In theater, an
understudy is a performer who learns the lines and blocking/choreography of a leading actor or actress in a play. Should the lead actor or actress be unable to appear on stage because of illness or emergencies, the understudy takes over the part. Usually, when the understudy takes over, the theater manager will make the announcement prior to the start of the performance. According to broadwayworld.com "A standby is not in the show and has first priority when the lead is sick. The understudy is usually an ensemble member who performs if the standby is sick or on vacation."
In the
operaOpera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score. Opera is part of the Western classical music tradition. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery and costumes and sometimes includes dance...
world, the term used is
cover or
covering.
More recently, the term "understudy" has generally only been applied to performers who will cover a part, but still regularly perform in another role within the show; usually a minor,
extraAn extra, also called a background actor, is a performer in a film, television show, stage, musical, opera or ballet production, who appears in a nonspeaking, nonsinging or nondancing capacity, usually in the background...
role.
Similar tasks
Performers who are only committed to covering a part and do not regularly appear in the show are often referred to as
standbys. 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 the
Production Stage ManagerStage management is a sub-discipline of stagecraft.Although a somewhat fluid line of work, in essence the stage management team is responsible for organizing the production, communicating across different disciplines Stage management is a sub-discipline of stagecraft.Although a somewhat fluid line...
. If there is no doubt about the health of the actor being "covered," or there are no hazardous stunts to be performed, 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). The standby must also have a cell phone so that at any time they can be called to the theater.
The term is also regularly applied in association football, most often to describe a second choice
goalkeeperIn many team sports, a goalkeeper is a designated player that is charged with directly preventing the opposite team from scoring by defending the goal...
whose appearances are limited to when the regular first choice player is absent through injury or suspension. A notable example is
Chris WoodsChristopher 'Chris' Charles Eric Woods is a former England football goalkeeper. He now works as a goalkeeping coach at Everton....
as long term understudy to
Peter ShiltonPeter Leslie Shilton, OBE is a former football goalkeeper who holds the record for playing more games than any other player...
for the
England national football teamThe English national football team represents England in international association football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football in England...
.
In musical theater, the term
swing is often used to refer to a member of the company who understudies several chorus and/or dancing roles. If an understudy fills in for a lead role, a swinger will act the parts normally performed by the understudy. A
super swing is a swing who may commute around the country as needed to act in various productions of a widespread show.
In contrast, a
promptThe prompt in a theatre is traditionally the person who prompts or cues an actor when they forget their next line or neglect to move on the stage to where they are supposed to be situated....
cues an actor while not personally being on the stage or in the spotlight.
Multiple understudies
In some instances, a lead role will be covered by multiple understudies. The second understudy will only perform if the both the principle actor and the first understudy are both unable to perform.
Notable examples
Several actors made their name in show business by being the understudy of a leading actor and taking the role over for several performances: including Anthony Hopkins with
Laurence OlivierLaurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier, OM was an English actor, director, and producer. He was one of the most famous and revered actors of the 20th century, along with his contemporaries John Gielgud, Peggy Ashcroft, Alec Guinness and Ralph Richardson...
, when Olivier became ill with cancer during the run of the National Theater's
The Dance of Death, 1967; and
Ted NeeleyTed Neeley is a rock and roll drummer, singer, actor, composer, and record producer. He is probably best known for performing the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar in 1973.-Early career:...
with
Jeff FenholtJeffrey Craig Fenholt is a singer noted for his performance as the title character in the Broadway theatre adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar. In later years, he would gain notoriety as a born-again Christian evangelist and singer, as well as controversy over his claimed involvement with the...
during the 1971 Broadway run of
Jesus Christ SuperstarJesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera that became a musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. It highlights the political and interpersonal struggles of Judas Iscariot and Jesus. The rock opera is based on St John's Gospel account of the last week of Jesus' life, beginning with the preparation...
.