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

[winston89]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 5:13pm

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?

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 5:16pm

Do a search on this topic. It has been discussed extensively before.

Yes, a swing has to report to every performance or be a certain amount of miles away from the theater in case something happens to the lead.

Updated On: 10/20/09 at 05:16 PM

[blaxx]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 5:17pm

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.

[blaxx]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 5:18pm

Yes, a swing has to report to every performance or be a certain amount of miles away from the theater in case something happens to the lead

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.

Updated On: 10/20/09 at 05:18 PM

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 5:20pm

Yes, I was confusing it with standbys. Thanks!

[winston89]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 5:28pm

I was just asking because one of my former teachers from high school is now in the cast of Fela as an understudy and a swing. And, since I was planing to see the show I thought it would be cool to leave her a message and to say hello to her after the show. But, I didn't know if she would be at the theatre every performance or not.

[blaxx]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 5:30pm

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.

[blaxx]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 5:32pm

I was just asking because one of my former teachers from high school is now in the cast of Fela as an understudy and a swing. And, since I was planing to see the show I thought it would be cool to leave her a message and to say hello to her after the show. But, I didn't know if she would be at the theatre every performance or not.

Unless sick or on vacation, she'd be there.

[Gobstopper]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 6:27pm

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

[kryst22]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 8:13pm

It would also depend on when in the run you went. I went to Finian's about a week into previews and the dance captains and a few of the swings were sitting up in the balcony watching the show with the rest of us.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 8:14pm

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

[blaxx]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 8:18pm

It's obviously not set in stone, but that's the norm in most productions.

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

No, you can be a swing for an ensemble track and understudy for an actual role. It's not uncommon.

That said, being a swing is a b****. You need to learn quite a few ensemble tracks and never know when you'll go on for who.

Updated On: 10/20/09 at 08:18 PM

[miriam2]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 8:49pm

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

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 8:56pm

Swings do not always have to stay till the very end of the show Winston. But if you are seeing the show during previews or early in the run they will probably stay to see changes or study the tracks they cover.

[Gobstopper]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 10:16pm

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

[Yero my Hero]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 11:11pm

That's why they are the highest paid, outside of stars.