In theatre, what does a swing mean?

Question

If you scroll down to the bottom of the page some of the actors are listed as swing.

http://www.wickedthemusical.com/bios-cast.htm

Ahaha. I love how the guy who has done theatre for 50 years doesn't know what it is. Thanks guys, that was really bugging me.

Answer 1

To be fair, Theatre Doc probably hasn't done musicals, or at least not major productions. Swings are found only in musical theatre productions in large productions [like Broadway and major tours].

I've seen enough astute answers from Doc to know he's definitely been on the boards for quite a while.

:-)

Answer 2

It is possible to be in theatre for 50 years and not come in contact with a "swing." I've been in theare for about 30 years and if I had not done theme park shows when I was younger, I never would've come in contact with them. The term is used more in connection with the ensemble; whereas, an understudy usually is for a principal or featured role Swings are used to give players days off and most understudies are guaranteed a certain number of shows, especially since Bernadetter Peters is not going to be doing 8 shows a week! She'll use her understudy on Wednesday and Saturday matinees, save herself for the Saturday night crowd, and give herself an extra day off -- mon, tues, and WED.

Answer 3

A swing is a term for an understudy of an ensemble dancer or chorus (or both). I've been a swing before.

Answer 4

A swing understudies multiple main parts and is paid less than a lead role and more than an understudy

Answer 5

It means an understudy or part of the ensemble.

Answer 6

I have been in the theatre for 50 years and have never heard that expression. What is the context, how is it used?