The Standbys

Watch The Standbys

  • 2012
  • 1 hr 16 min
  • 6.6  (107)

The Standbys is a 2012 documentary film that takes an intimate look into the world of Broadway understudies and standbys. The movie explores their daily lives, struggles, and aspirations as performers who wait in the wings to take over a role at a moment's notice when the leading performer is unable to perform. The documentary focuses on three aspiring actors - Ben Crawford, Alena Watters, and Merle Dandridge - who spend most of their days waiting backstage for their chance to take the stage. The film follows them through the grueling audition process and shows the emotional toll that being an understudy or standby can take on a performer.

Rebecca Baxter, a casting director, provides an insider's perspective on the industry and the challenges that understudies face. She sheds light on why producers and directors often choose established performers over unknown actors, even if the latter are highly talented.

The documentary also features interviews with some of Broadway's biggest stars, including Sutton Foster, Jonathan Groff, and Kristin Chenoweth. They share their experiences as understudies and standbys, and provide words of encouragement to those who are still waiting for their big break.

Throughout the film, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be an understudy or standby. The performers must constantly rehearse and study their roles in order to be ready to take over at a moment's notice. They also have to deal with the uncertainty of their jobs and the constant pressure to perform their best.

One of the standout moments in the film comes when Alena Watters finally gets her chance to take over the role of Anita in West Side Story. It's an emotional moment for her and a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into being an understudy.

The movie also explores the relationships between understudies and the leading performers they stand in for. While some performers are supportive and encouraging, others see their understudies as a threat to their job security. This dynamic can create tension backstage and affect the quality of the performance.

Overall, The Standbys is a poignant and insightful documentary that gives viewers a rare glimpse into the world of Broadway understudies and standbys. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves the theater and wants to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to make it in one of the most competitive industries in the world.

The Standbys is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.

Description
Where to Watch The Standbys
The Standbys is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV. Some platforms allow you to rent The Standbys for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2012
  • Runtime
    1 hr 16 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.6  (107)