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swings and roundabouts

Wed, 17 Oct 2001, 05:58 pm
Linda8 posts in thread
What the heck is a swing?

It has received many a mention in the Les Mis debate.

RE: swings and roundabouts

Sun, 21 Oct 2001, 05:19 pm
As far as I am aware (I have friends who have been employed as "swings" in musicals in the East) a "swing" learns several minor/chorus roles but does not necessarily go on stage. If a lead actor gets sick his understudy (who is usually in a minor role or the chorus) will fill his shoes and the "swing" will then fill the void.

Needless to say, "swinging" is not popular with actors as they have to learn four or five roles but may not be guaranteed a performance!

According to my understanding of the the term, "swing" has been incorrectly used in the Les Mis debate. We really have only one "swing" (A very talented young man who knows every student role (and others) but thankfully gets to go on every night due to the double casting of the leads).

Cheers,
Gill

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