Understudy

For other uses, seeUnderstudy (disambiguation).

Intheatre,anunderstudy,referred to inoperaascoverorcovering,is a performer who learns the lines andblockingor choreography of a regular actor, actress, or other performer in aplay.Should the regular actor or actress be unable to appear on stage, the understudy takes over the part. Usually when the understudy takes over, the theater manager announces the cast change prior to the start of the performance. Coined in 1874,the termunderstudyhas more recently generally been applied only to performers who can back up a role, but still regularly perform in another role.

Similar tasks

Performers who are only committed to covering a part and do not regularly appear in the show are often referred to asstandbysandalternates.Standbys are normally required to sign in and remain at the theater the same as other cast members, although sometimes they may call in, until they are released by theproduction stage manager.If there is no doubt about the health of the actor being covered, or there are no hazardous stunts to perform, a standby may be released at the first intermission, if not before. At times, standbys are required to stay within a certain area around the theater (10 blocks in New York City is a common standard). Today, the standbys must also have a cell phone so that at any time they can be called to the theater.

Alternates, like standbys, do not have a regular role in the production, but they are scheduled to perform a physically and vocally challenging role for a certain number of performances each week. They commonly go on for matinee performances. Examples of this include the starring roles inEvita,Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,Dear Evan Hansen,Les Misérables,Jekyll & Hyde,andThe Phantom of the Opera.

Inmusical theater,the termswingis often used for a member of the company who understudies severalchorusand/or dancing roles.If an understudy fills in for a lead role, a swing acts the parts normally performed by the understudy. Asuper swingoruniversal swingis a swing who commutes around the country as needed to act in various productions of a widespread show.

In contrast, apromptcues an actor while not personally being on the stage or in the spotlight.

Multiple understudies

In some instances, multiple understudies are assigned to cover the same role and ranked by priority. If the principal actor is unable to perform, the role devolves to the highest-priority understudy who is available.

Notable examples

Several actors made their names in show business as understudies who took over leading actors’ roles for several performances. Examples includeAnthony HopkinsforLaurence Olivier,when Olivier became ill with cancer during the run of the National Theater'sThe Dance of Death,1967;Ted NeeleyandCarl AndersonforJeff FenholtandBen Vereenrespectively during the 1971Broadwayrun ofJesus Christ Superstarwhen Neeley and Anderson were asked to star in the1973 film versionand subsequent tours; andEdward BennettforDavid TennantasHamletin theRSC's2008 production.Kerry Elliswas called to perform as Eliza Doolittle inMy Fair LadywhenMartine McCutcheontook ill. In the audience that day wasBrian May,who was then writing his musicalWe Will Rock You,and he was so impressed with Ellis's performance he immediately wanted to cast her as Meat, a lead in the show.

In 1974, baritoneThomas Allenfell ill during a performance atThe Promsof Carl Orff'sCarmina Burana.His understudy was unable to take over – he was a medical doctor, and was attending to Allen.Patrick McCarthy,then unknown, stepped out of the audience, went backstage, and offered his services as a professional singer who knew the part. He received a standing ovation.

In 1978,Madeline Kahndeparted theBroadway musicalOn the Twentieth Centurynine weeks into its run.The New York Timesreported that "she said she was withdrawing because of damage to her vocal cords."She was replaced by understudyJudy Kaye,who had been playing a small role, and the critics were invited to return. According toThe New York Times,"bang, boom, overnight [Kaye] is a star."They praised her performance, Kaye won aTheatre World Award,and her theatrical career took off. She later starred in the US tour oppositeRock Hudson.

In 2002 (and also in 2003, 2005 and 2006),Sam Moranhad filled in forGreg Pagein the children's entertainment singing groupthe Wigglesduring their concerts more than 150 times before stepping up as part of the official lineup in November 2006.

WhenCarol Haneybroke her ankle while playing the role of Gladys inThe Pajama Game,Shirley MacLaineassumed the role.

Arthur Stanley Jefferson, also known asStan Laurel,was an understudy ofCharlie Chaplinworking forFred Karno,amusic hallimpresario, before Laurel and Chaplin entered American film.

Roberto Alagnaopened the 2006–07 season at La Scala on 7 December 2006 in the new production ofAidabyFranco Zeffirelli.During the second performance on 10 December, Alagna, whose opening performance was considered ill-at-ease, was booed and whistled from theloggione(the least expensive seats at the very top of La Scala), and he walked off the stage.The role of Radames was taken over successfully for the rest of the performance by his understudyAntonello Palombi,who entered on stage wearing jeans and a black shirt.

During the25th-anniversary performanceof theAndrew Lloyd WebbermusicalThe Phantom of the Opera,the titular character and Christine are played by understudies Simon Shorten andKatie Hallwhen they walk on a lowering walkway during the title song. In the film release of the performance, footage of the principal actors (in full costume) singing the song on the walkway was filmed in one rehearsal and added in the final cut.