In 2021, I came across a casting for a TV show called Abbott Elementary. I didn’t know anything about it. I submitted both my boys for consideration and received a response within the day. I forwarded the information to my husband who researched the show. Although we weren’t familiar with Abbott, much of the world was. The standout information from his research was that it had earned a lot of accolades in its first season. Additionally, two pretty well-known actresses starred in the show, Miss Sheryl Lee Ralph and Miss Lisa Ann Walter along with actor Tyler James Williams from Everybody Hates Chris.
Both boys were hired for background. The paperwork and preparation due to Covid was A LOT. To protect the cast, crew, and anyone else on set, many Covid regulations were put in to place such as Covid testing prior to and on the day of shooting, wearing a mask at all times except on set or when eating, and hand sanitizing CONSTANTLY. It was DIFFICULT to say the least.
Season 2 was a great experience for the boys. They got to work among famous actors and actresses on a show offering authentic black representation. This was important for us. My boys live in a predominantly white suburb, attending school where they are certainly the minority. As background actors for Abbott, they were the majority. They fit right in. Hair and makeup were well versed in how to handle black/mixed hair and skin. The story lines were authentic to the culture. This was nothing short of incredible for my boys.
They experienced Warner Brother’s studios as an employee and not a tourist. My oldest would wave to the tour trams full of visitors as they drove by. My youngest would take selfies in front of the fancy cars parked on the lot. They couldn’t believe that all the food from Kraft services was FREE! Production started putting limitations on what food and drinks the child actors could request. Sugary items could only be requested once the kids had wrapped for the day. Otherwise, the Director struggled in keeping the kids in line. Hot chocolate was banned after season 2. Kids kept spilling it on the Abbott Elementary uniform and wardrobe couldn’t get the stains out. Other adaptations were made as filming and seasons progressed. There were signs EVERYWHERE!
“No photos allowed.” (Note that all of the photos taken were from earlier seasons. I know better than to post about a current season. I kept my photos to myself up until now.)
“No social media!”
Parents needed constant reminders. “Guardians must remain with their child or children at all times, except when on set or in school.” You would think this would be a no-brainer. It was not. Parents were to remain in the parent holding tents and not wonder off. Some of these parents and guardians were wild. One mom even went to a different set, looking for a man. Smart because what better way to meet a good looking successful partner. Dumb because her daughter is no longer invited back. I’ve often thought if ever given the opportunity to sit down with Quinta, I’d pitch the idea of a TV show about the parents/guardians of actors and their behavior “behind the scenes.” You can’t make some of this stuff up!
My oldest eventually aged out. He was so sad. He had grown accustomed to to the early call time, security stop, check-in, wardrobe, hair and makeup, school, to and from set, lunch, krafty, wrapping for the day, wardrobe, check-out and that 2 hour drive home. He made enough money to buy his own gaming computer after weeks of research and saving his earnings. To this day, he is so proud of that purchase. My middle child went a different route with his first few paychecks, purchasing a mini fridge and a microwave for his room. The fridge is for sodas when his friends come over. The microwave is for his favorite snack, popcorn.
When my daughter came of age, she joined her older brother (my middle) on the show. This is now her third season of filming right along side her older brother. She has made so many friends. Madisyn appeared on her very first day. When I alerted the set teachers that my daughter would need help as she couldn’t yet read, Madisyn happily volunteered, “I will help her. I can read.” This is now their third season together and they continue to FaceTime and play Roblox with each other when not working together. The Abbott background actors family has become just that for us. A true family in every sense of the word. When my daughter struggles with a bad hair day, it’s the Abbott moms that show up, help out, and get my girl camera ready. I have learned not to anger hair and makeup by having my girl show up looking like a hot mess (shout out to Miss Charlotte! I’m so sorry! LOL). When I need to run one kid to school and the other just arrived for a break, it’s the Abbott moms that watch one or the other until my return. Abbott Elementary has become much more than a TV show for me and my family.
I am in awe of Quinta Brunson. She is unique, talented beyond compare, tiny, adorable, and has created something that will have an affect on so many young actors, their families, and the rest of the world, FOR LIFE. I wonder if she knows this. We see her from time to time on the lot. She never seems stressed. I can’t imagine how this is true. Due to her success, I would assume everyone wants a piece of her now. We are now in the middle of shooting season 5. There are rumors circulating that this will be the final season. There is no confirmation of this though. If there is truth to this, it would make sense. Quinta is becoming a SUPERSTAR. I can only imagine the opportunities being offered to her as her career skyrockets.
I honestly can’t imagine what our lives would be like once this ended. This unique and amazing experience doesn’t elude us. I remind my kids on the daily how lucky they are. When we exit the freeway headed toward the studio, we pass many street vendors selling flowers. We see them unloading their product on the side of the road every morning, bright and early. Some mornings, it is really cold. Other mornings, it’s raining and there is little if any shelter from the elements. I have never purchased a bouquet from them but I estimate each bundle to be around $8 or so. I think about what my kids get paid to do, what their “job” entails, and how it compares to the person trying to make a living selling flowers on the side of the road. I remind my kids how truly fortunate they are.
This is year four of my kids working on Abbott Elementary, while simultaneously attending school, and playing multiple sports. I am certain my kids have a greater understanding of work ethic, professionalism, and responsibility because of this. These lessons, these experiences, and these moments are absolutely priceless.
As I write this, one Abbott mom finds me to tell me that they are calling for the older kids to go to set (my boy is one of these kids). Meanwhile, a girl I’ve never met (background actress), asks me to find her mom to tell her she’s going to set and is not done with school yet. I find that mom, I tell her, and she’s grateful for the information. This is how we operate as the parents of these young actors and actresses who appear on Abbott Elementary. We’re a family, whether we’ve just met or have sat together in holding for the past few seasons.
Congratulations Abbott Elementary! Golden Globes, SAG, Emmys, and so many other awards! You did that! But even more, you’ve changed all of our lives for the better.
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