What is an understudy in Theatre?

An understudy is an actor that’s cast in a production to cover a performer if they are unable to attend a performance, or to take over a role if a performer is unable to continue in the role. While an understudy may not take on their covered role regularly, they are vital to making sure ‘the show must go on’.

What is the meaning of an understudy?

: to study another actor’s part in order to substitute in an emergency. transitive verb. : to prepare (a part or character) as understudy also : to prepare as understudy to (an actor)

What is the difference between a swing and an understudy?

A swing is an off-stage performer responsible for covering any number of ensemble tracks, sometimes as many as 12 or more. An understudy is a performer cast in the ensemble of a musical (or a minor role in a play) who is responsible for covering a lead or supporting role.

Why is being an understudy valuable to an actor?

Monetary reward; the opportunity to work on terrific plays with other talented actors and other artists; the chance to forge a long term relationship with a director and producers; the chance, most of all, to practice one’s craft, if not every night on stage, then in rehearsals, and in one’s private working environment …

How much does an understudy get paid?

“Swing” actors, who understudy multiple ensemble tracks, earn $101.70 over the performer weekly minimum, Playbill says, or $15 if a performer is only a partial swing. Understudy principal roles can add $54.50 to a weekly salary, while understudy chorus roles can add $15.

Is it good to be an understudy?

I think there are so many pros. Understudies really do incredible work and you learn so much because you have so much to do. I was very lucky; the cast has of Beautiful Thing helped me so much learning the blocking and props and everything. That also teaches you about how important it is to work together as a team.

What is an example of an understudy?

The definition of an understudy is an actor who learns the role of another actor and who performs when that actor is unable. An example of an understudy is an actor who learns the star part in the play but who only gets to perform it when the real star can’t perform because he has a cold.

Do understudies get paid?

THEY GET PAID FOR EVERY TRACK THEY COVER … As a standby, you can cover, I believe, three roles, and the second that you cover more than that, you have to be paid an additional amount, per week, for each role that you cover.” Sometimes, moving from swing to understudy means taking a pay cut.

How can I be a good understudy?

Here are the tricks of the trade:

1. Be highly organized. Whether you’re a first-time swing or a veteran, being organized is key to your success.
2. Focus on one track at a time.
3. Get all perspectives.
4. Note the little things.
5. Bring yourself to the stage.
6. Go over at least one track once a week.

Who is the highest paid actor on Broadway?

Right now the highest-paid performer on Broadway is Richard Chamberlain, who is playing Captain von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music.” The actor, production sources say, pulls down about $50,000 a week. That figure is a combination of a guaranteed base salary, plus a percentage of the gross box-office receipts.

Who is the richest Broadway star?

Here’s some of the wealthiest stars to grace the Broadway stage….Million Dollar Curtain Calls: Broadway’s Wealthiest Stars

• 4 Lin-Manuel Miranda – $80 million.
• 3 Angela Lansbury – $70 million.
• 2 Bernadette Peters – $40 million.
• 1 Julia Andrews – $30 million.

What are the responsibilities of an understudy?

In theater, an understudy, referred to in opera as cover or covering, is a performer who learns the lines and blocking or choreography of a regular actor or actress in a play.

What does it mean to be an understudy in a play?

Understudy: Cast in a show for every performance, an understudy is typically in the ensemble of a production, who will take on the principal role when the lead actors are unavailable. When an understudy is covering a larger role, a swing will usually take the place of the ensemble member to cover them!

What’s the meaning of the word’understudied’?

noun stand-in, reserve, substitute, double, sub, replacement, fill-in He was an understudy to Charlie Chaplin on a tour of the USA. to study (a part in a play, opera etc) so as to be able to take the place of (another actor, singer etc ). a person who understudies. He was ill, so his understudy had to take the part.

What is the role of an understudy in an opera?

(October 2013) In theater, an understudy, referred to in opera as cover or covering, is a performer who learns the lines and blocking or choreography of a regular actor or actress in a play. Should the regular actor or actress be unable to appear on stage because of illness, injury, emergencies or death, the understudy takes over the part.

What’s the difference between an understudy and a performer?

n., pl. -stud•ies, n. 1. a performer who learns the role of another in order to serve as a replacement if necessary. 2. to learn (a role) in order to replace the regular performer when necessary. 3. to act as understudy to (a performer): to understudy the lead. 4. to act or work as an understudy.