Understudy Announcement Rules

I could be wrong, but I have been informed there are three preferred methods (slips in programmes, signs in the foyer, verbal announcement on stage), and any understudy should be announced by two of these methods where possible. (Obviously if someone needs to be replaced midshow, slips are somewhat impractical.)

Yeah, and I don't think I've ever seen the National or the RSC do anything other than put slips with the free cast lists, though I confess it's been a while since I bought a programme at either.

I don't know the answer but share that frustration! I LOVE an understudy and would be really pleased to know what 'bonus' actor I'm seeing. Also if it's a minor role (say in a big musical) it annoys me to come out thinking I've seen x and really I saw y.

I know when I ushered at a big touring venue we never got told if an understudy was on even for the lead unless they were a 'name' (sometimes not even then) so we would find out along with the audience, which isn't helpful to anyone. Even if the audience aren't annoyed FOH should be able to point out in the programme who is on instead, particularly for principle roles. Or failing that a bloody notice somewhere people can read it...

In the USA, American Equity Rule 11. CHANGES IN CAST: DUTY OF PRODUCER TO ANNOUNCE (pp 23.24)

Either a curtain announcement or a programme slip.

Plus a prominent sign at the main point of ticket collection.

www.actorsequity.org/docs/rulebooks/Production_Rulebook_League_11-15.pdf

UK Equity agreements aren't accessible to non-members, but the "Final Settlement For New West End Agreement 2013" includes a move:

from Current "Programmes slipped for understudy performances apart from ensemble in large scale musicals. Written notice in foyer."

to Proposed "Managers have to inform audiences of understudy performances which might be announcement, slips or notice in foyer."

www.equity.org.uk/documents/final-settlement-for-new-west-end-agreement-april-2013/

Had that as well when I went there (Only Willemijn was off though).
I like to know, as sometimes I book especially to see an understudy. But also when Im at a theatre I just like to know. I love the announcements they do at for example Les Miserables. 

At least no-one could accuse the Menier of not making their understudy situation clear: so far I've counted 9 signs!

I too thought that it was supposed to be any 2 out of foyer notice/programme slip/pre-show announcement but most of the shows I've been to recently have only had one of the three, usually the foyer notice.

Thanks to the assistant at the Savoy box office who, when I inquired earlier about availability for tonight, kindly told me Jamie Parker was off, even though it lost them a potential sale.

Many tours don't announce it through choice, and it seems that there is nothing in place to "force" them to do so. You'll sometimes get a cast board by the Box Office if you're lucky, but the only touring show I've ever seen do slips was War Horse, and even then they weren't in all of the programmes.

Interesting point with the West End having to inform the audience of understudies - recently I saw Les Mis at the Queens. In the past when there's been one or two understudies on they've announced it however this time they didn't, whether they just forgot or were afraid of a backlash because there 5 understudies on I don't know, but there were no slips and the cast board just states names not roles, so unless you recognised people, you'd have no idea!

The impression I get is that productions that don't (want to) announce understudies, do so in the hope that nobody will notice that the lead is missing and will think everything is as usual.

I was reminded on Friday that the New Theatre in Cardiff usually put large-print notices on all the doors into the theatre for understudy announcements, which is good as they're easy to spot (I think as well some in the Foyer near box office too) which is helpful.

I knew I'd started a thread about this because it really annoys me.

Tonight at The Curious Incident, during the interval I went to take a picture of the cast list so I'd know who I'd seen this evening. I checked with the staff 'is this kept up to date for every performance?' 'Yes it is!'

Imagine when I got home and started looking up the cast online alongside my programme to find that it was not correct. Not even that the reverend character was not even played by the understudy listed in the programme.

As I say, this was the interval that I took the photo and asked the staff, and the same actor played the reverend before and after it.

Of course, the person I asked is probably not the person who keeps the board up to date, but frankly, by the interval it should definitely be correct for that specific performance (I'm being lenient)!

I think it comes from laziness, thinking that no one cares, which is just offensive to Theatre lovers and more importantly the actors.

I've had enough of this slacking by certain Theatres and will be emailing the manager.

I too love to know who I am seeing, I'd hate to give a rave (or negative) review to someone who wasn't even on!
I remember seeing Starlight Express on tour, checking and being told it was a full cast and being somewhat surprised that Electra was suddenly white. I also saw Les mis and didn't see signs on the way in but checked with an usher and was told it was a full cast, There was an announcement but the audience around me was so loud I didn't hear. As soon as Gavroche came on it was obvious who the understudy was as it wasn't a young boy but a youngish female ensemble member! I was thrilled for the experience.

I do think they should make an effort to have an accurate cast board with who is on for who, surely that is what the cast deserve. An American in Paris had one of those whizzy TV screen ones, which was broken so nobody knew who was on (after checking it seemed to be a full cast).

You have a one track mind. Keep it up!!!

I know. I'm not complaining at all. Still waiting for a Witch Switch in Wicked though.
Not sure why i didn't look that day or if I did maybe it was a late switch