I want to be a movie star, or an extra in ‘Transformers 2’

Having grown up in Tucson, I’ve had many shots at Hollywood stardom.

As an aspiring young actor, I always thought “we’ve got Old Tucson Studios, which is on par with Universal Studios, right?”

Then, I found out that Santa Claus wasn’t real and my star on the Walk of Fame might not be so easy to attain. So you can imagine my extraordinary delight when it was announced “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” was casting for extras at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson.

Yippee, a star can still be born!

So many films have shot scenes with our saguaros in the backdrop. The “Three Amigos” were once in town on “The Cannonball Run,” though it was no “Easy Rider.” And who can ever get through “Revenge of the Nerds” or “Major League” without making note of the UA or Hi Corbett Field in the background?

Now, Old Pueblo aficionados will be able to point out TIA behind the likes of Optimus Prime and company.

There’s this feeling of utter excitement and sheer dread that comes over you when approaching an audition. Especially when you turn the corner and see hundreds of wannabe thespians wanting the same thing you do.

The casting call said “come dressed as an airport traveler,” so people of all ages carrying backpacks, suitcases and magazines peppered the foyer while waiting for their taste of tinsel town.

Tucsonans Chris and Veronica Branson and their toddler daughter Lisa were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed waiting in the line that seemed to never end.

“We’re huge Transformers fans,” Veronica said. “I found out about this at midnight. I woke Chris up and said ‘We’ve got to be there. It’s a part of history!’”

Chris couldn’t agree with his wife more.

“My son is the biggest ‘Transformers’ fan — he watches the first movie two times a day — how cool would it be if he could fast-forward to the part we’re in?”

On the other side of “Wait Town” stood a man playing a guitar. Jim McDonald, 49, of Tucson, came out because it’s been 30 years since his last stint on the silver screen (though his scene ultimately got cut) in the James Caan flick “Another Man, Another Chance.”

“I had nothing to do today, and being an extra is fun and interesting, so I thought I’d try my hand at it again,” McDonald said, as he strummed a tune and walked along.

If only all lines came equipped with guitar-playing gentleman — McDonald’s tunes were like an Alka-Seltzer for my upset psyche.

Others hoping to gain access to the coveted Michael Bay set had ulterior motives. University of Arizona student Amanda Tennyson, 18, wants to meet a certain heartthrob. “I heard about this last night and had to come out — I have such a crush on Shia LaBeouf,” Tennyson said as her girlfriends giggled.

After talking to my competition, I stood in line for 90 minutes, all the while reminiscing about my Hollywood misses and hit.

In the early ’90s, my brother and I cried our eyes out hoping to gain a background role in “Tombstone.” Suffice it to say you won’t see any Mackeys in the one of the greatest films ever made.

I went on to be rejected from “The Quick and the Dead,” “Tin Cup” and “The Postman” (darn Costner!), but there was one bright spot along the way.

My big break came when my dad was asked to provide the bottled water for a Sara Gilbert (Darlene from “Roseanne”) pic called “Phony Perfector.” He gave them the H2O and we got to be extras.

I’ll never forget visiting wardrobe, hair and makeup, or getting to eat from that coveted craft services table. If I could only do it again.

Once I finally reached the seemed-like-a-mirage-at-times audition room, DreamWorks casting agent Maryellen Aviano said they were looking for anywhere from “80 to 180” extras because “the director could change his mind at anytime.”

As Aviano explained, the shoot will take place Oct. 6 and pay $8 an hour. I kept trying to catch her eye in hopes of being discovered on the spot (as I have at every audition I’ve ever been to — including “The Price is Right”).

She must not have noticed me as she proceeded to hand everyone in the room a measurements form and numbered note card. I never give up, though.

While standing in front of the camera to take a quick casting picture, I continued to silently shout “pick me, pick No. 211.” I’d be perfect as Megan Fox’s sister.

As I write this, I am waiting for my phone to ring. The person on the other end will tell me they want me to come in and read for a speaking part. Wait, that’s in my wildest dreams.

If I do get the call to be an extra on the set of T2, I will come running. Running for opportunity, for Shia and for the very best food craft services has to offer.

Adrienne Mackey is a freelance writer for the Green Valley News.