Broadway understudies guide: When understudies perform on Broadway and more

Learn about how to know when an understudy will be on at your performance, and discover different types of cover performers, from swings to alternates to standbys.

The story of how stage and screen star Sutton Foster rose to fame is now legend among theatre fans. When Thoroughly Modern Millie's lead actress left the Broadway production mere days before it opened, understudy Foster was suddenly propelled into the title role — and won her first Tony Award for it a few months later.

Understudies are a major and vital part of every Broadway show, yet most theatregoers rarely think about them until they see a slip in their program announcing their appearance. But did you know various types of performers cover for lead and supporting roles — not just understudies, but also actors called swings, standbys, and alternates? Or that sometimes, it's possible to know in advance when an understudy will be performing?

We've answered all your questions about the various types of Broadway understudies, how to find out information about their performance schedules, and perhaps most importantly, why these talented and versatile actors shouldn't be dismissed.

Get Broadway tickets now.

What is an understudy?

An understudy is an actor who plays a role when the actor who usually plays that role is out of the show. In shows with large casts — particularly musicals — understudies are often ensemble members who perform in the show each night, but only step into main roles as needed. In shows with small casts, the understudies may not perform on stage at all unless a main actor is out.

What is a standby on Broadway?

A standby is a performer whose only job is to cover for a role if the main actor is out. They do not perform in the show otherwise — they are just on "standby" to take over their designated role, sometimes at a moment's notice!

What is an alternate on Broadway?

An alternate is similar to a standby, but alternates have a pre-announced schedule for when they will perform. For example, in the 2024 revival of Sunset Boulevard, Mandy Gonzalez was the alternate for Nicole Scherzinger, performing Scherzinger's role on Tuesday nights. Like a standby, Gonzalez also stepped in if Scherzinger was on vacation or otherwise unable to perform on a given day.

On New York Theatre Guide, a notification will appear on the booking calendar if you select a performance where the alternate is scheduled to be on.

What is a swing on Broadway?

A swing is an actor who understudies multiple roles — the name comes from their ability to "swing" between different characters as needed. If an ensemble member is covering a main role at a certain performance, a swing often takes their place in the ensemble.

Swings have one of the hardest jobs in a cast! Swings may cover ensemble roles, named roles, or a mix of both. Regardless, they need to memorize multiple people's worth of lines and movements and be able to switch on a dime.

When do understudies perform on Broadway?

Note: For the remaining FAQs in this article, "understudy" will be used as a blanket term for all the types of actors differentiated above unless otherwise specified.

For understudies, swings, and standbys, performance schedules vary. Understudies will perform while an actor takes vacation — in which case the understudy's performance dates may be advertised in advance — or else when an actor calls out of a performance on short notice due to illness or injury.

In the case of unscheduled absences, it's not always possible to plan in advance for when an understudy will be on. Understudies can be called in to perform as soon as the same day!

How do I know if an understudy is on at my performance?

If a main actor has a vacation or other kind of pre-planned leave, their understudy's performance schedule will be announced in advance. On New York Theatre Guide's booking calendars, a notification will appear if you select a performance where an understudy is scheduled to be on.

More often, however, understudies step in on short notice if an actor is sick, injured, or otherwise out of the show unexpectedly. Broadway shows are required to inform ticketholders as far in advance as possible if an understudy is going on for an actor who is billed "above the title" — e.g., "Jean Smart in Call Me Izzy" or "Denzel Washington in Othello".

If an actor is not above the title, Broadway shows are not required to provide advance notice, so you will likely find out about any understudies when you arrive. Whether announced in advance or not, your program will have an insert that states who is out and who will be performing their role(s) instead.

Additionally, the independent Instagram account @understudiesdotorg shares posts and email blasts when understudies are performing. These alerts often happen on short notice and do not entitle theatregoers to a refund.

On rare occasions, understudies may step in for a performer mid-show if they suffer an injury or other emergency during the performance. An announcement will be made in the theatre if such a switch occurs.

Can I exchange or refund my tickets if an understudy is performing?

For "above the title" stars as designated above, Broadway shows will notify you of their absence from your performance as early as possible and offer the option to exchange or refund your tickets. Refunds and exchanges are not available once the performance begins, so the notice will specify a cutoff time by which to request a refund.

For actors that are not "above the title," refunds and exchanges are generally not available per the standard policy of Broadway theatres.

When buying tickets on New York Theatre Guide, you have the option to purchase Ticket Protection as an add-on. This insurance allows you to cancel your tickets up until 24 hours before the performance, no questions asked. You will receive a voucher for the full amount of your purchase, minus the Ticket Protection fee, to be used on NYTG within a year.

Should I see Broadway understudies perform?

Yes, you should see Broadway understudies perform! Of course, it's understandable to look forward to seeing a specific actor and be disappointed to miss them — but that doesn't mean you're not in for a great show. Not only do understudies rehearse their roles just as much as the main actors, but they also possess the impressive ability to perform with little notice.

By seeing an understudy, you get a unique opportunity to see an actor's take on a character that a majority of people don't, and you can support talented performers who often get overlooked. Plus, it's not uncommon for understudies to assume a lead role full-time after the original actor departs. Today's understudy might be tomorrow's star, and you can say you saw them first.

Get Broadway tickets now.

Photo credit: Montego Glover, the alternate for Audra McDonald, in Gypsy. (Photo by Marc J. Franklin)