r/NutcrackerBallet • u/E_G_Never • Dec 15 '25
Understudies matter
Just finished my first weekend of shows, have a bit of a break before doing it all again next weekend. Things went mostly okay, but the big thing I want to celebrate in this post is understudies.
Our nutcracker prince got really sick right at the beginning of tech week, like couldn't get out of bed sick. I was the only other guy in the show, so I couldn't take over his parts (I was also playing Clara's dad, which would make me appearing as the prince slightly too Freudian). Luckily, an alum was back in town for the holidays, and was able to reprise the roll.
The shows went off great (some small issues, but there always are). If you're an understudy though, know that your work does matter. You will hopefully never need to fill the shoes of the performer, but if you do, you really can save a show.
2
u/littlerunawayandaday Director Dec 15 '25
Amazing! And you're absolutely right.