By 
By Salomon Maya
Some jobs are universally accepted as difficult—brain surgery, rocket science, anything requiring razor-sharp precision under crushing pressure. I respect those careers immensely. But I also recognize they require very specific skills. None of which I possess.
What I have done, however, is perform as a professional theatre understudy. And I would argue—without flinching—that it remains one of the most underappreciated, high-stress roles in live performance.
Imagine this: it’s show day. You get a call. The name flashing on your phone belongs to your stage manager. A few hours later, you’re leaping into a lead role you’ve barely rehearsed, in front of an audience expecting magic. That’s the reality of being an understudy.
For those unfamiliar, an understudy is often part of the ensemble or, sometimes, not in the show at all. They’re responsible for knowing one or more principal roles—lines, songs, blocking, choreography, character work. All of it. And when someone goes down, they step up, often with little to no notice. No dress rehearsal. No time to “settle in.” Just go.
They are the emergency response team of the theatre world.
One moment you’re in the background. The next, you’re carrying the show. There’s no ceremony. No announcement. Just the call: “You’re on.”
I recently spoke with Luke Monday, the current understudy for the national tour of Moulin Rouge! Not only does he perform in the ensemble every night, but he also covers both male leads—Christian, the idealistic romantic, and The Duke, the suave villain.
Last week, Luke got the call. He went on as Christian. “I did my vocal warm-up. My usual prep,” he said. “And honestly, I think it was one of my best shows to date.”
That week alone, Luke performed eight times—twice as The Duke, once as Christian, and the rest as part of the ensemble. Three roles. Three voices. Three characters. All with the same professionalism and grit.
Luke’s no stranger to this. In 2022, he was an understudy at La Jolla Playhouse for Lempicka. Due to COVID, he went on often. “We had some safety rehearsals, but mostly I just had to know everything,” he said. “The first time, I didn’t tell anyone. But later, my parents and husband got to see me. It was surreal—and I’m really grateful. And working with Rachel Chavkin? She’s fabulous.”
I asked him how audiences react when they see an understudy is on. “Some people admit they were disappointed at first,” he told me. “But after the show, they’ll say, ‘You blew me away.’ That just fuels me. It gives me this chip on my shoulder—in a good way. Just you wait.”
That phrase sticks with me. It’s quiet confidence. It’s defiance. It’s belief.
So, the next time you’re at the theatre and see an understudy slip into the spotlight, don’t sigh. Don’t assume you’re getting a backup. You’re witnessing an artist—hungry, ready, extraordinary.
Trust me. We warned you.
Just you wait.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical, winner of 10 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, will play in San Diego at the Civic Theatre. Performances begin Tuesday, June 24 and plays through Sunday, July 6. Tickets are available now at the San Diego Civic Theatre Box Office and online at BroadwaySD.com.
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