Understudy vs. Stand-by

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Understudy vs. Stand-by

Posted: 9/11/05 at 2:55am

I am trying to understand as many points of the Broadway stage as possible, including all terms for the actors, and i got stuck on this point. I'm trying to figure out the real difference between understudies and stand-bys, and what the purpose of both is.

I've caught on that understudies are part of the ensemble who have learned the lead role, and can fill-in in a pinch. Stand-bys are more confusing to me.

If you guys out there could clear this up for me, i would be very greatful.

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re: Understudy vs. Stand-by

Posted: 9/11/05 at 4:25am

Standbys do not regularly perform in the ensemble of a show. Understudies do.

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re: Understudy vs. Stand-by

Posted: 9/11/05 at 5:10am

So do stand bys still get paid the same? Do they just hang out at the show every night in case something happens to the lead?

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re: Understudy vs. Stand-by

Posted: 9/11/05 at 5:15am

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=58662

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=658371

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=846464

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re: Understudy vs. Stand-by

Posted: 9/11/05 at 8:36am

If you don't have time to read all the threads above -

A standby does NOT have to come to the theatrre every night. He has to be "on call" - within ten minutes of the theatre and available on cell phone up until show time.

re: Understudy vs. Stand-by

Posted: 9/11/05 at 1:23pm

i think i remember seeing an article a while back where Shoshana Bean from Wicked said that when she was a standby, she had to be within 5 blocks of the theatre i think it was. she said she would go see a show or something, but always was on call the entire performance. it really just depends on the negotiation.

about getting paid as a standby, i want to say that you do in fact get paid whether you go on or not. it's probably the equity minimum which is $1400 i think, and then they get extra if they actually go on...i think that's usually how it works.

brandon

re: Understudy vs. Stand-by

Posted: 9/11/05 at 1:33pm

Also, I believe someone said they are on call up until show time. They are actually on call throughout the entire show (hence January 8, 2004 and last week).

re: Understudy vs. Stand-by

Posted: 9/11/05 at 7:48pm

This question comes up all the time...

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re: Understudy vs. Stand-by

Posted: 9/11/05 at 7:57pm

It's really quite simple... an understudy waits under the stage to go on, and a stand-by waits in the wings.

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#10

re: Understudy vs. Stand-by

Posted: 9/11/05 at 9:52pm

Haha

#11

re: Understudy vs. Stand-by

Posted: 9/11/05 at 9:55pm

usually, there is only a standby where there is a big name in the show. but like other people said, it's negotiable.

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