Theater News

Actors’ Equity Association Declares January 13 "National Swing Day"

Equity will celebrate “the unsung heroes of theater” with social media campaign.

Sarah Stiles and Steven Boyer in a scene from Hand to God, appreciating their show's "swings."
Sarah Stiles and Steven Boyer in a scene from Hand to God, appreciating their show's "swings."
(© Joan Marcus)

Actors’ Equity Association has announced plans to celebrate swings, the unsung heroes of theater, with "National Swing Day" on January 13. Using the hashtag #EquityTeamSwing, Equity will honor swings with a social media campaign that includes special graphics, tweets, and posts as well as photos of swings in the many roles, or "tracks," they cover.

As those members of the company who cover all the other chorus members, swings 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. A swing also must know the smallest detail of every "track."

"A lot goes into putting a musical together and swings are the 'how' it can be done eight shows a week. Swings have the company’s back," said Rebecca Kim Jordan, Actors’ Equity Association’s second vice president and chair of the ACCA.