Advertise on podcast: You're On In Five! The Art of Understudying

In this episode, Scott and Elana chat with Frankie Leo Bennett (he/they), a mutli-hyphenate actor-director-producer-casting director-company manager-acting coach. As a understudy, Frankie has gone on with a week's notice (Triassic Parq, Circle Theatre Company), covering COVID outs (Cabaret, Porchlight Music Theatre), shows he's directed (The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Hell in a Handbag Productions) and shows he's ambitiously sight read in Portuguese on the day of the performance (The Chicago Music Theatre Festival, Kokandy Productions). We chat about this and so much more!

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!)

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

In this episode, we chat with the splendiforous Lorena Torres Garcia!  They talked about their recent experience understudying Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as well as a bunch of other exciting credits.  Lorena demonstrates their commitment to diversity, their relentless pursuit of artistic goals, and the positive attitude that makes them such a wonderful member of the Chicago Theatre Community.  Enjoy! **FYI Lorena recently changed their name after recording and releasing this episode.  In support of their identity, we updated their name in promotional material.  However, in the episode, you will hear Lorena's previous name used, as that was their name at the time of recording.

If "The Art of Understudying" was a person, it'd be RJW MAYS!! A living example of how glorious leaning into your dreams can be.  Our conversation is rich with joy, wisdom, and laughter. Listen for some strategies on getting in the game later in life, how making connections can keep you growing as an artist, and plain and simply see how it's never too late to do what you love!

Breon Arzell in da HAUZ!  We swear that's relevant and not just us trying to be hip.  We are so excited to bring you this conversation where joy and authenticity collide and makes evident why Breon is a sought after, world-traveling actor, dancer, and choreographer.  This episode was a good time.  Join us, won't you?!?

Laura Berner Taylor gets Season 4 jumping!  Listen to this juicy episode, where amidst and betwixt her understudy shenanigans, she regales us with enthralling stories of personal and artistic growth.  Vulnerable honesty rules the moment and hugs us like a cozy blanket, and you get to hear Scott pretend he isn't a Type A personality. Check it out!

Are you ready to be soothed by the dulcet vocals of one Mr. Timothy Edward Kane?  Well you better get ready.  Grab a warm beverage and a fireside, relax and listen to him talk about early career hard learned lessons, playing the romantic interest of his actual wife, and ask yourself, "how many times can one person understudy Hamlet?"  Come on in, we've been waiting for you.

Hold on to your butts! Connar Brown shares delightful stories from her high school's version of Avenue Q, Jr. to dinosaur-sized storytelling to The SpongeBob Musical to that time she took on a one-line role and saved the day. Full of laughs and very few complaints, Connar's career has been quite exciting and we can't wait for you to hear all about it!