Home / Arts and Entertainment / Broadway's Invisible Hero: The Swing's Secret Superpower
Broadway's Invisible Hero: The Swing's Secret Superpower
23 Oct
Summary
- Swings are essential, invisible safety nets in Broadway productions.
- One swing covers seven roles in 'Schmigadoon!' on Broadway.
- Dyslexia and ADHD are cited as advantages for her unique role.
Broadway productions rely on an essential, yet often invisible, safety net: the swings. These performers are ready to step in if an actor falls ill or is injured, ensuring the show continues without a hitch. Ms. Briggs, a swing for "Schmigadoon!" on Broadway, exemplifies this role, capable of portraying up to seven different characters at a moment's notice.
Her unique position requires her to master multiple choreographies and musical parts, often requiring intense focus and study. Ms. Briggs has discovered that her dyslexia and ADHD, conditions she once found challenging, provide her with distinct advantages. She can easily visualize scenes from different perspectives and hyperfocus on tasks, skills that are invaluable for a swing.
Having debuted as a swing in "Cats" in 2016, Ms. Briggs has since covered roles in several major productions. She has performed onstage 53 times with "Schmigadoon!" since April. Her parents, from Minnesota, recently traveled to New York with only a week's notice to see her perform in a featured role, highlighting the unpredictable nature of a swing's schedule.
