we usually think about, when we're watching an epic film.

How it feels to be the lineless actor being dumped with water in "Titanic." Or one of the nameless henchmen pummeled by James Bond before he quickly moves on.

No, it can't be easy playing extras in big blockbuster film.

But it turns out it's pretty amusing to watch them suffer. Or at least it is in the Lake City Playhouse's new farce, "Epic Proportions."

The show follows aspiring actor Benny, played by Brandon Montang, who runs away from home to nab a microscopic part in a major motion picture covering most of the Bible.

It's no easy task. There are 4,000 extras to corral, and a short deadline for the construction of the pyramids. On a whim, the director throws in the Book of Job.

Benny starts to appreciate the efforts as he's thrown into some demanding scenes, being chased by locusts one day, getting sentenced to execution another. His brother Phil - Alex Eddy, just seen in "Rent" - who ends up with a role, too, joins Benny in dragging pyramid blocks under motivation of whip lash.

No one said stardom doesn't have a price.

But there's some consolation for the struggling thespians: The timid casting assistant Louise, played by Dawn Hunter, who effuses warmth while she's guiding extras on their fist pumps and angry, but not too angry, collective reactions.

Between all the calamity plot does emerge. After an issue with an overly fueled burning bush, Phil becomes director and channels his inner marching band leader. A love triangle brews over Louise.

It's all diverting, but the highlights are the scenes where the characters suffer through physically demanding activities with masochistic fervor. The slapstick is enhanced by the fact that all the characters are so dorky. They're just nice, accommodating people who are totally gracious about their own torture and exploitation.

All the actors in the play are unwaveringly committed, just ask Tyler Lucas, who has only a few lines but willingly throws himself down some stairs several times. Montang, last seen in "Sorry! Wrong Chimney," is lovable in his goofy, physical performance and Dawn Hunter has a bird-like quirkiness that fits well into the absurdity. Eddy throws a lot of charisma into his character's transition into a budding director. There are a lot of laughs won by Marina Kalani in her portrayal of a klutzy desert queen.

"Epic Proportions" plays through March 4 at the playhouse on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $9 for children, $13 for seniors, $15 for veterans and students and $17 for adults. For tickets, call 667-1323, or to go lakecityplayhouse.org.

Come ready to laugh. And be sure to clap hard for the extras.

Alecia Warren is a reporter at The Press who has heard "My Heart Will Go On" more times than she can count. Contact her at awarren@cdapress.com.