Episode #35
Understudying, Swinging, & Covering
In this episode, Jennifer talks to seasoned Broadway performer & dancer, Afra Hines, all about what it means to understudy, swing, cover, and standby a show. They break down the responsibilities of each and the way each is contracted. Afra shares helpful tools for learning multiple tracks, being proactive, and staying organized. Plus, they talk about crafting your resume and website to reflect where you would like to go artistically and how you can advocate for yourself & your career.
About Our Guest
Currently performing in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, and last seen in the Broadway musical Hadestown (where she understudied the role of Persephone), Afra Hines is a veteran performer with 9 Broadway credits to her name. Some of her favorites include SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical where she played Michael/Maid and understudied Disco Donna Summer (performing the role 25 times), In The Heights (Original Broadway Company with Lin-Manuel Miranda), Shuffle Along (Original Broadway Company alongside Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter and Joshua Henry with choreography by Savion Glover), Ghost (Original Broadway Company, understudy Clara/Louise), and Motown (understudy Tina Marie). She also spent a year on the First National Tour of HAMILTON (Angelica Tour) playing San Francisco and Los Angeles. Additionally, Afra was a Radio City Rockette for 7 years. You can see Afra in NBC’s Annie Live!, and the miniseries Fosse/Verdon with Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams, on FX. Other television work includes Boardwalk Empire (Onyx Dancer), Curb Your Enthusiasm (Hamilton ensemble), The Detour (B.Frank ensemble), Mozart In the Jungle, and SNL.
