A question about someone who is cast as an understudy/swing

I was just wondering, if someone is cast as an understudy/swing on Broadway, does that mean that they have to report to the theatre every performance or only on an as need basis?

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Understudies are usually in the ensemble and cover lead tracks. Swings cover ensemble tracks. Yes, they all report to the theater at every performance.

Sometimes swings/understudies do back up vocals as well.

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Yes, I was confusing it with standbys. Thanks!

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Another question that comes up often is about tracks. As productions expand to tours, international, etc. every performer cast in this "track" is supposed to go through the same sequences.

The track of Eponine in Les Miserables, for example. The performer is cast in the role, but the track also involves being one of the "lovely ladies" before taking on Eponine.

The track of Fantine involves being a student boy in some musical numbers in the first act and the barricades as well.

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blaxx: "I think you were referring to standbys. They don't need to be at the theater, but within the vicinity at the time the performance is happening."

That's sort of the norm, but it's actually not always the case. When Will Chase was a stand-by for Adam Pascal in "Aida," he was allowed to stay at home in New Jersey if he knew Adam was on.

http://www.theatermania.com/new-york/news/08-2007/please-stand-by_11419.html

How can you be an understudy and a swing? Aren't you one or the other?

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If you're interested in swinging, you might enjoy this article - I chatted to swings in the UK productions of La Cage and Mamma Mia : https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BEHIND_THE_SCENES_The_Swing_Of_Things_20090830

Blaxx, I agree. How swings keep all of those roles straight is beyond me. I think swings are the hardest working performers on Broadway.