I have a really stupid question, but I need to know what it is...{broadway related)

[aidaxx3]

Posted: 4/10/06 at 9:29pm

what exactly is a swing? I see them in playbills, but I don't really know what it means...

I feel stupid asking the question, but I'd appreciate it if someone would tell me what it means

[Dirty Rotten Scoundrel]

Posted: 4/10/06 at 9:30pm

Here ya go, from the BWW FAQ. .

This can be quite confusing, but easy to understand once you sort of grasp it.

The STANDBY is the first to cover the role when the main performer is out. The standby doesn't perform every night in the ensemble. They're only assigned to the role they're performing. They are required to stay within a close proximity of the theatre, in case of emergencies. Standbys are paid their weekly dues as well as "extra" for performances, but obviously, not as much as the main performer.

If the standby isn't able to make it, the UNDERSTUDY (who normally performs in the ensemble) covers the role.

The SWING covers the UNDERSTUDY's role while they're covering the main role. A swing is a sort of understudy for the all the members of the ensemble. They have to know all of the "tracks" in the ensemble (separated by gender -- there are usually separate male and female swings) and will go on when an individual chorus member is out for whatever reason.

For example, look at a show like Chicago. In the opening "All That Jazz", Velma sings the number surrounded by a dozen chorus members. Each chorus member has his/her own individual steps and movements and blocking to do in that number (that's different from the other members of the ensemble) -- this is called a "track." If a male member of the ensemble is out sick, a male swing will step in to that "track" for him, doing all of his specific blocking and dancing in that number. That swing will know all of the individual choreography for every male dancer in the show (and know exactly where on stage an individual dancer is at all times), so he can step in for any male dancer at any time. The female swings know the individual choreography of all of the female chorus members.

Swing can also refer to understudies for multiple roles in dance heavy shows where the ensemble members also have lines and songs. In "A Chorus Line" a single male understudy/swing would cover the parts of Al, Don, Mike, and Mark and a female swing would cover Val, Bebe, Judy et al......
Thanks Margo!

So. Let's put it into example.
Shoshana Bean is sick, and cannot perform as Elphaba.
Her standby, Saycon Sengbloh, is called in, however, she is unable to perform as well. So the role goes to Shoshana's understudy: Brandi. Brandi is normally in the ensemble, so a swing is called in to cover her role in the ensemble.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 4/10/06 at 9:31pm

They cover multiple roles. For example, a female swing could be asked to cover any of the female roles in their show.

[Color and Light]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 1:13am

Great explanation, DRS. It only goes to show it - swings are unsung heroes!

[Elphaba]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 10:33am

aida, being kinda new you may not realize there is Broadway board (where this post belongs) and an off-topic board, where you posted it........no big deal, but if it's moved to the main board, that's why....