Broadway Swings Covering the Ensemble in Musical Theatre

by Eyer, J. Austin; Smith, Lyndy Franklin

• ISBN13: 9781472590008
• ISBN10: 1472590007
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2015-10-22
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Methuen Drama

Summary

In this textbook for performers, the position of a Swing-an Understudy for the Ensemble-on Broadway is examined from every angle, showing just how vital Swings are to the success of any musical theatre production.
Authors J. Austin Eyer and Lyndy Franklin Smith draw on their own experiences as performers, and gather first-hand stories from other Swings about the glories and hardships of their industry. The book features interviews with over 100 Broadway pros-Swing veterans, Stage Managers, Casting Directors, Choreographers, and Directors-including Rob Ashford, Susan Stroman, Jerry Mitchell, Larry Fuller, Tony Stevens, Beverley Randolph, and Frank DiLella.
Broadway Swings is the ideal guide for anyone considering a career in this most unique of positions, or anyone curious about what really goes on, behind-the- scenes, in a long-running show.

Author Biography

Lyndy Franklin Smith is an instructor for theatre at the University of Kentucky, following a career on Broadway and TV. She is sought after across the country as a master teacher and clinician for dance and musical theatre workshops and classes. Along with teaching for UK Theatre, she is Co-Executive Director and on faculty at Town and Village School of Dance in Paris, Kentucky, and continues to direct and choreograph regionally.

J. Austin Eyer grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and began working professionally in television, film, commercials and theatre at the age of seven. He studied at Doctor Phillips High School for the performing arts, before graduating with honours from his BFA at NYU/Tisch School of the Arts. He teaches throughout the USA with Theatre Arts Center, Broadway Connection, Broadway Donation Dance, NYU, and, chiefly, as the Dance Coordinator on the Professional Musical Theatre Training Program CAP21 in New York City as well as in Europe with Music Theater Bavaria. His credits include The Secret Garden; Evita; Curtains; The Little Mermaid; Boys Just Want to Have Fun; My Big Gay Italian Wedding; Billy Elliot; How to Succeed (as Assistant Dance Captain and Swing), as well as a second appearance in Evita, in a production starring Ricky Martin.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – The Definition of Swing
Chapter 2 – Selecting the Swing
Chapter 3 - Swings in Rehearsal
Chapter 4 - The Tech Process and Previews
Chapter 5 - On With the Show
Chapter 6 - The Show Goes On…and On…and On…
Chapter 7 - Closing Time
Chapter 8 - So You Think You Can Swing
Chapter 9 - Swing Stories
Chapter 10 – The Ups and Downs
Chapter 11 - Where do We Go from Here?
Chapter 12 - Broadway's MVPs – Meet the Swings!