When it comes to taking the stage for Bar Boys, these actors are never ready, only prepared.
The covers and swings of Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s Bar Boys: A New Musical rerun talk about their experiences with taking on the roles of Chris, Torran, Justice Hernandez, Atty. Victor Cruz, Paping, and various ensemble members.
When we think of the words “theatre actor,” what usually comes to mind is the performer we see onstage during every show. But did you know that there are different types of actors in the industry, some of whom may never step in front of an audience?
These heroes are called covers and swings.
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s Bar Boys: A New Musical — which just sold out its final weekend — employs seven talented actors who are on standby during shows in case they need to take over their assigned roles.
The musical’s rerun introduces Ian Pangilinan as the cover for Chris, Khalil Tambio as the cover for Erik and Torran, Naths Everett as the cover for Justice Hernandez, Shaun Ocrisma as the cover for Atty. Victor Cruz, and Chino Veguillas as the cover for Paping and Atty. Maurice Carlson. Joining them are Rapah Manalo as the male swing and Mikaela Regis as the female swing.
We got to speak with Ian Pangilinan, Khalil Tambio, Shaun Ocrisma, Rapah Manalo, and Mikaela Regis to learn about what it’s like to be covers and swings for Bar Boys.
MAY SINGIL ANG PANGARAP
The Definitions of “Cover” and “Swing”
First of all, what is a cover and a swing, and is there any difference between the two?
Pangilinan defines the terms as “actors who can fill in for the main actors should [they] be unable to fulfill their roles due to health or other commitments.” The responsibilities of the two are similar, but while covers study lead or supporting roles, the swings “study a set (sometimes all) of the tracks of the ensemble members of a production,” says Tambio.
Ocrisma says that covers and swings are often “shadowing their counterparts off-stage.” He also calls them the “‘safety net’ of a theatre show,” a sentiment echoed by his fellow performers.
“We are always on standby during shows in case of emergencies,” shares Regis. Manalo agrees, stating that “naka-ready dapat kami on the spot.”
WE’LL CROSS THE LINE
Preparing For The Show
The covers and swings were given the chance to study all the show materials even before the rehearsal proper started. However, while these actors rehearsed with the rest of the principal cast, their process might have been more complex and grueling.
This applies especially to Manalo and Regis, the only swings in Bar Boys. Manalo studied 3 ensemble tracks, sharing how “kapag swing ka, kailangan talaga gumawa ng tracklist and strategy kung paano maalala lahat ng blocking, costume changes, and entrances and exits.”
Regis shares that they had a lot of catching up to do during the 2 weeks of rehearsals they had before moving in to the theater, often studying their tracks until the wee hours of the morning and still heading to rehearsals early the next day. However, “the show’s tagline, ‘Never ready, Only prepared’ has never [rang] more true for us swings,” she reflects with pride.
It’s a similar experience for the covers. Tambio underscores that “we always have to be on our toes and tirelessly study the tracks, analyze the text, and build our connection with the actors.”
Building connection is a foundational skill — much of the work these new cast members had to do also involved knowing the nuances of the actors they’re covering. This close study meant that they could seamlessly incorporate these distinct subtleties into their own approaches.
“It was very rewarding to feel that sense of accomplishment once I knew that I was already in sync with everyone else,” Tambio remarks.
These actors don’t always get to rehearse the show in full with the rest of the actors and backstage staff. For Bar Boys, however, Ocrisma shares that all of them had the privilege of doing 2 to 3 cover-led runs before opening night, giving them a taste of what it’s like to do the show before they welcomed audiences inside the theater.
Ultimately, one of the major factors behind the success of their rehearsals is the supportiveness of the cast and team behind Bar Boys. “The environment is one wherein joy is ingrained in the process of creating,” states Pangilinan.
He thinks about how Alex Diaz, the principal actor for Chris, “was with [him] every step of the way.” Having each other’s backs inside and beyond the rehearsal space was crucial to help the covers and swings meet the demands of their jobs.
MASASABING SINUBUKAN KO
Performing Onstage
Given the nature of their roles, the covers and swings have to be available for all show dates. However, doing a show isn’t guaranteed.
Fortunately, all actors were able to perform during the rerun, adding their own spins to the Bar Boys characters we’ve come to love.
When asked about her experience, Regis could only describe it as “crazy, fun, humbling, and fulfilling!” She emphasized the importance of the stage managers, costumes staff, and tech team in helping her quickly step into a role in the middle of a show.
Manalo, who first performed during the rerun’s exclusive preview night, says, “one thing na sinet ko sa mind ko is to just enjoy!” Most of the covers and swings did not know if they would be able to step on stage again, so relishing each moment inside the theater was a common goal.
Pangilinan agrees with his co-actor’s mindset. “You spend weeks upon weeks trying to make sure that each blocking, line, or verse delivers on the message so that audiences leave with a little bit more hope and joy in their hearts,” he says. “To impart that gift to even your loved ones as well just makes all those weeks worth it.”
Ian Pangilinan takes his first bow as Chris
This hope and joy was abundant backstage, as the regular cast members readily embraced each cover and swing. Ocrisma shared how supportive his fellow cast members were once he finally opened as Atty. Victor Cruz. Gimbey dela Cruz, who plays Boss Mama, gifted him with these words: “When we dare to be different, we can change the world! You got this! Ipaglalaban kita.”
It’s a tough yet rewarding job to be a cover or a swing. To an outsider, it might seem like the blood, sweat, and tears shed aren’t worth the uncertainty. But if there’s anything these performers showed us, it’s that being able to step in for their co-actors and play the roles they’ve studied for months — even for just a night or two — is enough of a prize.
Naths Everett takes her first bow as Justice Hernandez
“When I got the opportunity to do [a show], it was very fulfilling and satisfying because I felt that all of my efforts were rewarded,” Tambio shares. “I hope that I was able to give justice to a great character that’s very close to my heart.”
Khalil Tambio takes his first bow as Torran
Bar Boys: A New Musical will run until November 10, 2024 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.
Leave a Reply