Sven’s head pivots by a linkage system connected to the performer’s head and body the weight of his head is cantilevered away from the performer’s neck by a custom orthopedic back brace. Sven is onstage for about 40 minutes of the show, and the role is physically taxing - the performer inside is on all fours, essentially planking for up to seven minutes at a time, with 11-inch stilts attached to his hands, and five-inch metal shanks attached to his feet.

The role was originated by Andrew Pirozzi, an actor who has been dancing (starting with ballet and tap) since he was 4, and who had learned tumbling and hand balancing by studying at a circus school and performing with an acrobatic team.