Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 10/18/2009

Question
The cast list for a show that i just auditioned for just went up, and next to my name it says the characters name and next to it says in bold print Swing. What does a swing do?

Answer
Hi there, Travis...And thanks for writing.

Congratulations on being cast.  Swing usually refers to an understudy.  So if you have your name next to an actual character, this means that you are understudying that character.  You swing in or perform when the main actor is unable or when the Director wants you to.  

Basically, it is your job to learn the part and play it in an identical way to the main actor.  

There are also other kinds of swings - general understudies - who study and prepare to swing in and play all of the roles.  Your situation sounds more specific though.

Does that help you?


Wanda