Understudy Policy

For the purposes of this policy, a “swing” refers to an actor who is cast in a particular production and also learns the role of another cast member (for example, a swing might be a member of the chorus in a musical who also learns one or more lead characters so that they can step into those roles if needed). Any actor who is cast in a production may also be assigned to serve as a swing, and by accepting a role, actors accept any related swing responsibilities.

An “understudy” refers to an actor who is not cast in a role, but rather learns one or more roles so that they can perform in the event an actor in the cast is unable to do so. The Artistic Director, in consultation with the director / choreographer of each production, shall determine if understudies are practicable for each production. When understudies will be employed, the Artistic Director, in consultation with the director / choreographer of the production, will determine the number of understudies required for that particular production based on the scope and nature of the roles. Students will typically understudy multiple roles so that every role is covered by a swing or understudy. Understudies will only perform if a cast member becomes ill or is otherwise unable to be present for any given performance.

Students will be considered for all roles and cast lists will be finalized before students are considered for understudy positions. No student will be asked to understudy in place of being cast, unless the student expressly states that they wish to be considered primarily for an understudy position. Audition forms will include a question asking if students wish to be considered as understudies if they are not otherwise cast. As noted above, however, directors / choreographers always have the option to assign a student cast in one role to serve as a swing for other roles in the same production.

Directors / choreographers will meaningfully incorporate understudies throughout the rehearsal process as full members of the company. Directors / choreographers may choose to hold specific understudy rehearsals and / or may ask understudies to play various roles during standard rehearsals.

Understudies should memorize all roles assigned to the best of their ability, but are not required to fully memorize each role and may perform book-in-hand. Understudies will enroll for THE 200 or THE 271 credit.

The costume shop will not provide costumes for understudies. If an understudy performs, they will do so wearing all black (or other readily available garments appropriate to the production). Understudies are not required to personally purchase costume pieces.