I love your education of the understudy's job as not to be your creative artist self but to essentially mimic the actor cast in the role. I think the idea of reframing the job in your head is such helpful, proactive advice and I'm gonna remember it.
Thank you so much! for the note about not taking artistic liberties as an understudy! I never knew this. I was thinking the audiences would just get two different versions, but that's a great point, to keep it as close as possible to what the principal and director have agreed upon.
At the theater that I frequently attend, they just put up a simple sign at the entrance listing if there are any understudies today. It's an EASY sign to miss and I'm sure most audience members did not see it. There are no announcements or inserts. I always think about how most of the audience probably thinks that they are seeing the principal performer and had no idea the entire time that the person they were reading about in the playbill was not who they actually saw.
Ohh I love the mindset of it being a class. ☺This is my first time studying a principal character, and I really am fortunate that I get to do it in this class-like setting. and maybe I'll get the opportunity to perform one night, but really it is a great opportunity to be surrounded by great actors and learn from my director during rehearsals.
I love seeing covers in roles! I saw the UK Tour of We Will Rock You and we were told Scaramouche would be the cover, she was fabulous! I checked Twitter after, and it turned out that was her debut in the role. I was so grateful to see it!
Many years ago , I went to see the Australian production of the Phantom of the Opera in Sydney . The show stared Anthony Warlow as the Phantom , But on this particular day he was unable to perform… And his understudy was announced before the show . I remember feeling really incredibly disappointed as I really wanted to see Anthony perform . However, the understudy actually did a fantastic job and I enjoyed the show and forgot about it .
I’m understudying for Cinderella and I am a very dramatic singer who makes choices. Should I try to make the same choices as the principle or make it my own version or somewhere in the middle ? Thank you!
As you both always remind us "wannabes," theater is hard work. Great instruction to treat these roles as continuing masterclasses. BTW, just re-watched "Too Darn Hot," (for the umpteenth time.) WHERE IS THE TONY FOR BEST ENSEMBLE?!?
I saw the Temptations musical and I know David Ruffin and Otis characters have a standby that knows both of those roles since they main characters in the show
I know I am pretty late from when you posted this video, and I’m not sure if you will be responding anymore, but I am school student and my drama club is putting on Blue Horses and I’m the youngest one cast. The Drama teacher gave me a part as an understudy, and I am very grateful, but I’m not sure how I’m supposed to be ready for any part at any time lol (I am the only understudy because there where nit enough people auditioning). (This is before finishing the video) I am so glad you made a video help on this very subject.
A “swing” will most likely go on for you to cover your role. Or an off stage understudy/cover. It depends on your production and their budget on whether they have enough actors to cover all roles. Sometimes the part will not be replaced for that show! Thank you so much for watching!
Oh yes, they have a hard job, and its impressive that they know all those different tracks and keep on top of it, and they never get enough credit. But I can also see it as an ordinance member, thay they don't get thr people on the poster, marketing, pictures... and its someone else. But I honestly don't really mind it, infact I woud chear them on. And you might even get that they give it everything they got, now that they are on the spotlight. Like if an understudy Elfaba is on at wicked, she might put more power and feeling into Defying gravity.
It truly depends on the production and the type of contract the understudy has. It also depends on union and non-union work. Different variations include: 1. Understudy is only at the performance when they are called to perform, but they are required to see the show a certain number of times (like once a week). 2. The understudy is also in the show and performs alongside the role they understudy and when they "go on" they receive compensation (that compensation varies depending on the contract). 3. The understudy is at the theatre for every performance whether they are called on or not and then they are paid a little extra for performing when applicable. These are the variations I have seen/or experienced, however it truly depends on the production and the type of contract. For example on my nation tour contract the swing or understudy would be required to be in the building at every performance. Hope this helps!
