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Question: What is an understudy in a play!?
im going to be in a play and my friend is the understudy to somebody!. what does that mean!?Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
An understudy is an actor that learns the role and is ready to 'stand in' for another actor in case they are sick or unable to perform for some reason!.

Sometimes, an understudy prepares several small roles, and is ready to stand in for any one of a number of minor characters!. They often have a small role (which does not conflict with their understudied roles) themselves!.

In other cases, an understudy will just prepare to stand in for one of the major characters, and may even play the part regularly for extra performances, matinees, etc!.

Best wishes :-)Www@QuestionHome@Com

The "insurance!." If anything happens to the cast member that he is the understudy for, like say he was hurt and couldn't perform, then your friend would be the replacement!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It means that for that role, you are the one who stands in for the main actor whe he/she is unavailable!. So you have to learn the same role, but will probably play in it as many times as the main actor!.Www@QuestionHome@Com