<p>My D was the understudy for Jo in Little Women. Unfortunately, she did not get to perform except in another minor role. Is it okay to list the understudy role on her theatrical resume? If so, what's the best way to list it? Thanks!</p>
<p>Yes, it’s fine to list understudy. You would list it just as you would list any other role, except that you would note it was the understudy. In this case, she was the understudy and another role. So you’d usually list both roles. For instance, Jo (understudy), Mary </p>
<p>Thanks. I was assuming that she would list it since she spent months learning the role and all of the songs. Her acting coach said that she shouldn’t list it though since she didn’t perform the role on stage. </p>
<p>D had similar situation from a production of Aida, and listed her role(s) as follows: Nubian Dancer, Amneris u/s. She was asked in one audition if she had gotten to perform, and answered “In rehearsal, including tech, but never in performance”. </p>
<p>No, her acting coach is incorrect. It doesn’t matter if the understudy didn’t perform it on stage. You are cast as understudy and yes, you have to memorize the lines. Toowonderful’s D’s answer is perfect, if any panel happens to ask.</p>
<p>We included it. D was understudy for her tenth grade musical and for a regional theatre near here. In my mind it means you were cast, and is valid information for a director or school to know.</p>
<p>Agree that her acting coach is absolutely incorrect. She was cast in the role, rehearsed it and was ready to go on if necessary. The fact that she didn’t get to go on was beyond her control. It should definitely be included on her resume.</p>