When there are two understudies for a role, who decides which one goes on?

This is something I've always wondered...

When a role has multiple understudies, where there is no standby, and neither understudy is designated as a first or second cover, who makes the decision which one goes on? Is it the stage manager? Like, for example, a show like Legally Blonde, where most of the roles have two covers (not including Elle, where Becky Gulsvig is very clearly the first cover), who makes the decision which of them goes on?

I'm not sure who, probably the stage manager. They put on whoever is most prepared.

"I DO."

What a fantastic, helpful answer.

well usually it seems they try both early on and stick with the stronger/ more appropriate of the two.

---

Hmm...maybe the producers or the assistant director. I don't think the stage manager usually makes that call.

They probably arm wrestle for it.

I have no idea, but you'd think it'd be decided in the two actors' contracts, if not explicitly stated in the program, who would go on under which circumstances. I don't see why it would be the stage manager's decision.

---

Maybe because on Broadway, the stage managers are basically the main person in charge?

On Broadway it would have to be the stage manager. This is because unlike the assistant director or the producer. The stage Manager is there every performance.


Usually someone is considered the first cover and someone is considered the second cover even though it might not be in the playbill. For example, in Poppins Catherine Walker is the first cover for Ashley Brown and Megan (blanking on the last name here) is the second cover. If Walker can't go on for whatever reason the Megan goes on. But, I have seen that during Brown's recent vacations they seem to split the role evenly between the two.

So, in the case of most shows there is a first and second cover. It isn't in the playbill but it is there. The first one usually has more time to practice the role then the second cover but both can go on.

---

something i've always wondered.... do understudies get paid extra if they go on (or if they go on for a week during someone's vacation?)

secondly... can someone refuse to be an understudy? Is that looked down upon? i know that i couldn't be an understudy (or a cover for that matter).... i couldn't handle the pressure and plus i don't have the stamina or mental power to handle all roles... i need to focus on one thing at at time.. i'd be perfectly content being an ensemble...

Inside sources tell me it is decided by a coin toss.

---

I think someone could refuse to be an understudy. But, keep in mind that some small lead roles are techncally that small part plus the understudy to a lead. For example, in Legally Blonde whoever is playing Margot is also an understudy for Elle. When casting they try to find someone who can do both.

And, just like in Mamma Mia it is not uncommon for shows to alternate between the two performers. There is usally a first cover and a second cover and the rotation starts with the first cover and goes on from there.

---

Generally, the stage manager makes the decision. The director and producer will decide which actor will be the first cover and which will be the second cover. As was pointed out, even when there are two understudies one of them is usually designated as the first cover. Also, it depends on the preparation of the understudies as well. Some understudies need more prep work and therefore they generally go on more frequently because so much rehearsal time was invested on them. They almost always alternate.

TooDarnHot, thanks for the interesting story.

I believe understudies do get paid more when they go on. All actors that understudy roles get an extra $33 a week per role they understudy.