On Broadway, there are few jobs as difficult as being a swing. Stars play their one single role, while ensemble members tend to stick to their one single track and might understudy a principal character or two. Swings, on the other hand, are the Swiss army knives of Broadway.
When ensemble members go on as understudies in principal roles, it's the swing's job to fill in for that actor's ensemble track. And with often as little as two or three swings on productions, that means that swings often have to know and be able to perform the track of any ensemble member. Yes, swings are tasked with having sometimes 10+ separate roles stored away in their head. And to make it even harder, those tracks are often quite similar to each other, meaning a swing has to be able to keep minute details and nuance front of mind at all moments.
Broadway swing Joanna Carpenter (Sweeney Todd) wants to make that a little less difficult for the next generation of swings, and has teamed up with The Harriet Tubman Effect to launch a new mentoring program called SwingNation, kicking off September 30. The program will pair experienced swings with first-time swings performing on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and national tours to share some inside scoop.
READ: 9 Broadway Stars Who Made Their Debut as Swings
Current participating mentors include Aaron J. Albano (Aladdin), Michelle Attardo (Chicago), Eddy Lee (Hamilton), Chase McFadden (Chicago), Megan Ort (Sweeney Todd), Mia Pinero (West Side Story), Antuan "Magic" Raimone (Hamilton), and Cecilia Trippiedi (Hadestown). Cate Benioff (Chicago) is serving as both a mentor and co-facilitator alongside Carpenter.
"Our goal for the program is multilateral: We want to provide guidance, nurturance, and support to first time swings that they may not otherwise get as they learn to navigate the unpredictability and reliance upon swings that simply IS the job," says Carpenter in a statement. "We also want to nudge a culture shift on Broadway and beyond in how swings are treated and resourced from show to show. If swings and covers are the brave bodies and minds keeping shows going, there is so much opportunity for inspiration and growth from peer to peer, while building accessible pools of knowledge across the industry. To be able to launch this program alongside Nicole Johnson, Cate Benioff, HTE and this generous and gifted roster of mentors is an absolute joy."
READ: 5 Essential Facts About Broadway Swings
“One of my first theatre experiences was as a swing on the North American tour of The Wizard of Oz," shares Nicole Johnson, founder of The Harriet Tubman Effect. "Having now served as a DEI director at the commercial level for years, I have noticed the substantial lack of infrastructure for swings and understudies in our theatrical systems and education programs. I’m thrilled to support this program providing swings with essential tools, direction, and mentorship so they can thrive now and in the future.”
The first phase of the program will run through the end of the year, with expansions in the works for the 2025-2026 season.
