Unsung Heroes: The Understudies and Swings of Hadestown: Teen Edition

Woodland Opera House Youth Program, Summer 2025
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Pictured (left to right):  Kelsey Kiehn Watkins, Hayli Crandall, Ari Garcia, Rimon Caballero, Matthew Vallero, Nathaniel Flint 
​Photo by Missy Day

In every great myth, there are the heroes we sing about—and those who hold the story together from outside the spotlight. To understudy is to accept one of the most demanding and essential roles in theatre. These artists learn to lead from the wings, staying focused not for applause, but for love of the story and the craft. Let us introduce you to the understudies and swings of Hadestown—our unsung heroes.

What Does an Understudy Do?

In Hadestown, a sung-through musical with layered harmonies and continuous movement, the challenge of understudying is heightened. There are no clean breaks—only music, motion, and momentum. Understudies and swings must be ready to jump into that current without hesitation.

"I love how well it all fits together! I don't think I know a musical with better reprises."—Rimon Caballero, Hades Understudy

An understudy learns a principal role inside and out—lines, music, blocking, choreography—prepared to step in at a moment's notice. A swing may learn several tracks, switching roles as needed with little warning. Often, they rehearse in fragments, absorbing scenes from the sidelines and running harmonies under their breath.

"The main thing I've learned this time is how to ask questions that benefit me and my process."—Nathaniel Flint, Hermes Understudy

Their goal isn't simply to know the part—it's to embody it so completely that the audience never notices a change. That kind of preparation takes focus, self-motivation, and an extraordinary commitment to the whole.

"This is my favorite musical, and has been for a few years now. I feel it's a very special opportunity to contribute, regardless of who I was in the story."—Ari Garcia, Persephone Understudy

Why Are Understudies So Important?

In live theatre, the unexpected is inevitable. Understudies are the reason the story never stops. Their readiness allows principal actors to stay healthy and the show to go on without compromise. Whether or not they perform publicly, their work supports every rehearsal and every performance.

"The music in Hadestown is so beautiful, and some of my favorite parts are in the ensemble voices. Those moments of feeling connected to the group's collective voices during each song—on and offstage—make it all worth it."—Hayli Crandall, Swing

Understudies strengthen the entire production, adding resilience, depth, and professionalism. They do this not for the spotlight, but because they care deeply about the work, the team, and the story.

What Does It Take?

To be an understudy is to be trusted. It requires talent, discipline, adaptability, and the ability to remain composed under pressure. These artists must be multitaskers, quick learners, and problem solvers. Many of our youth performers are doing this for the first time—while also playing featured ensemble roles.

"From these hardships, I feel I have learned how to better organize my blocking in my script."—Matthew Vallero, Orpheus Understudy

"I truly love everything about Hadestown. It's my favorite show of all time, and Eurydice is my dream role, so I'm grateful to be a part of it and to have the chance to learn the role of a character I love."—Kelsey Kiehn Watkins, Eurydice Understudy

It's a high-wire act, and a powerful reflection of the story they're helping tell. In Hadestown, perseverance, love, and the courage to keep singing even when the path is uncertain are central themes. Our understudies live those values every day.

Honoring the Unsung

So when you see Hadestown: Teen Edition, know that behind every harmony, every step, every moment of storytelling, is the quiet strength of an understudy who helped make it happen.

They are storytellers. They are artists.

They are our understudies.

"We raise our glass to them!"