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Question: What is a standby in a theatrical production!?
I just saw Wicked and there is a woman listed as a standby for the character Elphaba!. I know this is different from an understudy as there are understudies listed for the same character!.

I can't find the answer for this online so please help!. I'm really curious!Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
understudy is a person already in the cast who has a smaller part and simply moves up to the larger role if they are needed (these understudies also have understudies for their regular roles so everyone kind of switches and moves up)!. a standby is USUALLY someone who is just hired to cover the lead roles but are not in the cast the other nights; just on "standby"!. it is also a difference in contract!.

if the lead is ill you might see either the standby OR the understudy fill in!. but the standby for a demanding role might be backstage in costume and makeup during the show, just in case the actor got ill or injured suddenly during the course of the show or right before it starts!. that would obviously mean not enough time for understudies to switch costumes and change things around!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Standby is the very first person who is the replacement when the regular actor is unable to perform!.

So, let's say you saw the Los Angeles production (just because I have no idea which one you saw and that's the entire cast I know off the top of my head) the regular Elphaba is Teal Wicks, and her standby is Marcie Dodd!. If Teal wasn't there, Marcie would be the first person to fill in!. Then after that you have the various understudies!.

Most understudies are also members of the ensemble or swings!. Swings have multiple small roles and also understudy the more major parts and have very short notice the day of each show to know which part they need to play!.Www@QuestionHome@Com