Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

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Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 4:44am

from Playbill.com http://www.playbill.com/news/article/actors-union-declares-national-swing-day-379000

"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 7:07am

We really should respect those talented actors. If they could be 30 places at once they could act a whole show.

I appoligise for any spelling mistakes. I may be on my mobile. Clumsy fingers and small little touchscreen keys don't mixx. I try to spellcheck, but I may miss something.

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 9:16am

Are they currently DISrespected? Pretty safe to say that ANY actor that casts in a bway show is "talented". (well, ignoring some stunt casting that occurs)

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 10:11am

Every day should be national swing day. It's the hardest job on Broadway.

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 10:16am

It's not so much that they are disrespected, but more about raising awareness amongst audiences about what a swing is and how much work they do. A great swing is worth their weight in gold!

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 10:19am

I'm not in disagreement with that at all.....but the average audience member isn't going to know (or care) about National Swing Day. Yet alone know what they actually do.

I just think most of these "days" are silly, self-promoting things.

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 10:54am

dramamama611 said: "I'm not in disagreement with that at all.....but the average audience member isn't going to know (or care) about National Swing Day. Yet alone know what they actually do.

I just think most of these "days" are silly, self-promoting things.

You are so ignorant!

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 12:23pm

swings are the hardest workers in any show. I've only "swung" once in a show, and it's definitely the hardest job. trying to memorize 8 different ensemble tracks, plus having to u/s two supporting roles isn't easy. There's a reason why the same actors/dancers are cast as swings in shows, especially if they continue to work with the same director/choreographer.

A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 12:24pm

dramamama611 may be alot of things, ignorant is not one of them.

As for the original post, Swings in Broadway shows are truly amazing and have my full respect.

Actors Equity Association, who made this declaration, gets no respect from me whatsoever.

Updated On: 1/13/16 at 12:24 PM

#10

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 7:52pm

Here are some words from one talented artist Jacob Watson (Violet, Amos Hart: Chicago Cellblock Tour, Amelie). (Reprinted... with permission from Jacob Watson)

My ?#‎EquityTeamSwing? story:

I received my ?#‎ActorsEquity? card and made my Broadway debut in Violet as a swing. It was the most exciting, challenging, mind numbing experience I've ever had as an actor. I am humbled to this day, that I was able to learn from not only the best in the business, but my personal heroes. I tell people that being a swing in Violet was the equivalent of getting an MFA in acting. Being present for the rehearsal process from day one and getting to watch the work happen. I remember sitting in the green room of the Roundabout rehearsal studios and just listening to everyone. That room is where I learned about being a professional actor, being a contributing union member of AEA, and being an artist. There is not a second I would take back from those days. Cheers to all Swings on Broadway, National Tours and regional houses around the country!
Also, this picture is when I saw our window card for the first time and I was shocked that my name was included. Needless to say, I freaked out.

?#‎NationalSwingDay? ?#‎ActorsEquityAssociation? ?#‎AEA? ?#‎EquityWorks?

#11

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 7:54pm

Here is one more swing profile of Jacob Watson: Berkeley Rep (Amelie). Best of luck to you Jacob! http://berkeleyrep.tumblr.com/post/131586177117/swing-profile-jacob-keith-watson-by-amy-bobeda

#12

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 8:07pm

Let me just state for the record that I believe what swings do is totally miraculous. I can barely imagine what it's like to learn one part let alone multiple tracks.

Here's to the swings--without whom musicals would collide!

#13

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 9:44pm

I was hired for my first national tour as a swing. I was so grateful to get the job (picked by a famous choreographer). It was the best education that I could have gotten in professional musicals and was a true confidence builder. It was frustrating not to be able to perform every night and do what I loved to do. But on the other hand, I was very honored that he chose me because of his confidence in my versatility. I watched the show so many times that one week there were several girls out sick with the flu. The dance captain told me what numbers to be in to fill in the spaces. I told him that I could do the whole track because I knew everyone's part. I was nervous as hell but did a great job for 4 performances.. Some of my fellow chorus members were blown away that I was able to do it, and some were non chalant thinking it was no big deal. If you are offered the swing job- take it. It is a challenge- you have a lot of studying to do, remain calm.....but if you have a good work ethic, it is very rewarding. And a great paycheck especially with riders I love it when at closing performances, swings are called out for a bow and acknowledged. True heroes of musicals!

#14

Equity Declares January 13 As National Swing Day

Posted: 1/13/16 at 10:54pm

Broadwaystar2 said: "dramamama611 said: "I'm not in disagreement with that at all.....but the average audience member isn't going to know (or care) about National Swing Day. Yet alone know what they actually do.

I just think most of these "days" are silly, self-promoting things.

You are so ignorant!

What exactly am I ignorant of? That I think these "celebratory days" are silly? Heck, I have TWO of these days for me.....and neither of them has ever changed my life....or even my day. Why? Because I'm already aware of my worth and impact. I said nothing derogatory of swings and the job they do......I am in awe of what they are expected to do.

So what exactly did I say that seemingly offended your delicate sensibilities?

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