How to Swing in Musical Theatre: A Guide to Covering the Ensemble

How to Swing in Musical Theatre shines a light on the most universal techniques used by cast members who, in response to absence, can perform multiple roles across an ensemble.

This entertaining guide can be used not only to build a step-by-step understanding of what swinging is and how it can be approached, but also as a constant point of reference throughout a career in musical theatre. Providing a suite of practical, technical advice on everything from quick and easy notation to compiling one’s own personal swing ‘bible’, everything that an aspiring or experienced musical theatre performer will need is clearly arranged and thoughtfully explained. This book also teaches the SAFE Strategy, which is recognised as the most functional swing method and introduces the SAFE Principles of Swinging: Safety, Awareness, Function and Evolution. The principles are an original construct, devised to ward off stress and invite positive experience through reasoned behaviours.

Musical theatre performers at every level of the profession will find this an invaluable guide that elevates their craft no matter what their previous training, experience or success in the industry.

Jaye J. Elster traverses work as a director, choreographer and passionate guest lecturer for musical theatre institutes worldwide. As a professional actress, her West End credits include Half a Sixpence, Matilda the Musical and Singin’ in the Rain – a production she continues to oversee internationally.