Broadway League President Apologizes for Insulting Understudies

Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin has issued an apology following comments she made in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that industry professionals found to be disparaging towards Broadway’s understudies and swings.

When asked about show cancellations, St. Martin’s response was “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. I know one show last week where the lead was out, the understudy was on vacation, the swings were covering other parts, and they just didn’t have enough people to stand in.”

Industry professionals immediately took to social media to voice their disagreement with St. Martin’s statement.

“I believe the word you are looking for here might be “under-rehearsed”; Alternatively, “flew in yesterday and are expected to go on tonight after being away from the show for 2 years” would probably also scan,” Actors’ Equity President Kate Shindle tweeted.

Shindle shared a Twitter thread praising swings and understudies as well as sub stage managers, with many replying to share their thoughts.

St. Martin’s comments come at a time where swings and understudies are trying to keep their industry afloat. Many Broadway shows are currently struggling due to Covid, with industry workers attempting to navigate these unprecedented situations and keep their shows running in the midst of cancellations. St. Martin’s comments are thoughtless and unnecessary to a struggling industry.

“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,” St. Martin said in a statement. “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.”

Hugh Jackman, currently starring in The Music Man, gave a speech emphasizing the importance of swings and understudies after the show’s fourth perview performance where Kathy Voytko replaced Sutton Foster with little rehearsal.

“Kathy, when she turned up at work at 12 o’clock could have played any of eight roles. It happened to be the leading lady. She found out at 12 noon today and at one o’clock she had her very first rehearsal as Marion Paroo,” Jackman said. “This is unprecedented. It’s not only happening here at the Winter Garden…but all over Broadway.”

“The swings, the understudies, they are the bedrock of Broadway.”

Also by Veronica Flesher:

Broadway Extends Vaccine Requirement to Children

Covid Cancellations Hit Broadway

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