trisha jeffrey Archives - Broadway Black https://www.broadwayblack.com/tag/trisha-jeffrey/ When Theatre Goes Dark Thu, 14 Jan 2016 04:45:33 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/www.broadwayblack.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cropped-Broadway-Gold-B-1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 trisha jeffrey Archives - Broadway Black https://www.broadwayblack.com/tag/trisha-jeffrey/ 32 32 26346292 Broadway Black Celebrates National Swing Day https://www.broadwayblack.com/broadway-black-celebrates-national-swing-day/ https://www.broadwayblack.com/broadway-black-celebrates-national-swing-day/#respond Thu, 14 Jan 2016 04:45:33 +0000 http://broadwayblack.com/?p=12974 Actors’ Equity Association has declared Jan. 13 “National Swing Day” in an attempt to “honor the unsung heroes of theatre.” As mentioned on Broadway Black, swings have one of the toughest jobs on Broadway and in theatre in general. Different from an understudy or standby, who go on as one character, the swing essentially must […]

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]]> Actors’ Equity Association has declared Jan. 13 “National Swing Day” in an attempt to “honor the unsung heroes of theatre.” As mentioned on Broadway Black, swings have one of the toughest jobs on Broadway and in theatre in general. Different from an understudy or standby, who go on as one character, the swing essentially must learn ALL parts of the show.

As Actors Equity puts it, “swings are those members of the company who cover all the other chorus members. Often the most important to cast because of the nature of the job, a Swing must have a wide vocal range, be able to dance and be able to step into a role from young child to an older character, male or female. A Swing also must know the smallest detail of every ‘track.’ Essentially, the Swing must be able to do it all and must be ready to go on at a moment’s notice.”

So in honor of #NationalSwingDay here’s a few of our favorite swing testimonials from some Broadway Black stars!

Rachel Oneika Phillips

Yesterday was declared #NationalSwingDay by the Actors Equity Association. My Broadway debut was a dream come true…and that dream in reality was some of the hardest and most rewarding artistic experiences of my life. Brought on as a Swing and Understudy I rehearsed relentlessly to learn 8 female tracks and 2 lead roles in FELA! The Musical. Trust me, it is not for the faint of heart. One of my proudest accomplishments. Big respect to those who dare, can and do! As Equity puts it, “Swings are those members of the company who cover all the other chorus members. Often the most important to cast because of the nature of the job, a Swing must have a wide vocal range, be able to dance and be able to step into a role from young child to an older character, male or female. A Swing also must know the smallest detail of every ‘track.’ Essentially, the Swing must be able to do it all and must be ready to go on at a moment’s notice.” #EquityTeamSwing #TBT #FELA! #Kikelomo #bereadyatamomentsnotice #swingnation #blocstars

A photo posted by Rachel Oneika Phillips (@dragonpassionfruit) on

Phoenix Best

Trisha Jeffery

Tracie Thoms

Jaquez Rudolpho

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]]> https://www.broadwayblack.com/broadway-black-celebrates-national-swing-day/feed/ 0 12974 Dreamgirls Rocks Milwaukee Repertory Theater https://www.broadwayblack.com/dreamgirls-rocks-milwaukee-repertory-theater/ https://www.broadwayblack.com/dreamgirls-rocks-milwaukee-repertory-theater/#respond Wed, 30 Sep 2015 16:37:03 +0000 http://broadwayblack.com/?p=9865 Milwaukee Repertory Theater is getting ready to launch the Quadracci Powerhouse season with their highly anticipated production of the Tony Award-winning musical, Dreamgirls. After producing  sold-out runs of Ragtime and The Color Purple, Artistic Director Mark Clements brings together the same production team for this glitz and glam musical about the rise and fall of three Black women trying to […]

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]]> Milwaukee Repertory Theater is getting ready to launch the Quadracci Powerhouse season with their highly anticipated production of the Tony Award-winning musical, Dreamgirls. After producing  sold-out runs of Ragtime and The Color Purple, Artistic Director Mark Clements brings together the same production team for this glitz and glam musical about the rise and fall of three Black women trying to make it in the music industry of the 1960’s. As they soon discover, friendship and loyalty come at the price of fame.

