Editing Understudy (section)

{{Short description|Stage performer who learns the lines and blocking or choreography of a regular actor}}
{{other}}
{{One source|section|date=October 2013}}
In [[theatre]], an '''understudy''', referred to in [[opera]] as '''cover''' or '''covering''', is a performer who learns the lines and [[blocking (stage)|blocking]] or choreography of a regular actor, actress, or other performer in a [[play (theater)|play]]. Should the regular actor or actress be unable to appear on stage, the understudy takes over the part. Usually when the understudy takes over, the theater manager announces the cast change prior to the start of the performance. Coined in 1874,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understudy|title=Understudy|publisher=[[Merriam-Webster]]|access-date=December 19, 2015}}</ref> the term ''understudy'' has more recently generally been applied only to performers who can back up a role, but still regularly perform in another role.