understudy
Stand-in performer
An understudy is a performer who learns a role so they can step in if the primary actor is unavailable: She was understudy to the lead for six months before getting her chance.
The term extends beyond theater to anyone prepared to substitute for another.
To understudy is to serve in this capacity or to study a role as backup.
Suspended recreational seat
- coverProtect by overlaying
- replacementWhat takes another's place
- stand-inTemporary human placeholder
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
cast · rehearsal · script · audition · stage · performance · director · ensemble
What takes another's place
- substituteReplacement for another
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- reserveSupply kept back
- second-stringSubstitute team members
alternate · contingency · spare · fill-in · cover · insurance · plan B · emergency
One who entertains audiences
- actorOne who portrays characters
- actressFemale stage performer
- rolePosition or part
- starLuminous astronomical object
lead · character · scene · rehearsal · portrayal · costar · cameo · thespian
swing
Suspended recreational seat
- coverProtect by overlaying
- replacementWhat takes another's place
- stand-inTemporary human placeholder
backup · cast · rehearsal · script · audition · stage · performance · director · ensemble · blocking
replacement
What takes another's place
- substituteReplacement for another
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- reserveSupply kept back
second-string · alternate · contingency · spare · fill-in · cover · insurance · plan B · emergency · pinch-hit
performer
One who entertains audiences
star · lead · character · scene · rehearsal · portrayal · costar · cameo · thespian · improvisation
trainee
One being instructed
protégé · pupil · fledgling · rookie · neophyte · up-and-comer · aspiring · ambitious · eager · developing
rehearse
Practice before performing
prepare · observe · shadow · watch · drill · run-through · blocking · cue · line reading · scene work
- temporary rolestemp, temp worker, internship, substitute, interim
- helpersnurse, helper, volunteer, aide, assistant
- theater jargonbackstage, center stage, curtain call, downstage, dress rehearsal
- theatre termsdirector, stage director, artistic director, musical director, resident director
- performing artsacting, dance, music, drama, theater
- actingacting, act, performing, playacting, actor
understudylead
Dense metal, symbol Pb
star · principal · leading role · headliner · lead actor
understudystar
Luminous astronomical object
headliner · main attraction · centerpiece · veteran · A-lister