Student Blog: How to Swing It As a Swing!

This semester I get to learn how to do a part in almost every show that is vital to a production running smoothly; I get to swing! I start rehearsals for Pride and Prejudice this week and am swinging two tracks, each track consisting of two characters. I have been able to understudy before but have never been a swing. It’s a bit overwhelming but I am going to try to list some of the things that have already been extremely helpful to me. Some of these tips I tend to find helpful though no matter what role I am playing in a show!

First and foremost is understanding the difference between an understudy and a swing. The definitions can change depending on the show, but typically a swing can go in for multiple roles and doesn’t necessarily perform every night. An understudy is a performing member of the show who could go in for a principal role if needed. The differences used to confuse me, but I realized that a swing usually has more work as they have to learn multiple tracks, which means conflicting lines and blocking possibly with another character you might have to learn. 

I am covering two tracks that cross paths and speak to one another so the chance of confusion and getting lines mixed up feels extremely high knowing me. Similar to what many psychologists will tell you about studying, I have decided to highlight my tracks in two different colors as well as write down each track's blocking in corresponding colors! This is definitely a common tool I have seen among not only swings but actors with only one track that maybe has two characters as well. To learn the actual lines, I have also made two different study sets rather than lumping them into one.

Speaking of lines, I have found it best to focus on tackling those before blocking. What’s most important at the end of the day is keeping the audience interested and keeping the story moving. As long as you are in character and saying the correct lines, your scene partners should be able to work around any slight blocking issues that might come up. 

I also have designated days that I am going to go over one specific tracks blocking! Of course, if I know I will be specifically working on one track or another that day in rehearsal, I will focus on that, but otherwise, I believe devoting specific days to specific tracks will help me separate my characters more and attribute specific physicalities and mindsets to them as well so my performances for them don’t feel like the same person.

In the end, I am using this opportunity to learn more about what I can juggle as a performer. Swings are extremely common in the professional world so the opportunity to practice is vital before I get out and start auditioning in the real world. The more experience, the more prepared I will be!