Broadway Black Celebrates National Swing Day

Actors’ Equity Association has declared Jan. 13 “National Swing Day” in an attempt to “honor the unsung heroes of theatre.” As mentioned on Broadway Black, swings have one of the toughest jobs on Broadway and in theatre in general. Different from an understudy or standby, who go on as one character, the swing essentially must learn ALL parts of the show.

As Actors Equity puts it, “swings are those members of the company who cover all the other chorus members. Often the most important to cast because of the nature of the job, a Swing must have a wide vocal range, be able to dance and be able to step into a role from young child to an older character, male or female. A Swing also must know the smallest detail of every ‘track.’ Essentially, the Swing must be able to do it all and must be ready to go on at a moment’s notice.”

So in honor of #NationalSwingDay here’s a few of our favorite swing testimonials from some Broadway Black stars!

Rachel Oneika Phillips

Yesterday was declared #NationalSwingDay by the Actors Equity Association. My Broadway debut was a dream come true…and that dream in reality was some of the hardest and most rewarding artistic experiences of my life. Brought on as a Swing and Understudy I rehearsed relentlessly to learn 8 female tracks and 2 lead roles in FELA! The Musical. Trust me, it is not for the faint of heart. One of my proudest accomplishments. Big respect to those who dare, can and do! As Equity puts it, “Swings are those members of the company who cover all the other chorus members. Often the most important to cast because of the nature of the job, a Swing must have a wide vocal range, be able to dance and be able to step into a role from young child to an older character, male or female. A Swing also must know the smallest detail of every ‘track.’ Essentially, the Swing must be able to do it all and must be ready to go on at a moment’s notice.” #EquityTeamSwing #TBT #FELA! #Kikelomo #bereadyatamomentsnotice #swingnation #blocstars

A photo posted by Rachel Oneika Phillips (@dragonpassionfruit) on Jan 14, 2016 at 1:23pm PST

Phoenix Best

Well I did it!! I made my official Broadway Debut tonight! I can’t believe that I finally achieved me dream! The biggest plus is that I got to do it with this girl by my side! This is the ultimate post for “swings doin things”! I love my color purple family! 1-6-16 is a day I will never forget! @bwaycolorpurple #thecolorpurple #broadway #swings #debut A photo posted by Phoenix Best (@misspheeny) on Jan 6, 2016 at 7:21pm PST

Trisha Jeffery

Once upon a time, I did it, too… And we were #Fierce 💥 Happy National Swing Day!!! The show must always go on! #nationalswingday #swingnation #swingsrock

A photo posted by Trisha Jeffrey (@trishajeffrey) on Jan 13, 2016 at 3:10pm PST

Tracie Thoms

In honor of #NationalSwingDay, here’s me as a swing in “Leader Of The Pack” at Towson Dinner Theatre in like, 1993! Yassss #DoeEyes!!! #Beehive #TheyPushedMeIntoPositionInEveryDanceNumber A photo posted by Tracie Thoms (@traciethoms) on Jan 13, 2016 at 9:49am PST

Jaquez Rudolpho

Happy National Swing Day! Almost two years ago I made my Broadway debut in Motown the musical as a swing. It wasn’t easy but I had blast. Swinging to me was like arithmetic, geography, art and music seamlessly fused together to make going on (sometimes at a minutes notice) a joy! Honoring the unsung heroes of MT #equityteamswing #swingnation #nationalswingday #musicaltheatre

A photo posted by Jaquez (@justjaquez) on Jan 13, 2016 at 8:36am PST