How Much do Broadway Actors Make? A Guide for 2024

Ever wondered how much do Broadway actors make? Well, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’re going to delve into the world of Broadway actors and their earnings. We’ll explore everything from the minimum weekly salary set by the Actors Equity Association to the additional earnings that come with different roles.

Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a theatre fan, or just plain curious, this guide will give you a understanding of what it means financially to tread the boards on Broadway.

Key Takeaways

• Broadway Base Pay: The minimum weekly salary for Broadway actors is set at $2,439 by the Actors Equity Association as part of the contractual weekly base pay, but actual yearly earnings range from $45,000 to $220,000 depending on various factors.
• Role-Based Earnings: Pay varies for different roles; swings and understudies earn extra weekly amounts, while dance and fight captains receive higher additional pay for their specialised responsibilities.
• Celebrity Influence: High-profile actors can command significantly higher salaries, sometimes earning upwards of $100,000 per week, which is much more than the average Broadway actor’s pay.

How Much Do Broadway Actors Make?

When it comes to the earnings of Broadway actors, there’s more than meets the eye. The Actors Equity Association, the union that represents American actors and stage managers in the theatre, sets a minimum weekly salary for Broadway actors. This base pay is currently $2,439 per week.

However, the actual earnings can differ quite a bit. On average, a non-celebrity actor on Broadway earns between $45,000 and $220,000 per year. Factors such as the duration of the show, the length of their contract in an ongoing production, and the weekly minimum salary play a role in this.

But the financial landscape of Broadway doesn’t end there. It’s a complex world where different roles, responsibilities, and factors like celebrity status and show budget can significantly influence an actor’s earnings.

Role-Specific Earnings on Broadway

Broadway is a diverse stage, with a variety of roles that Broadway performers can play. These roles, from lead parts to ensemble members, come with different responsibilities and, consequently, different pay scales in a Broadway musical.

1. Swings and Understudies: Swings are actors who understudy multiple ensemble tracks, meaning they must know multiple roles and be ready to perform them at a moment’s notice. Understudies, on the other hand, are typically assigned to one specific lead or supporting role. Swings earn an additional $116.15 per week, or $20 if they are only a partial swing. Lead understudies earn an extra $60 per week, while chorus understudies earn an additional $17.50 per week.
2. Chorus Roles and Dance Captains: Chorus roles, which form the backbone of many Broadway musicals, earn an additional $25 per week. Dance captains, who are responsible for maintaining the integrity of all choreography in a production, earn an extra $464.40 per week. Assistant dance captains earn half of that, at $232.30 per week.
3. Fight Captains and Riders: Fight captains, who maintain fight choreography, earn an additional $100 per week. Actors who sign a rider, or a year-long exclusivity contract, earn an extra $80 for the first six months, $40 for the second six months, and a $2,600 end-of-year bonus.

The Impact of Celebrity Status on Broadway Earnings

In the world of Broadway, celebrity status can significantly influence an actor’s earnings. Celebrities often draw large crowds, which can lead to higher ticket sales and, consequently, higher pay for the celebrity actors.

For instance, high-profile actors like Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman have been known to earn much more than their colleagues. Reports suggest that they had a base salary of $40,000 a week during the run of “A Steady Rain,” in addition to a percentage of sales from the box office. This brought their weekly earnings closer to a whopping $100,000.

Similarly, Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane reportedly pocketed $100,000 per week when they starred in “The Producers.” Julia Roberts earned $150,000 a week when she starred in “Three Days of Rain.”

However, it’s worth noting that these are exceptions rather than the norm. Most Broadway actors do not have celebrity status and therefore do not command such high salaries.

Additional Factors Influencing Broadway Actor’s Pay

Broadway is a dynamic industry, and an actor’s earnings can be influenced by a variety of factors beyond their role and celebrity status. Here are some key elements that can impact an actor’s pay:

1. Size and Scope of Role: The principal cast, including leads and ensemble members, generally receive a higher salary. They have more lines to memorize and are crucial in conveying the storyline of the Broadway production.
2. Additional Duties: Actors may earn more if their duties in the show go beyond just acting. For instance, those who maintain fight choreography, or move a set piece during the show, can expect a few extra bucks at the end of each week.
3. Exclusivity: Signing a rider, or a year-long exclusivity contract, can give actors a little something extra.
4. Budget: Higher-budget productions can afford to pay their talent better than lower-budget ones.
5. Cut of Pay: Although rare, Broadway actors may earn a cut of the box office. This is a percentage of ticket sales on top of their weekly salary if they are involved in the development process or they are celebrities.
6. Assistant Stage Managers: Assistant stage managers on Broadway, especially those working on musicals and plays, have a minimum weekly salary. Their earnings can increase based on additional responsibilities and specific contract terms.

Comparison with West End Performers

Broadway and the West End are two of the most prestigious platforms in the world of theatre. While they share many similarities, the earnings of performers can differ between these two platforms.

In the West End, the minimum earnings of performers are determined by the size of the venue. For instance, “Category A” venues, which have 1,100 or more seats, offer a weekly rate of £768.98 for an eight-show week, and £900.36 for a twelve-show week. “Category B” venues, with between 900 and 1,099 seats, offer a weekly rate of £699.50 for an eight-show week, and £818.49 for a twelve-show week. Lastly, “Category C” venues, with up to 799 seats, offer a weekly rate of £629.41 for an eight-show week, and £736.65 for a twelve-show week.

It’s important to note that these are just the minimum rates. The actual earnings of West End performers can vary depending on factors similar to those on Broadway, such as the size and scope of the role, additional duties, exclusivity, budget, and cut of pay.

Final Word

We’ve explored the factors that shape Broadway actors’ earnings. From roles, fame, to show budgets and venue sizes, it’s a complex mix. We also compared Broadway and West End pay scales. Remember, each actor’s journey and pay is unique.

FAQs

What is the minimum weekly salary for Broadway actors?

The Actors Equity Association sets a minimum weekly salary for Broadway actors, which is currently $2,439.

How much do non-celebrity Broadway actors make per year?

On average, a non-celebrity actor on Broadway earns between $45,000 and $220,000 per year.

Do Broadway actors get paid more for additional duties?

Yes, actors who take on additional duties such as maintaining fight choreography or moving a set piece during the show can expect a few extra bucks at the end of each week.

How does celebrity status affect a Broadway actor’s earnings?

Celebrity status can significantly increase a Broadway actor’s earnings as they tend to draw large crowds, leading to higher ticket sales.

How much do high-profile actors earn on Broadway?

High-profile actors like Daniel Craig have been known to earn much more than their colleagues, with reports suggesting a base salary of $40,000 a week during the run of a show, in addition to a percentage of sales from the box office.

How does the budget of a Broadway show affect an actor’s earnings?

The budget of a Broadway show can impact an actor’s earnings as higher-budget productions can afford to pay their talent better.

What is a rider in the context of Broadway actor’s earnings?

A rider is a year-long exclusivity contract that can give actors a little something extra.

How do Broadway actor earnings compare with West End performer earnings?

The earnings of West End performers are determined by the size of the venue and can differ from those of Broadway actors.

What is the average income for Broadway actors?

The average income for Broadway actors can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars per week.