Broadway performer Jake Swain offers a glimpse into the demanding world of musical theatre, revealing what it takes to thrive in a dance-heavy show like Mean Girls. From vocal health to the surprising realities of Broadway life, Swain shares his journey and insights for aspiring performers.
Jake Swain’s path to Broadway wasn’t a straight line, but his passion for performance was ignited early. Growing up in Orem, UT, he was active in sports and scouting, but a local production of Hello Dolly sparked his interest in theatre. He recalls a profound experience watching his friend in A Christmas Carol: “I remember weeping as a 6-year-old when Tiny Tim died. I wanted to tell stories the way Eric did. I wanted to make people feel something.” This emotional connection to storytelling led him to pursue a BFA in Acting from Brigham Young University, setting the stage for his move to the heart of American theatre.
Two days after graduation, Swain made the pivotal move to New York City. He and a friend embraced the quintessential NYC experience, settling into a cramped Washington Heights apartment. Despite the initial challenges of city living, Swain emphasizes the importance of this immediate immersion into the New York theatre scene. This bold move proved crucial in launching his career.
Life in NYC is a constant flux of favorites and frustrations. Swain’s current culinary highlight is Zoralie, a Dominican eatery in Hell’s Kitchen, known for its beef stew. However, the city’s unpredictable infrastructure can be a downside, as he humorously notes the closure of his subway stop for a year.
The call that changed everything came on February 5, 2019. While working a restaurant job, Swain received news that he would be joining the Broadway cast of Mean Girls as Tyler Kimble, the Mathlete. He is still performing in Mean Girls, marking his year anniversary with the show and now also understudying the role of Aaron Samuels. Mean Girls is known for its energetic choreography and demanding dance sequences, requiring performers to be in top physical and vocal condition.
Jake Swain as Aaron Samuels with Becca Petersen in Mean Girls
Jake Swain embodies Aaron Samuels alongside Becca Petersen in a scene from Mean Girls, showcasing the show’s dynamic stage presence.
One of the biggest surprises about working on Broadway for Swain has been the realization of its human scale. “Life—all the beauties and all the tragedies—continues to happen to every single person after they get their dream job,” he reflects. This grounded perspective highlights the blend of extraordinary performance and everyday life that characterizes the Broadway experience.
The rewards of performing in Mean Girls are often deeply personal. Swain describes moments of sudden clarity and gratitude on stage: “I’ll be tapping a pencil onstage during a number and all of a sudden my body will register, ‘Oh my gosh. I’m holding an actual pencil. Sitting on an actual desk. On an actual Broadway stage.’ And I’ll think of my high school drama teacher and my college professors and the dreams we all had. Then the tears will flow.” These moments underscore the fulfillment derived from achieving long-held aspirations.
However, the demanding performance schedule of a show like Mean Girls, with its intricate Mean Girls dance routines, presents significant challenges. Maintaining vocal and physical health is paramount. “I think the most challenging part is learning how to keep my body and voice healthy doing an intensely physical show eight times a week for almost a year now,” Swain admits.
Vocal health is a critical aspect of Swain’s Broadway routine. He employs various warm-up techniques, including straw therapy phonation and lip trills. He relies on recorded warm-up routines from his vocal lessons, ranging from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on his vocal condition and schedule. Having undergone vocal surgery to remove a polyp, Swain is particularly vigilant about vocal care, emphasizing steaming and vocal rest. He credits his vocal coach, Chelsea Wilson, as instrumental in restoring and maintaining his vocal strength, enabling him to perform consistently in a vocally and physically demanding show like Mean Girls.
Jake Swain’s Broadway debut with cast members Christine Shepard, Kevin Cosculluela, and Daryl Tofa
Jake Swain (right) celebrates his Broadway debut with Christine Shepard, Kevin Cosculluela, and Daryl Tofa, marking a milestone in his career in Mean Girls.
Reflecting on his journey, Swain affirms the sacrifices were worthwhile. “Yes. It’s worth it,” he states. “The hard work continues even after booking ‘the job.’ But I get to do what I love with people that I love. That makes it worth it.” This sentiment encapsulates the dedication and passion required for a Broadway career.
For those aspiring to a Broadway career, particularly in dance-centric shows like Mean Girls, Swain offers valuable advice. He acknowledges the varying skill sets required across Broadway productions, noting that Mean Girls is “dance heavy.” While he started dancing in college, he emphasizes that it’s “never too late to start.” However, he stresses the importance of honing existing strengths: “But more important than trying to become a dancer if you’re primarily an actor or a singer, is becoming the best at what you’re already best at… But don’t ignore the talents you already have. That is what will set you apart.” This advice is particularly pertinent for individuals aiming for roles in productions featuring complex choreography and Mean Girls dance styles.
Swain’s advice to aspiring Broadway performers is succinct and impactful: “Be kind, work hard, and make brave choices.” These three principles form a solid foundation for navigating the competitive world of theatre.
Concluding his insights, Swain appreciates the sense of community within the performing arts. “I love that you say a ‘community.’ A community is exactly what you’ll need as move further into this career. Find your people,” he advises. This emphasis on community highlights the collaborative and supportive environment essential for a sustainable and fulfilling career in the demanding yet rewarding realm of Broadway and shows like Mean Girls with its unforgettable dance numbers.
