Why Standbys?- Page 4

[snowskittle]

Posted: 7/31/09 at 9:09am

Just because there are occasional exceptions doesn't mean that the general trend is inaccurate. There are always exceptions, but going from principal to standby or standby to understudy isn't the general pattern. When it happens, it may be because of moving to a more prestigious location (ie tour to Broadway, for instance). But if there's no such reason, it's kind of a downgrade and yes, I'd think it would be hurtful.

Still, I'd suspect the general trend is upward rather than downward....or remaining as a standby or understudy when there have been cast changes for the principals but you got passed over. This must be pretty hurtful too, but at least you've still got a job.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/31/09 at 2:36pm

Some people actually view is a compliment. And understudy / stand-by must be much more reliable and 'on point' than any lead.. particularly if they have to know multiple roles. Every day, that lead wakes up and knows that at 8pm, they have to be ready to play the lead in a Broadway show, and their day is geared to that. As an understudy, you wake up with the frame of mind that you have to do your ensemble track, and 10 minutes before the show, all of a sudden, you have to be prepped and ready to play that starring role.

[broadwayomgomg]

Posted: 7/31/09 at 3:49pm

"Several actors through the years have shared stories about understudying a role and how whether or not they could fit into the existing pricipal's costumes determined their hiring."

In TOS I believe Heidi talked about how she didn't get the role in MAMMA MIA! b/c the other girl auditioning fit into the existing costume better.

[viola13]

Posted: 7/31/09 at 4:27pm

I believe Karmine Alers asked to be a swing and u/s Mimi and Maureen after her full-term Mimi contract was up because of injuries and so she didn't have to do 8 shows a week anymore. And yeah, she totally doesn't look like she's 16 (or 19 for that matter), but she's still a fantastic Mimi, her Out Tonight is amazing.