Broadway Swings: Covering the Ensemble in Musical Theatre

Description

What is a Broadway Swing? Eyer and Smith delve deep into the responsibilities and rigors, joy and turmoil of performing this very difficult job. The position of a Swing (Understudy for the Ensemble) on Broadway is examined from every angle, showing just how vital Swings are to the success of any Broadway production. Eyer and Smith finally give Swings their voice, literally, by printing their own words and stories about the glories and hardships of their lives as Swings. The men and women waiting in the wings finally get their chance to stand in the spotlight. For anyone who is interested in becoming a Swing, or about to start their first job as a Swing, the “how-to” portions of this book and behind-the-scenes-insight will prove invaluable. Part history and part how-to, this book traces the entire journey of a Swing’s life on Broadway, from auditions and how Swings are selected to the ups and downs of rehearsals and performances. Over 100 Broadway pros and Swing veterans have been interviewed alongside many Stage Managers, Casting Directors, Choreographers and Directors to gain their perspective on what it takes to be a good Swing. Notable people interviewed include Rob Ashford, Susan Stroman, Jerry Mitchell, Larry Fuller, Tony Stevens, Beverley Randolph and Frank Dilella of NY1’s Onstage. Cover page Halftitle page Title page Copyright page Dedication Contents Preface Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction Some Terms to Know 1 What is a Swing? The History of Swings The Definition of a Swing Types of Swings 2 Selecting the Swing Getting the Job What it Takes Selecting the Swings (Swing Auditions) 3 Swings in Rehearsal Studio Rehearsal Replacement Swings Notation Stage Numbers Highlighting 4 The Next Step: Tech Rehearsal and Previews Tech Rehearsals Previews Backstage Tracking 5 On with the Show Opening Night Who is on First? Going on for the First Time Tips from the Pros 6 And the Show Goes On . . . and On . . . and On . . . Show Shape Called Rehearsals Staying Focused Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes Covering for Replacement Actors Split-Tracks and Cross-Gender Swinging Being “Thrown On” Downtime When the Swing gets Sick On or Off? 7 Closing Time Once a Swing, Always a Swing? 8 So You Think You Can Swing? Do You Have What it Takes? Honing Your Swing Skills Tips from the Pros Notation “How-To’s” Learning Music as a Swing Learning Lines for Multiple Roles 9 Swings as Dance Captains Duties Thoughts From the Pros Other Careers for Swings/Dance Captains 10 Swings beyond Broadway Universal Swings Swings on Tour Swinging Regionally and in Las Vegas Swings Abroad—in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia Summing It Up 11 Swing Stories Lyndy Franklin Smith J. Austin Eyer Mark S. Hoebee Jody Reynard Jason Snow Karl Christian Paula Leggett Chase Tripp Hanson Justin Greer Kristine Bendul Brad Bradley Colin Bradbury Clinton Roane Brian Collier Alicia Albright Romain Frugé Stacey Lynn Brass Larry Fuller Jerome Vivona Joseph Medeiros Karen Hyland Katrina Yaukey Lucy Costelloe Ben Hartley Candi Boyd Michael Biren 12 Thoughts from the Creative Team Questions and Answers with Susan Stroman, Jerry Mitchell, and Rob Ashford Susan Stroman Jerry Mitchell Rob Ashford 13 Swinging On Thoughts from the Swings on the Future of Swinging Our Final Thoughts Appendix A: Meet the Swings Appendix B: Sources/Further Reading Index