Editing Understudy (section)

==Similar tasks==
Performers who are only committed to covering a part and do not regularly appear in the show are often referred to as '''standbys''' and '''alternates'''. Standbys are normally required to sign in and remain at the theater the same as other cast members, although sometimes they may call in, until they are released by the [[Stage management|production stage manager]]. If there is no doubt about the health of the actor being covered, or there are no hazardous stunts to perform, a standby may be released at the first intermission, if not before. At times, standbys are required to stay within a certain area around the theater (10 blocks in New York City is a common standard). Today, the standbys must also have a cell phone so that at any time they can be called to the theater.{{cn|date=June 2023}}

Alternates, like standbys, do not have a regular role in the production, but they are scheduled to perform a physically and vocally challenging role for a certain number of performances each week. They commonly go on for matinee performances. Examples of this include the starring roles in ''[[Evita (musical)|Evita]]'', ''[[Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark]]'', ''[[Dear Evan Hansen]]'', ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'', ''[[Jekyll & Hyde (musical)|Jekyll & Hyde]]'', and ''[[The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical)|The Phantom of the Opera]]''.  

In [[musical theater]], the term '''swing''' is often used for a member of the company who understudies several [[chorus (musical theatre)|chorus]] and/or dancing roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://westend.broadwayworld.com/article/BEHIND_THE_SCENES_The_Swing_Of_Things_20090830 |title=Behind the scenes: The Swing Of Things (Miriam Zendle, 2009) |publisher=Westend.broadwayworld.com |access-date=2010-01-24}}</ref> If an understudy fills in for a lead role, a swing acts the parts normally performed by the understudy. A '''super swing''' or '''universal swing''' is a swing who commutes around the country as needed to act in various productions of a widespread show. The term "super swing" can also refer to a performer who understudies every role in a performance, most notably in performances with smaller casts such as ''[[Six (musical)|Six]]''. 

In contrast, a [[Prompter (theatre)|prompt]] cues an actor while not personally being on the stage or in the spotlight.