Actor and choreographer Jason Winter can currently be found strutting up and down the country in the first ever UK tour of the smash hit Kinky Boots as a swing and dance captain. Before joining the factory, he has played a part in some hugely successful productions including, Matilda, Wicked, West Side Story and Jekyll and Hyde. I had the great opportunity to ask Jason some questions all about the tour and about swing life.
Can you please tell us more about what being a dance captain involves?
So as a dance captain basically I am in charge of maintaining the standard of the choreography in the show. I worked closely with our choreographer Jerry Mitchell and our UK associate Darren Carnell during the rehearsals so I know how they like the show to look. I watch the show out the front a couple of times a week to check things aren’t changing too much and make sure that the dance numbers stay clean and energetic. I am also responsible for teaching understudies their tracks and for taking daily warmups to get the cast ready for the show.
What is it like being a swing, not knowing what role you could be playing until possibly the last minute?
It’s like marmite haha, you either love it or hate it. Me personally, I love it. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline buzz you get from being thrown on for a role. It’s a real sense of achievement when you get to the end of the show. And it also keeps the contract fresh, constantly changing roles.
How does it feel moving from the London production of Kinky Boots to the touring production? Are there any major differences?
On one hand, it’s strange. London was so special to me and the London Factory feels like home. It’s odd that everything is the same, and yet not at the same time. If that makes sense, haha. However, in regards to the show, it’s pretty much identical to the London version. The cast and the crew are all lovely and it’s exciting to be making new memories. Also it’s an hour to be able to look after this show on it’s first ever UK Tour. I’m very lucky.
Do you think that there is anything that can be done to improve audience members awareness of understudies and swings performing? ie, better cast information, announcements?
I always think that there is more that can be done. I feel like companies are worried about advertising when understudies and swings are in fear that the audience will think they’re getting a lower standard of show. When actually it is the complete opposite. A show could not, and would not run without it’s swings and understudies. They are invaluable to a production and, from previous experience, ridiculously talented people. I think it’s a real shame that it is not more celebrated when someone gets to step into the limelight and have their moment. I have to say that it has gotten better over the last couple of years, but there’s always more that can be done.
Did you always want to be a performer? How did you get into it?
I did yes. My mum is a ballroom and latin teacher, and helped me find my love for dancing from a very young age. I never stood still. Literally danced everywhere I went and loved to perform. I don’t remember ever wanting to do anything else. I got into youth theatre groups from a young age, and every hour out of school was spent in some sort of dance class or show rehearsal. My parents did so much for me and I will be forever grateful to them for it. I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today without them.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to be a performer?
Work hard, be a nice person and anything is possible. It is a tough business, there’s no sugar coating that. Knock backs can be a daily occurrence, but don’t take it personally. Learn from it, grow stronger and know the end goal. It’s totally worth it in the end, just enjoy the journey. It’s an incredible industry to be in