This is a super common misconception!

At Untold Stories Theatre, one of our goals is to provide opportunities to new artists and those artists who haven’t had the spotlight before. To help make that happen, we do our best to avoid casting the same performers in lead roles in back-to-back shows.

That doesn’t mean you can only be a lead once—just that if you had a lead in our last show, we’ll likely give someone else the chance in the next one. You’re always welcome (and encouraged!) to audition for future leads after experiencing a part in the ensemble or as a swing or giving someone else the chance to show their stuff.

Being an understudy is an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself and grow as an artist!

At Untold Stories Theatre, we want to be clear: understudies are not cast because they were the “second-best” option. They are chosen because they’re capable of covering multiple roles, and the team has a lot of trust in them to step into a larger part if an emergency happens.

Understudies are expected to attend all rehearsals for the role(s) they’re covering so they can observe blocking, direction, and character work. While there’s no guarantee of one-on-one rehearsal time, if there's room in the schedule, the team will do their best to give understudies a chance to try out what was learned—whether it’s singing, acting, or choreography.

We also prioritize an Understudy Rehearsal Run, where all understudies and swings get to do the full show together. If time allows, we’ll also rehearse key scenes, songs, or dance numbers.

If you're ever feeling unsure or would benefit from more rehearsal time, just let your Stage Manager or Director know—they’ll do their best to support you.

Lastly, we’re proud to offer Understudy Runs! These are full, in-costume run-throughs of the show (on the actual set!) that take place on dark days during the show’s run. While there's no paid audience, team members and off-stage cast are invited to come cheer you on!

If you have more questions about being an understudy, feel free to reach out to the casting team—we’re happy to help!

Similar to being an understudy, being a swing is an exciting opportunity to push yourself and grow as a performer!

At Untold Stories Theatre, swings are incredibly valuable cast members who are trusted to learn multiple ensemble (and sometimes larger) roles and be ready to jump in wherever needed.

There are two types of swings in our productions:

- On-Stage Swings are part of the ensemble every night, though they may not be in every scene. Their regular track is designed so that they are not involved in things like set changes, lifts, or partnered choreography—this ensures they can step into another role at a moment’s notice without leaving a gap in the show. On-stage swings take a bow with the cast every night.

- Off-Stage Swings are not on stage unless they are actively covering a track. During performances, they sing backstage to support vocals and then join the curtain call in costume to bow with the cast.

Swings are expected to attend all rehearsals for the tracks they’re covering to observe blocking, direction, and choreography. While one-on-one rehearsal time isn’t guaranteed, if there’s time in the schedule, the team will do their best to let you try out what was covered.

We also host an Understudy Rehearsal Run, where all understudies and swings get to do the full show together. If time allows, we’ll also rehearse key scenes, songs, or dance numbers.

And finally, Untold offers Understudy Runs—full show run-throughs in costume, on set, during the run of the show (usually on dark days). These are a great opportunity for swings and understudies to perform the roles they’ve been learning in front of the full team and cast (no paying audience, but lots of support!).

If you have any questions about being a swing, don’t hesitate to reach out to the casting team—we’re here for you!

Every story has different needs and requirements. While we love working with younger artists and youth in our community, sometimes our shows are deemed too mature for those demographics to take part. We pride ourselves in creating safe and appropriate environments in any way we can, and one of the best ways is through casting age requirements. We will occasionally have shows that are appropriate and welcoming to our younger artists, and we look forward to seeing our future stars when those roles arise!