Renee Salyers "The Chosen" Experience

By Anne Readett

The wildly popular series The Chosen has drawn millions of viewers to the historical drama based on the life of Jesus Christ, seen through the eyes of those who knew him. St. Martha parishioner Renee Salyers is among its legions of fans. 

Not only is she a super fan – she and her daughter Ashley have already watched all of season four in the theater in three, three-hour showings - she travelled last year to Utah to appear as an extra for season five.

“Unpacking the experience mentally is going to take a lot longer than unpacking my clothes,” she joked. “I want to hang on to everything as long as I can.”

Renee and her college suite mate were considering a trip to the Holy Land to mark milestone birthdays in 2024, but as tensions in the area escalated, that was no longer a practical option. 

Perhaps it was divine providence or the Holy Spirit that prompted Renee to read an email from The Chosen with information about entering a lottery to be selected as a series extra. She reached out to her friend, they entered the lottery, and were among the hundreds selected to take part. She calls their trip the Holy Land … in Utah.

Cast extras must cover their own expenses for travel, lodging, and costumes. Past episodes of The Chosen provided her costume inspiration. She was able to borrow a tunic from a Passion play that served as a base layer. There was an unlikely find in Meijer, she where she spotted a gauzy tunic in the swimsuit section that was perfect to wear over the base.

She had a scarf a friend had given her from a trip to Iran that served as her head cover; another friend helped put together a suitable 1st century purse. 

Then, in mid-April, Renee travelled from Michigan and her friend from Hawaii to meet in Goshen, Utah, for two days of filming in the foothills of the mountains. The days were long – 10 to 12 hours – but exhilarating as well. The first day, it was drizzly and cold. The second day was warm and sunny.

While on set she met people from across the globe, including Switzerland and Australia. One person drove an RV from Alabama, stopping in Ohio for the eclipse, then traveling on to Utah.

“Everyone was so gracious. It just lifts you right up,” she remarked. “I would do it again!”

Although there were hundreds of extras to direct, Renee marveled at the organization. This included plenty of sunscreen and water to keep people hydrated and food and snacks to keep them well fed. Cast extras even had an opportunity to rub elbows with the show’s stars during a joint lunch on the second day.

Renee was careful not to intrude but did get a few pictures of the cast during the memorable lunch break.

Now that she’s back, Renee has been sharing her stories, especially as she visits with parishioners who are in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and homebound.