Broadway, the pinnacle of American theater, is a dream destination for aspiring actors and actresses. The bright lights, the thunderous applause, and the chance to perform on one of the world’s most prestigious stages are all incredibly alluring. But amidst the glamour and excitement, one question remains: how much do Broadway actors get paid?
Union Minimums
The minimum salary for a Broadway actor is set by the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union that represents stage actors and stage managers in the United States. As of 2023, the minimum weekly salary for an actor on Broadway is $2,034. This rate applies to all performances, regardless of the actor’s role or the size of the production.
Honorariums and Additional Compensation
In addition to the AEA minimum, actors may receive additional compensation in the form of honorariums or other bonuses. Honorariums are typically paid to actors who are considered to be “stars” or who have a particularly strong track record. The amount of an honorarium can vary widely, depending on the actor’s reputation and the terms of their contract.
Other forms of additional compensation include overtime pay, per-performance payments, and royalties. Overtime pay is earned when an actor works more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Per-performance payments are sometimes paid to actors who are not contracted for the entire run of a show. Royalties are paid to actors who have created original works that are performed on Broadway.
The Financial Realities of Broadway Acting
While the minimum salary for Broadway actors may seem high, it is important to remember that the cost of living in New York City is also very high. Many Broadway actors live paycheck-to-paycheck, and few are able to save for retirement. The financial realities of Broadway acting can be challenging, but the rewards of performing on the Great White Way are undeniable.
The following table shows the average weekly salary for Broadway actors by role, according to the AEA:
| Role | Salary |
|---|---|
| Lead | $2,224 |
| Supporting | $2,034 |
| Chorus | $1,864 |
| Understudy | $1,734 |
| Swing | $1,654 |
The following table shows the average weekly salary for Broadway actors by show, according to the AEA:
| Show | Salary |
|---|---|
| The Lion King | $2,294 |
| Wicked | $2,244 |
| Hamilton | $2,234 |
| The Book of Mormon | $2,224 |
| Dear Evan Hansen | $2,214 |
Despite the glamour and prestige of Broadway, there are a number of pain points that actors may face. These include:
- Low pay: The minimum salary for Broadway actors is relatively low, and many actors struggle to make ends meet.
- Job insecurity: Broadway shows are often short-lived, and actors may find themselves out of work between shows.
- Health risks: Broadway actors are often required to perform physically demanding roles, which can lead to injuries.
- Emotional stress: The pressure to perform on Broadway can be overwhelming, and actors may experience anxiety and depression.
Despite the challenges, there are a number of reasons why actors choose to perform on Broadway. These include:
- The love of theater: Broadway actors are passionate about theater and believe that performing on stage is the ultimate way to express themselves artistically.
- The desire for fame and recognition: Broadway can be a stepping stone to fame and recognition, and many actors dream of starring in a hit show.
- The financial rewards: While the minimum salary for Broadway actors is relatively low, there is the potential to earn a lot of money if an actor is successful.
If you are an aspiring Broadway actor, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of success. These include:
- Train hard: The best way to prepare for a Broadway career is to train hard. Take acting classes, workshops, and private lessons.
- Network with casting directors and agents: Attend industry events and get your name out there. The more casting directors and agents you know, the more likely you are to be considered for auditions.
- Be prepared for rejection: Rejection is a part of the acting business. Don’t take it personally, and keep auditioning for roles.
- Be persistent: Broadway is a tough business, but if you are persistent, you will eventually succeed.
The average salary for Broadway actors is $2,034 per week. The salary can vary depending on the role, the show, and the actor’s experience. Broadway actors face a number of pain points, including low pay, job insecurity, health risks, and emotional stress. However, they are motivated by their love of theater, their desire for fame and recognition, and the potential for financial rewards. If you are an aspiring Broadway actor, you can increase your chances of success by training hard, networking with casting directors and agents, being prepared for rejection, and being persistent.