An understudy is a theatrical term for someone who learns the lines and blocking/choreography of a leading actor or actress in a theatrical play. Theatre (or theater, see spelling differences) is the branch of the Performing arts defined by Bernard Beckerman as what "occurs when one A play, or stageplay, is a form of Literature written by a Playwright, almost always consisting of Dialogue between Fictional characters Should the lead actor or actress be unable to appear on stage because of illness or accident, the understudy takes over the part. Usually, when the understudy takes over, the theater manager will make the announcement prior to the start of the performance.

Several actors made their name in show-business by being the understudy of a leading actor and taking the role over for several performances (an example being, Sir Anthony Hopkins with Sir Laurence Olivier, when Olivier became ill with cancer during the run of the National Theatre's The Dance of Death, 1967). Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins, CBE (born 31 December 1937 is a Welsh Film, stage and Television Actor. Laurence Kerr Olivier Baron Dance of Death, also variously called Danse Macabre (French Danza Macabra (Italian or Totentanz

More recently, the term "understudy" has generally only been applied to performers who will cover a part, but still regularly perform in another role within the show; usually a minor, extra role. An extra is a Performer in a Film, Television show, stage musical opera or ballet production who appears in a nonspeaking nonsinging or nondancing capacity Performers who are only committed to covering a part and do not regularly appear in the show are often referred to as standbys. 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 Production Stage Manager. Stage management is a sub-discipline of Stagecraft. Although a somewhat fluid line of work in essence the stage management team (which can consist of a production If there is no doubt about the health of the actor being "covered," or there are no hazardous stunts to be performed, 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 theatre (10 blocks in New York City is a common standard). The standby must also have a cell phone so that at any time they can be called to the theatre.

The term is also regularly applied in association football, most often to describe a second choice goalkeeper whose appearances are limited to when the regular first choice player is absent through injury or suspension. In many team Sports a goalkeeper (termed goaltender netminder, goalie, or keeper in some sports A notable example is Chris Woods as long term understudy to Peter Shilton for the England national football team. Christopher 'Chris' Charles Eric Woods (born 14 November 1959 in Swineshead, Lincolnshire) is a former football Goalkeeper. Peter Leslie Shilton, OBE (born Leicester, England, 18 September 1949) is a former football goalkeeper who holds the The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football

In musical theatre, the term swing is often used to refer to a member of the company who understudies several chorus and/or dancing roles. Musical theatre is a form of Theatre combining Music, Songs spoken Dialogue and Dance.

In the opera world, the term used is cover or covering. Opera is an art form in which Singers and Musicians perform a Dramatic work (called an opera which combines a text (called a Libretto

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