Broadway League President Apologizes To Bway Understudies, Swings

Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin has issued an apology to Broadway swings and understudies after her remarks on Tuesday placed some of the blame for Broadway shows closing on ‘inexperienced’ understudies and swings. https://twitter.com/playbill/status/1473715071142572039 This was her initial statement on Tuesday:

“My educated guess is the newer shows maybe have understudies that aren’t as efficient in delivering the role as the lead is. Some of the older shows have more experienced understudies and more experienced swings.”

Actor’s Equity Association President Kate Shindle spoke out on behalf of swings and understudies noting that these jobs are the hardest on Broadway. Sometimes, when short-handed, producers call back actors who had performed in the show years ago for an emergency. But those actors may not get adequate rehearsal to jump back into the show. https://twitter.com/AEAPresident/status/1473675925409705991 https://twitter.com/AEAPresident/status/1473675928765145093 Here’s St. Martin’s mea culpa via Playbill:

“I sincerely apologize about my recent comments about understudies and swings. I clearly misunderstood and for that I am truly sorry.

“After speaking with several understudies and swings this morning I realize how this mistake has hurt many people. There was never any intention of disrespect.

“I do not make theatre but am committed to its success and to acknowledging the immense work of those who bring it to life eight shows a week and 52 weeks a year. Again, please accept my apology.”

Longtime readers of The Randy Report know that I was an actor on Broadway and in national touring companies in my life before becoming a journalist.  Yes, I was a swing and/or understudy in many productions. As a swing, I was required to know and be ready to go on for 8 different roles at a moment’s notice. Several times I went on in CHICAGO the Musical in the middle of the show. An announcement over the PA system: “Randy, get dressed, you’re on for Gary…” In three minutes, I jumped into costume WHILE I listened in to where we were in the show, where “Gary” was onstage (or where he should be if not sick/injured), and raced down to the closest place to grab their body mic, throw it on, and somehow make an entrance that didn’t pull from the focus of the play. https://twitter.com/AEAPresident/status/1473675931231338507 As an understudy, I went on in A Chorus Line at half hour for the role of “Richie” with no rehearsal. He was out, I had to go on. The play went on. Sometimes, I’d be on for one role and in the middle of the performance another actor I covered got injured. And suddenly my brain had to race ahead in the show. Any featured or solo lines by the two different tracks were my responsibility. If that line was delivered on the other side of the stage, it was my job to figure out how to get there. I used to explain to people that swings and understudies not only have to have the requisite talents for a role (acting, singing, dancing) but you also have to have a calm and presence of mind to be aware of where everyone is on stage. You don’t go on for these roles every night, so you often don’t relax into a role for some time; you’re hyper-vigilant about what comes next. It’s ludicrous that the president of the Broadway League could be so flippant with such an absurd comment.