She knows all the lines. She’s memorised every cue. Now she waits for a call to tell her Amy has gastro.

Exploring the anxiety-fuelled life of a professional swing, The Understudy dives into the quiet desperation and absurd hope that consumes this questionable career choice. She's unrehearsed and underpaid. She’s the actor on call, ready to step in and save the show.

But the waiting has consequences... When you put everything on hold, what do you have left? Subversive, silly and unflinchingly honest, The Understudy is a love letter to the always prepared but never called. The artists who'll do anything for the gig... but is the gig actually worth it?

Written and Performed by Eva Seymour

Directed by Olivia Charalambous

"The Understudy is a meticulously constructed, deeply engaging piece that balances humour, heart, and theatrical craft." My Melbourne Arts