Stand-By vs. Understudy?

[Roxie]

Posted: 8/17/04 at 10:42pm

This may be a really blatantly obvious question but I'm not too proud to ask. What is the difference?

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 8/17/04 at 10:44pm

If I'm correct, a stand-by is someone hired for the sole purpose of studying one role (usually the lead) in case the original actor cannot perform. An understudy is someone who's learned usually more than one role and otherwise is part of the ensemble whenever the original actor is performing.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 8/17/04 at 10:46pm

an understudy is in the show everynight ususally in the chorus or ensemble (unless sick or ect, which then that part is covered by a swing) and is paid to know the person they are covering's part. A standby on the other hand is a person who DOES NOT have a part in the ensemble like an understudy. This person stays backstage unless the person they are covering cannot continue with the performance. I hope this answers your question

[ponine24601]

Posted: 8/17/04 at 10:47pm

yup that's basically it. the stand-by studies a lead role and is there every day, ready to perform if the original cast member cannot. an understudy has a small role in the show itself.

[Roxie]

Posted: 8/17/04 at 10:50pm

Thanks you guys so much. Answered my question perfectly. Thanks for not laughing lol.

[ponine24601]

Posted: 8/17/04 at 10:51pm

no problem. what's there to laugh about?

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 8/17/04 at 10:54pm

On occasion with extremely strenuous roles (Christine in POTO; the lead in Jekyll & Hyde) or extremely underqualified stars (Mel B in Rent) the standby will perform 2 of the 8 weekly performances as well, usually the matinees.

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 8/17/04 at 10:58pm

Which begs the question: Is Christine Daae really *that* strenuous of a role? Or Aida, for that matter? Real superstars don't need stand-bys to routinely perform several times a week.

As for Mel B, I think that's more a blessing for the audience. (Karmine Alers should not be missed.)

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 8/17/04 at 11:06pm

If the Phantom doesn't need one I don't think Christine should get a matinee alternate either. Sure she's in almost every scene but it's not like she has to move around that much. I guess one could argue that it's vocally tiring but isn't that the reason they get operatically trained professionals to play the role? Ideally no role should require 2 actors to split the week, but if there is one, it's Jekyll/Hyde. Whether you like the show or not, that role is physically demanding.

[ponine24601]

Posted: 8/17/04 at 11:15pm

christine already has an alternate on broadway.

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 8/17/04 at 11:25pm

Exactly. It's unnecessary.

[kitkatgirl54]

Posted: 8/18/04 at 10:07am

so, does that mean if the lead called out, the stand-by would be the first to take over the part? would the understudy even go on as the lead role that often, then? it seems like if there is someone just sitting there doing nothing, the understudy would rarely be needed for a lead role. also, how much does a stand-by get paid to just sit backstage and not go on?

[ChiChi]

Posted: 8/18/04 at 10:13am

Now, may I ask what is probably a stupid question? Who is Mel B?

[kitkatgirl54]

Posted: 8/18/04 at 10:15am

the spice girl currently starring in rent.

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 8/18/04 at 2:44pm

Doesn't Carlotta have a more vocally challenging part than Christine? It seems like she hits a lot of really high notes, while Christine usually fakes the high ones.

[JMVR]

Posted: 8/18/04 at 3:21pm

Pardon my ingorance. 1 What does it mean that Christine "fakes" the high notes? Are they prerecorded or is the work done by the sound equipment??

Also, they do look for opera-trained singers for the role but then again, opera singers are not trained to perform every night. It is very rare (as far as I know) to see a singer perform an opera on successive evenings precisely because they are trained to strain the voice but then get a lot of vocal rest between shows. And they NEVER perform twice in one day.

I don't know that Evita is in the same league with Christine as far as vocal demands, as she screams a lot and doesn't have those high notes, but still they let Patti be off one or two shows a week, didn't they?

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 8/18/04 at 3:24pm

From what I heard, the highest note at the end of the title song is sometimes pre-recorded. And, yes, I think Lupone had an alternate.