The dynamic cast includes Nova Y. Payton, (Dreamgirls Signature Theatre; Hairspray Signature Theatre, Helen Hayes Award) as Effie, Trisha Jeffrey (Broadway: Little Shop of Horrors; 2013 Broadway World Chicago Best Actress, Black Excellence Award, Black Theatre Alliance Award for “Celie” in The Color Purple at Mercury Theater Chicago) as Deena; and Dan’yelle Williamson (Broadway: Memphis; National Tour: The Lion King) as Lorrell– collectively known as “The Dreamettes.” Rounding out the cast is Jared Joseph (Broadway: Holler if Ya Hear Me) as Curtis Taylor Jr.; Richard Crandle (National Tour: Hairspray) as CC White and Cedric Neal (Broadway: The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess) as James “Thunder” Early, a role that won him the Helen Hayes Award in Washington, D.C. for the Signature Theatre production; and Nathaniel Stampley (Broadway: The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, The Lion King; The Color Purple at Milwaukee Rep) as Marty.

Dreamgirls runs in the Quadracci Powerhouse until November 1, previews began on Sept 22 with an opening on September 26. Tickets starting at $30 can be purchased online at www.MilwaukeeRep.com, by phone at 414-224-9490, or at the Ticket Office (108 E Wells Street).

If you are in the Milwaukee area, I’d advise you to see this show as fast as you can. It’s one you just do not want to miss. Don’t believe me? Just watch this clip of Nova Y. Payton singing “And I Am Telling You” and see if you don’t change your mind.

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]]> https://www.broadwayblack.com/dreamgirls-rocks-milwaukee-repertory-theater/feed/ 0 9865 How to Get Carded: The Actors Equity Association https://www.broadwayblack.com/get-carded-actors-equity-association/ https://www.broadwayblack.com/get-carded-actors-equity-association/#respond Wed, 23 Sep 2015 17:58:14 +0000 http://broadwayblack.com/?p=9111 On the opening night of Hamilton, Betsy Struxness received the coveted Gypsy Robe® from Actor’s Equity Association. It is an honor bestowed upon the ensemble member who has the most Broadway Theatre credits. A traditional ritual is performed by the recipient right before the premiere and it is said to bring luck to the cast and show. […]

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]]> On the opening night of Hamilton, Betsy Struxness received the coveted Gypsy Robe® from Actor’s Equity Association. It is an honor bestowed upon the ensemble member who has the most Broadway Theatre credits. A traditional ritual is performed by the recipient right before the premiere and it is said to bring luck to the cast and show.

The opportunity to take part in this honor is only available to members of the Actors Equity Association. According to their website,

One of the most important benefits of Equity membership that is often overlooked is the experience and knowledge of the Equity staff. Equity’s Business Representatives enforce each member’s individual contract provisions and riders. They monitor safety conditions, administer Equity’s agreement with franchised agents and assist members with work-related issues like unemployment and Workers’ Compensation claims.

Since its inception in 1913, the Actors Equity Association has been responsible for assuring its members certain rights and privileges over non-Equity actors. Membership brings union representation regarding issues such as negotiating wages, stable working conditions and a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. In addition, many audition calls are Equity-Only with non members or future members allowed only as guests with no guarantee of being seen.

The cards aren’t simply handed out with an application and payment of a fee. Aspiring members may join under the following methods:

  1. Equity Contract: An actor may be eligible to join if under an Equity contract. There are some required stipulations for length of contract prior to membership becoming valid.
  2. Associated Actors and Artistes of America Affiliation : Membership is also available by virtue of prior membership in a performing arts sister union.
  3. Equity Membership Candidate Program (EMC) : This program permits actors and stage managers-in-training to credit theatrical work in an Equity theatre towards eventual membership in Equity. After securing a position at a participating theatre, you may register as a candidate. Eligibility under this program requires a total of 50 weeks of EMC work at participating theatres.

With any job, protection of your rights is important. Actors Equity Association and organizations like it collectively use their strength to have a voice for actors in the workplace. For more information on how to obtain your Actor’s Equity card, click here.

 

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