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 supporting or lead role(s) that the assigned person is unable to perform.  There should be no expectation of being able to perform in that role.  Understudies are there to save the show in case someone is absent.

Responsibilities:

Priority is to learn the role(s) you were cast as first, other than understudy.

When not in your own rehearsals, observe rehearsals for the character(s) you are understudying.

Fill in for the role you are understudying if that castmate is sick or absent, at rehearsals and/or shows.  Take notes on blocking, dancing and/or singing while castmate is absent and teach that information to your castmate at a subsequent rehearsal.

Memorize blocking, dancing, singing and be show ready for the role(s) you are understudying.

If you are willing to be an understudy, please indicate that on your audition form.  The artistic team does not look at who agrees to be understudy until after casting is done.

Understudies will be posted with the cast list, along with the one specific role they are assigned to understudy.

Please know that accepting the role of understudy adds a significant amount of rehearsal time that you will be called to, in addition to a lot of effort that will go into memorizing lines/songs/blocking and dance.  Only check the box if you are willing to accept the added responsibility, knowing that you may not be needed to step in for a performance.