With a couple of swaps, group of performers performs (4)
I believe the answer is:
acts
'performs' is the definition.
(acting is a kind of performing)
'with a couple of swaps group of performers' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'cts' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
(Other definitions for acts that I've seen before include "Parliaments pass them" , "bands, comedians, etc" , "Pieces of legislation" , "NT book; laws" , "exerts influence" .)