2006-07-15 02:33:31 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
The person above me almost has it right.
Understudies are people in the ensemble who learn the princple roles. They are used when a lead gets sick or can't do the show. So they learn their part, as well as another character (or a bunch of characters)
Stand-Bys are people whose sole job is to be a principle character in case the actor can not do the show. They usually come to the theatre and leave when the show gets underway. They do not perform in the show unless it's the role they are covering.
Also, stand-bys usually become the next princples when the actor leaves the show. Take for example Wicked... The promotion goes from Understudy, to Stand-by, to Principle for characters like Glinda and Elphaba.
Swings are a mix of both. Think of them as understudies to the Ensemble. Usually swings learn the parts for all the characters in their vocal range.
2006-07-15 09:49:11 · answer #1 · answered by ballerina_kim 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
an understudy knows the role and can replace an actor
actress in case of problems. The understudy also often has had rehearsal time with the company in the part.
a standby is more immediate. Its when an understudy has been told to get ready to go onstage.
this happens when a known problem is likely to occur just prior or during the performance.
for example if a well known actor is feeling unwell but still wants to go onstage.
the producer will put the Understudy on standby
(the understudy will be in costume in the wings)
Just in case the Actor is unable to continue with the performance.
2006-07-15 05:49:35 · answer #2 · answered by Syberian 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can mean the same thing. An understudy learns one or more roles in a play to be available when actors are unable to perform for a number of reasons. They are often given a few less important performances such as matinees as part of their contract. A standby is anyone immediately ready to go on for another performer. The term standby is more often used for musicians and dancers.
2006-07-15 02:52:30 · answer #3 · answered by DramaGuy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Judging by Wikipedia, the difference in modern usage is that the understudy has a regular (but probably minor) part as well.
2006-07-15 02:40:35 · answer #4 · answered by peri_renna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Standby is a term for someone who performs sexual favors.
2006-07-15 04:29:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.castingsociety.com/actors/terminology.
2006-07-15 15:42:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