Sentence:  Though little is known about Noble Luke Usher before his first recorded performance in Washingon, D.C., in 1800, it is certain that he made the rounds of the eastern theatres as a <WSD>supernumerary</WSD> before as well as after that year. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  An extra or walk-on, often non-speaking, in a film or play; a spear carrier.