Is being the understudy important?

Question: Is being the understudy important!?

So I was casted as the understudy in the one-act play Daughters, is being the understudy an important thing!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Yes, but it's also very difficult to overcome and conquer any feelings of jealousy toward the main person who got the part!. By learning your lines and blocking well, you ensure that "the show will go on" if the main actress is unable to perform -- or quits!.

It also gives you a special perspective on perhaps THE central task of any actor: namely, to create and "bring to life" a character from printed words to live performance!.

There will be differences between how you and the main person meet this challenge!. Observe them, study them and learn from them!. That will improve the chances that next time YOU are the lead and someone else is the understudy!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I agree with the other person!.
Being the understudy is extremely important!.
Make sure you know all of the lines in case something does happen to the main actor!.
also it's great because you don't have extreme pressure on you, unless something happens to the actor, but at the same time you get to learn all about the play!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Uhh YEA!! if the leading person happens to get sick you get the chance to play her role!. Don't freak out over it though!. I mean being an understudy is great because if the lead is sick you look like the hero because you filled in and saved the show!!Www@QuestionHome@Com

You are the fall back option, so definitely!.

also, if you're good and the lead knows it, you'll make them perform better!. Nothing better than a bit of pressure from your colleaguesWww@QuestionHome@Com