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Behind The Scenes

Swings: Unsung Heroes of the Theatre

Published

9 years ago

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It’s opening night. Performers wait anxiously for the overture to begin. A final mental pass through of lines and choreography complement the simmering back stage energy. For most performers in musical theatre, that means one role, a set song list and choreography. Unless that is, that performer is the swing. The swing may have the entire male or female (or, in some cases, both) ensemble’s tracks neatly cataloged in their heads, not knowing what role they may  be required to perform.

In musical theatre, swing performers are not to be confused with understudies or standbys. While the understudy is set to learn the role of a lead performer and may also have a minor key role, it is the swing that steps in to fill in for the understudy as well as all of the roles for the ensemble. Standbys, by contrast, require that the actor literally “stand by” in case a leading performer needs to miss a show or leave mid-performance. Arguably, the swing is the most versatile, flexible and integral performer to any show. To take things a step further, universal swings are swings who may commute around the country as needed to act in various productions of a touring production. In medical parlance, swings are the EMTs of the theatre, waiting to be dispatched to save the show.

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Despite their importance, the swing is often the least recognized cast member, missing the accolades afforded to most of the show’s performers. But for those who choose to remain swings show after show, it is the love of the stage that keeps them filling these roles. Conversely, some cast as swings aren’t always thrilled with the possibility of being typecast as one forever in the shadows. Some of these performers accept the swing role as an opportunity to prove themselves and break into Broadway. While swings are paid more than ensemble and the opportunity to be on stage is steady, having earned a reputation as a reliable and competent swing, these performers must find ways to move away from being viewed only as a swing if they ever hope to break out into a lead or featured role.

Whether they love it or long for more, there is no doubt that swings are incredibly important to any show. Regardless of what is happening backstage, and unbeknownst to the excited audience, the swings make sure that the show always goes on.

 

 

 

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Nicole "Blackberri" Johnson is a freelance writer, stage/ film actress, activist and entrepreneur. Mom of three. Blackberri is also a notorious cape thief and unapologetic bacon lover. Follow on twitter @Blackberri

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  1. Pingback: Broadway Black Celebrates National Swing Day - BroadwayBlack.com

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Behind The Scenes

Behind-The-Scenes: The Men of Ain’t Too Proud VOGUE Photo shoot

Published

6 years ago

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January 15, 2019

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Derrick Baskin, Jawan M. Jackson. Jeremy Pope. Ephraim Sykes, James Harkness Photo: IG @jawanjackson4

Go behind-the-scenes of the Vogue photo shoot with the men of Ain’t Too Proud.

Leading the cast as The Temptations will be Derrick Baskin as Otis Williams, James Harkness as Paul Williams, Jawan M. Jackson as Melvin Franklin, Jeremy Pope as Eddie Kendricks, and Ephraim Sykes as David Ruffin. The Broadway cast will also feature Esther Antoine, Saint Aubyn, Shawn Bowers, E. Clayton Cornelious, Rodney Earl Jackson Jr., Taylor Symone Jackson, Jahi Kearse, Jarvis B. Manning Jr., Joshua Morgan, Rashidra Scott, Nasia Thomas, Christian Thompson, Curtis Wiley, and Candice Marie Woods.

Ain’t Too Proud is the electrifying new musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Five guys. One dream. And a sound that would make music history. With their signature dance moves and unmistakable harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one. The rest is history — how they met, the groundbreaking heights they hit, and how personal and political conflicts threatened to tear the group apart as the United States fell into civil unrest. This thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal is set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and so many more.

Ain’t Too Proud will play the Imperial Theatre on February 28th, 2019, with an official Opening Night set for Thursday, March 21, 2019.

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Behind The Scenes

Behind The Curtain: Eclipsed Will Air The Historic Broadway Journey On Centric TV

Published

8 years ago

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March 1, 2017

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Eclipsed is returning and this time it’s on television. Well, kind of.

According to the press realease:

BET International releases a multi-part documentary series chronicling the ascent and realization of ‘Eclipsed’; a Broadway play all written, directed and acted by women of African descent.

  • Danai Gurira (Zimbabwe), playwright
  • Liesl Tommy, (South Africa), director
  • Lupita Nyong’o (Kenya), actress
  • Akosia Busia, (Ghana), actress
  • Zainab Jah (Sierra Leone), actress
  • Saycon Sengbloh, (Liberia), actress
  • Pascale Armand, (Haiti), actress

A winner of nine accolades including a Tony Award, the play tackles the survival stories of five women near the end of the second Liberian civil war. Written by actress, Danai Gurira who was inspired by a New York Times article about Black Diamond, a female freedom fighter and the female peace activists.

Broken into three episodes, each part delves into a central theme; Context, Cultivation, and Community. The series documents the fearless women using art to combat social injustice and give voice to the voiceless. With a strong production team including Stephen Byrd, Alia Jones Harvey and Michaela Angela Davis the documentary uses cinema-verite style to complement the rehearsal/show footage and ancillary interviews.

Ava L. Hall, executive producer and Vice President, Programming & Brand Advancement, BET International commented:

“It was really important to us to capture and to some extent immortalise the extraordinary stories of these women in Liberia and also the women who fought to bring it to fruition on the other side of the Atlantic, in New York on Broadway. This is a tale of how sisterhood, support and humanity travels globally to create a vision which breaks boundaries, sets new standards and while sobering, inspires a generation to find value and strength in their stories.”

This ground breaking play took its place firmly on Broadway and this documentary will take a place firmly in your heart and mind. Celebrating the intersection of Black and women’s history months airing on March 1, 2017 at 8pm EST on Centric

This is not one you’ll want to miss. You’ll even see a guest appearance from a photoshoot Broadway Black did before the Tony Awards. Live tweet with us tonight! @BroadwayBlack

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Twitter: @BroadwayBlack

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