The Understudy is usually a person who is a member of the cast either in the chorus or a supporting role and performs 8 times a week but is also prepared to perform for another part (usually a bigger role but not necessarily the lead). It should be differentiated from a Standby. A standby is a person who covers only for the lead performer and is not a member of the cast and does not perform 8 times a week. In some shows where the score is more difficult they have a standby and an understudy as a back-up. Wicked is a good example. In order of heirarchy, if let's say the lead for Elphaba could not perform, the standby is called first to cover. If the standby is not available then the Elphaba understudy would go on.
Usually understudies and standbys are a very under appreciated group of people......remember my Slip of Doom posting a few months back? Well, some of the understudies before are the broadway stars and Tony winners of today. A list of which can be seen here.
And for those of you who would like to lessen the devastation of a slip of doom, BroadwayUnderstudy.com has a good listing of announced understudy performances for shows on Broadway. Check it out before you buy your ticket.
September 20, 2007
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Meaning no disrespect, but the last paragraph of your entry goes completely against the philosophy of BroadwayUnderstudies.com - the site is meant to be an under-the-radar resource for fans wanting to know the dates to be able to see an understudy, not a site warning tourists not to buy tickets for a certain day. They understand that they can't regulate how people use their site, but don't want it advertised in that way.
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