When you experience any type of theatre or musical theatre show located anywhere in the world, be it in London, New York, national tours in your town / city and the like, we all tend to have a baseline understanding of what “the magic of theatre” is, how productions look spectacular and run seamlessly to truly give you that whirlwind unforgettable experience.
We know this in the context of aesthetics and how the automation of shows work in order to deliver that high quality show. However, we tend to miss something else that is just as magical and also fundamental to the running of any performance, whether it be a dance show, play or musical theatre production, and that, my friends, is the swings.
What exactly is a swing?
Now, before we move any further, let’s first start off by answering the question of what swings are:
Swings are off-stage performers and are the superheroes or lifeline of a large- scale production, especially within musical theatre.
Swings are integral to the continuation of any show from start to finish, to support cast members who are unable to perform for any reason.
The same way a football team is deemed incomplete without substitution players, in the same way a musical theatre show is incomplete without swings.
What is the difference between understudy, swing and standby?
What is an Understudy?
An understudy is an actor or dancer who learns the part of a principal or supporting character and goes on when the actor playing the role cannot perform during that performance (due to sickness, time off…). An understudy is usually part of the ensemble, which means they are on-stage every performance playing a different part.
What is a Swing?
A swing is a dancer / actor who covers multiple ensemble tracks (sometimes 5–12+ different roles). They don’t usually perform unless someone in the ensemble is absent. Which means they are not on-stage every night. Swings have to memorize all the blocking, choreography, and vocal parts for each track they cover.
It’s one of the hardest jobs in theatre because they might get called mid-show to go on for someone. This article is specifically about being a Swing.
What is a Standby?
A standby is hired specifically to cover a principal role (often a demanding lead) but does not perform in the ensemble. They are usually “on call” (meaning, they are in the theatre during the performance) and ready to go on if the principal cannot perform, sometimes even sitting in the theatre during the show.
Standbys are most common for iconic or vocally demanding roles (e.g., Wicked’s Elphaba, Hamilton’s Alexander Hamilton, Evita in Evita etc).
As a musical theatre performer who has performed in the West End (UK’s equivalent of Broadway) as a swing in Motown the Musical, TINA: The Tina Turner Musical and Hairspray UK Tour, all before becoming an ensemble/ first cover lead role in The Book of Mormon, I have thoroughly enjoyed being a superhero.
Here’s why.
Photo of Amandla onstage (performing or backstage)
So What’s The Job of a Swing, What Happens And How Does It Work?
What is the job of a swing?
The job of a swing is to cover multiple ensemble and/or lead roles in a musical. These roles are known as “tracks”. It’s essentially your job to know the show back to front, inside and out, and step in for any of those roles at any moment’s notice and at any point in the show. You must also know the script lines, any directions and blocking (just where you stand for lines and/or movement), and choreography.
Learning the backstage track
On top of that you also learn and memorise the backstage and costume track of every role you cover. Yeah, a lot of brain power. And it’s because of this brain power that swings are high in demand in the industry.
It’s a talent in itself to have such a flexible memory to learn, comprehend and execute everything mentioned above whilst handling the pressure skilfully.
It can be quite overwhelming with the number of tracks that can be covered in a single show.
How many “tracks” does a swing have to cover?
Up to six to ten tracks or more is considered a standard amount.
💡 Fun fact: A swing in Wicked the musical may cover more than fifteen tracks
How much rehearsal time do swings get?
Swings usually have a rehearsal period of about four weeks to get this done, and because swings are off- stage performers on standby in the theatre who do not perform every night, you also continually learn and rehearse throughout at least half of the contract which is a bonus.
Other times you may not deem yourself to be ready, and get thrown into the deep end. But once opening night happens, you are considered ready to perform.
Off-Stage vs On-Stage swings?
In opposition to off-stage swings you also have on-stage swings, which are performers who have the same responsibility as an off-stage swing, but their tracks are flexible enough to merge with other tracks that need covering.
That is a great optional track because you perform every night and if ensemble tracks need covering they can be embedded into the on-stage track to allow the off- stage swings to focus better on lead roles and/or featured ensemble tracks.
How much do swings get paid?
So how much is this brain power worth?
With the high level of responsibility bestowed upon you to support your cast and creative team and the fact that you pretty much never stop thinking or working (even on my days off my brain was ticking) the pay bracket for swings is pretty sweet.
Swing’s salaries can vary but usually they are paid higher than ensemble but less than lead roles.
💡 Fun fact: In some cases you might be paid the same bracket as the lead roles.
You also get a cover / understudy responsibility fee regardless of whether you perform that night or not, and a set additional fee per performance.
So, it’s a nice middle place to fall in. Most dance captains also double as swings, it’s the perfect combination to maintain the show without performing full time like ensemble would, and fulfil both roles equally with additional pay.
Tips on how to prepare to be a swing
If you’ve made it to this point then I think you are possibly considering becoming a swing. If that’s the case, then this section is for you!
Preparation is key
When opportunity and preparation meet, it becomes a working relationship. Once you land that offer of swing, the work begins immediately!
Swings are generally cast for the preparation they do in the audition room. Go to dance classes to develop your pick-up skills in choreography, pay attention to detail and retain the detail.
The casting team always look for potential in someone who can pick up and retain what’s being taught quickly and trust me when I say they will throw the whole book at you. Don’t fret if you aren’t able to have quick skills for this, doesn’t mean you won’t be cast, you just may be a better fit for ensemble and still get the job!
Rely on Cheat Sheets and Swing Maps
There are many ways to help aid you in learning a musical in good time. Cheat sheets and swing maps work quite well for helping to expand your brain on to paper. Your brain can be overloaded so you might need a second brain and that’s where cheat sheets and swing maps come in.
@harrietcdean SWING CHEAT SHEET BREAKDOWN 🤍 Comment below what you’d like to see more of 🥰#superswing #swinglife #sixthemusicaluktour #dressingroom #swingcheatcodes #swingmaps #backstage #sixuktour @sixthemusical ♬ original sound - HRD
This is where you write down the basic technicalities like entrances and exits for each track, and mapping choreography and acting scenes with swing maps. Some musicals will provide you with a pre-made swing map where all you need to do is fill in the information!
There is no exact way in how to do this, it’s specifically tailor made to how you and your brain operates, which is why we as swings rarely ever share our work with each other.
Watch the show regularly
If you are more of a visual creature like me, requesting show watches is your best bet.
My Advice To Aspiring / Future Swings!
And for some advice!
1. Stay focused, alert and aware
Musicals have the ability to change frequently, it’s the very minor changes you want to look out for, it’s easy to hit autopilot six months into a show and forget the newest changes.
2. Attend rehearsals you have been called to which are your cover / understudy rehearsals Stay focused, alert and aware
Eat brain fuelled nutrition because your head will hurt at times, listen to the creative team for notes given to the ensemble. All indirect notes can be direct notes.
3. Breathe and relax, take time and don’t panic
Most importantly enjoy every single moment and cherish the good, the bad and the ugly! The whole duration of a show could fly within a blink of an eye and next minute you know, the end of your contract is approaching.
As you ride the rollercoaster of being a swing, remind yourself that this is a transferable life skill, and the more you become a swing throughout your career, you’ll master it and reap the benefits of being an awesome superhero!
We should add a glossary defining:
- Swing
- Understudy
- Standby
- Track
- Dance Captain
- Off-stage Swing
- On-stage Swing
- Cheat sheet
- Swing map
