Crossword Genius

With a couple of swaps, group of performers performs (4)

Ross

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" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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