# acting titles **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 23, 2001, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acting-titles/55607 "2001-02-23T15:30:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Knighted\_Vorpal\_Sword](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ac91a4/32.png) [@Knighted\_Vorpal\_Sword](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knighted_Vorpal_Sword)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2001, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acting-titles/55607/1 "2001-02-23T15:30:50Z")
I recently saw **RENT** yet again, and I’m curious as to the definitions and differences between the following: ensamble swing performing swing understudy How do directors/producers decide between the “star” and the understudy? The last time I saw **RENT** , an understudy played Roger, and he was great. Does that mean that the actor who really played Roger is that much better? (Perhaps I should also note that I live in Baltimore, so I’m talking about national touring companies . . . if that makes a difference.) ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2001, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acting-titles/55607/2 "2001-02-23T17:50:20Z")
The producers make the better (or big name) actor the star. An understudy is only there to go on as a replacement if the star is sick. Usually on road shows, they are another member of the cast and they have fewer people in the chorus (or figure out a way to double up roles).