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The Understudy Print E-mail
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Written by Cayley   
I'm an actress, I want the limelight, but being an understudy has taught me vital things that I think are more important as life lessons than one school production is on my CV.

My patience has been pushed to the max and then some. Every rehearsal I have to remind myself to be patient, watchful and most importantly but most difficult, be friendly! Sitting in the back of the theatre and watching while other people have fun and act is NOT fun, especially when you feel you could add some flair to that scene that they just can't get right. But I've learned to sit still, pick up what they're doing better than me and how I can learn from them.

I've learned that dedication and perseverance with a smile is more important than most other things you can bring to the table. The director appreciates the hard work and looks forward to having more input and someone who can pick up the lines quickly and fill in when needed but not be annoyed when they are not needed. Today my director approached my mom and said that he really appreciated my hard work and dedication.

And most importantly: EVERYTHING that happens is a growth opportunity. It is hard and yes, I have to make a conscious effort everyday to see the opportunity but oh the rewards! There is so much to learn and so many areas of your life that are tested and challenged and it's an opportunity for you to leave changed, stronger.

Good luck to all you other understudies and small parts. Remember to stay positive! If you have a passion and a gift no one can take those from you. Learn to make the best of situations and no matter the circumstances: SHINE!
Comments (7) >> feed
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written by Rachel Diamond, March 07, 2009

Bravo for being so professional. I always thought it must be so hard for understudies, who sometimes are just as talented or more than the person who got the part, but might have lost it because they weren't the right height or something. Good on you for seeing it as an opportunity! smilies/wink.gif

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written by Lyndsi, March 07, 2009

This was a really nice article! You're very wise.

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written by Katie Foster, March 12, 2009

I know where you are coming from. I just learned these same lessons myself. Luckily I got to play another role while watching and learning the understudy role, but it's so frustrating when you know you have ideas of how the character could be etc etc. Good for you smilies/cool.gif

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written by George Wilhelm, March 17, 2009

I've only been an "understudy" once, and it does cause it's problems. When not Substituting for the PART understudied(?). I was also in the "Chorus", so I was always doing Something. not sitting ,waiting and HOPING .. trying Real hard to not hope someone breaks uknowhat!
By doing what you are doing quietly, yet enthusiasticly, You're showing you'll do whatever is needed for THE SHOW. By being willing to plug away and be the Understudy, I ended up working 3 productions in a row with the same Company ... that looks GOOD on the resume c/v.

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written by Liso, March 18, 2009

HI cayley! This is such a cool website!
I read your blog thingy and it's a really insitefull and inspiring thing to put out there.


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written by Jennie, April 23, 2009

Great article! Thanks for the advice! I am about to undertake an understudy role, as well as a featured ensemble role. (not sure what he means by featured yet!) But I am very excited to get started and thankful for the opportunity to understudy the lead! I think it will be a great learning experience for me and a reat way to get my foot in the door and prove myself as a hardworking, dedicated and passionate actress. I can see where it could get frustrating and tough, but for now at least, I am looking on th bright side and this helped! So thanks!

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written by Jillian, July 25, 2009

exactly my opinion, i couldnt agree more!
im about to take on understudying a role bigger than any one ive ever had and ill def keep this in mind smilies/smiley.gif

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