understudying
Training as replacement
Understudying is learning a role so you can substitute for the regular performer if needed.
Theater understudies attend rehearsals and performances, ready to step in at short notice: She spent two years understudying the lead before getting her chance.
The term extends to any situation where someone prepares to fill another's position.
Supply kept back
- alternateOccur in succession
- standbyReady substitute awaiting use
- replacementWhat takes another's place
- second-stringSubstitute team members
relief · contingency · fallback · cover · swing · spare · substitute · fill-in
Pre-performance practice session
- rolePosition or part
- linesStrokes connecting two points
- scriptWritten words for performance
- blockingImpeding forward progress
cue · cast · director · performance · stage · audition · acting · ensemble
Developing abilities through practice
- practiceRepeated work toward mastery
- drillHole-boring device
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- readinessState of being prepared
observation · shadowing · learning · study · preparation · conditioning · familiarization · anticipation
Guidance from experienced person
- protégéPerson guided by expert
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- traineeOne being instructed
- tutelageGuided instruction, oversight
observation · guidance · development · instruction · modeling · imitation · skill-building · opportunity
reserve
Supply kept back
- alternateOccur in succession
- standbyReady substitute awaiting use
- replacementWhat takes another's place
second-string · relief · contingency · fallback · cover · swing · spare · substitute · fill-in · stand-in
rehearsal
Pre-performance practice session
blocking · cue · cast · director · performance · stage · audition · acting · ensemble · drama
training
Developing abilities through practice
- practiceRepeated work toward mastery
- drillHole-boring device
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
readiness · observation · shadowing · learning · study · preparation · conditioning · familiarization · anticipation · watchfulness
mentorship
Guidance from experienced person
tutelage · observation · guidance · development · instruction · modeling · imitation · skill-building · opportunity
understudyingstarring
Playing the lead role
headlining · leading · top billing · featuring · performing
understudyingneglecting
Failing to attend to
ignoring · disregarding · overlooking · winging it · overstudying