You're On In Five! The Art of Understudying

Scott Sawa and Elana Elyce
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Performing Arts

Scott Sawa and Elana Elyce speak with actors about their experiences as an understudy, and how those roles have informed their technique and career.

  1. 18h ago

    36 - BRENT LEBLANC

    This time, Scott and Elana chat with Chicago actor, puppeteer, and WTTW on-air personality Brent LeBlanc!  We chat about his early understudying experiences in Des Moines, Iowa and later ones at the House Theatre of Chicago, among others!  Did Scott ask Brent if he'd met Rick Steves?  The answer may surprise you!  (It's yes, Scott asked, and no, Brent hasn't...yet!)

    36 - BRENT LEBLANC

  2. Aug 10

    SYDNEY RENÉ COX

    Scott and Elana welcome Sydney René Cox to the podcast! In this episode we discuss working at Steppenwolf, writing a solo show, and growing up at a funeral home. And so much more!

  3. Apr 29

    34 - DAVID LIPSCHUTZ

    Check out our latest episode with the one and only David Lipschutz! He talks about understudying multiple shows at Hell in a Handbag, as well as shows like Angels in America and Evil Dead: The Musical! He also tells us not to pursue that Law degree we've been thinking about - thanks, David!

  4. Mar 20

    33 - JAZZMA PRYOR

    In our latest episode, we sit down with the incomparable Jazzma Pryor—a powerhouse performer, fearless stage manager, and proud ensemble member of Shattered Globe Theatre. From heart-pounding, show-saving heroics to redefining what it means to be a "bad" understudy, Jazzma shares stories that are as hilarious as they are inspiring. This conversation is joyful, honest, and packed with insight—you won't want to miss a minute.

  5. Feb 23

    WILLIAM ANTHONY SEBASTIAN ROSE II

    In our Season Five PREMIERE, Scott and Elana sit down with the iconic William Anthony Sebastian Rose the Second and discuss his experiences understudying with Lifeline Theater and Victory Gardens.  Also, he gives advice on why you shouldn't drink before you're going to see a show you're understudying, and shares his hot takes in our first-ever Quirky Questionnaire!

  6. 12/04/2025

    BONUS - QUENNA LENE BARRETT & KARLI SCOTT

    In this episode, Scott and Elana chat with Quenna Lene Barrett and Karli Scott, who are currently understudying The House That Will Not Stand by Marcus Gardley at Invictus Theatre Company. We hope you enjoy!

  7. 05/26/2025

    31 - JEAN MARIE KOON

    Check out our latest episode with the tremendous Jean Marie Koon! We get into some juicy understudy gigs, discuss what it's like to come back to theater after a long break, and finish with things that bring us joy. We hope you enjoy!

  8. 05/05/2025

    JESSICA DEAN TURNER

    THEE Jessica Dean Turner came through and churned out the realness. Tune in to hear about Jessica's journey from beatnik poet to president of the thespian club to in-demand stage goddess!  Plus, you gotta find out what "EGO DEATH" is all about. JESSICA DEAN TURNER is an actor and educator from the west side of Chicago. As an understudy, she's been able to cover roles in two separate Ike Holter plays, Lottery Day at the Goodman (covering two roles where she had to learn fight choreography against herself) and The Light Fantastic at Jackalope. She's also understudied the ripple/the wave that carried me home, where she and an intrepid team of actors had 10 days to learn the show. Gulp. Throughout undergrad she understudied at various Shakespeare festivals as an acting intern, covering the Bard's iconic roles of Helena in Midsummer, Mistress Quickly in Henry IV pt. I and both Portia and the Prince of Morocco in Merchant of Venice, meaning she had to unsuccessfully woo herself. Shakespeare and new work enthusiast who currently spends her time finding distinct voices for all the characters in the Little Blue Truck books she reads her daughter. That's where the training really kicks in.

    JESSICA DEAN TURNER
See All (37)

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Scott Sawa and Elana Elyce speak with actors about their experiences as an understudy, and how those roles have informed their technique and career.

Information