How Much Do Touring Actors Earn? Wages, Bonuses & Expenses
Ever wondered how much do touring actors make? You’re not alone. It’s a question that many people ask, especially those who are considering a career in the theatre or simply curious about the inner workings of the industry.
In this guide, we’re going to look into the world of touring actors and their earnings. We’ll explore everything from the basic pay structure to the impact of agents and the difference between celebrity and non-celebrity actors’ earnings.
Key Takeaways
- Touring Actors’ Pay: Actors on UK tours earn a base fee of £474.44 per week for an 8-show run, plus a £300 weekly allowance for living expenses, although this may not fully cover accommodation costs in major cities.
- Extra Earnings for Understudies: Understudies get an additional £18.46 weekly, and £27.64 per show they perform, recognising their extra effort in learning multiple roles.
- Agents and Celebrity Actors: Agents play a key role in an actor’s career, taking around 10% commission but often securing better roles and pay. Celebrity actors can earn over £150,000 per run, drawing larger audiences and boosting a show’s revenue.
How Much Do Touring Actors Earn?
In the world of theatre, pay is often determined by the size of the venue. The more seats a theatre has, the higher the potential earnings for the actors. For a typical 8-show week production on tour in a theatre with between 500 – 1499 seats, which is the standard amount for UK Tours to make them profitable, the base fee is £474.44 a week.
This base fee includes rehearsals and the show while it’s on tour. But that’s not all. Touring theatre cast members also receive a weekly allowance of £300 to cover accommodation and living costs. This allowance is crucial as the cost of accommodation, often referred to as ‘Theatre Digs’ in the industry, is not arranged by the production.
However, many actors have voiced that the allowance rarely covers the full cost of hotels, especially when the tours hit major cities. This often results in many performers sharing hotel rooms or the entire cast booking an AirBnB.
So, while the life of a touring actor might seem glamorous, it’s important to remember that it also involves careful budgeting and financial management.
Extra Pay for Cast Members Who Understudy Roles
Understudies receive an extra £18.46 per week on top of their base fee. This is for their additional responsibilities and the extra work they put into learning multiple roles. If an understudy goes on stage to perform, they receive an additional £27.64 per show.
How Agents Influence an Actor’s Earnings
Agents are an integral part of an actor’s career. They negotiate contracts, secure roles, and generally advocate for the actor’s best interests. In return for their services, agents take a commission from the actor’s earnings, often around 10%.
This commission can have a significant impact on an actor’s take-home pay. However, the benefits of having an agent often outweigh the cost. Agents have industry connections and expertise that can help actors secure better roles and higher pay.
The Earnings of Celebrity Touring Actors
Celebrity actors bring a unique dynamic to the world of theatre. Their fame and fanbase often draw larger audiences, leading to higher ticket sales and, consequently, higher earnings. These actors are often represented by elite agencies that have the ability to demand higher appearance fees.
For a celebrity actor, earnings can exceed £150,000+ per run. This substantial figure reflects not only their talent and popularity but also the added value they bring to a production. Their presence can significantly boost a show’s profile, attracting more attention and generating more revenue.
Final Word
We hope this guide has been informative and has given them a clearer understanding of the earnings of touring actors. From the starting point of their careers to potentially landing roles on larger stages like the West End and Broadway, each actor’s financial journey is unique and reflective of their hard work and dedication.
FAQs
What is the average yearly wage of a non-celebrity touring actor?
The average yearly wage of a non-celebrity touring actor is around £22,500. This includes their base fee, any understudy payments, and their weekly allowance.
How much can a celebrity touring actor earn?
Celebrity touring actors can earn significantly more than their non-celebrity counterparts, with some earning £150,000+ per run.
What is included in a touring actor’s pay?
A touring actor’s pay includes their base fee, any understudy payments, and a weekly allowance for accommodation and living costs.
Do touring actors get paid for travel expenses?
Yes, travel expenses are typically covered by the production company.
What is the role of an agent in a touring actor’s career?
Agents negotiate contracts, secure roles, and generally advocate for the actor’s best interests. In return for their services, agents typically take a commission from the actor’s earnings, often around 10%.
How much do understudies earn?
Understudies receive an extra £18.46 per week on top of their base fee. If an understudy goes on stage to perform, they receive an additional £27.64 per show.
What is the difference in earnings between non-celebrity and celebrity touring actors?
Non-celebrity touring actors earn an average yearly wage of around £22,500 while celebrity actors can earn significantly more, with some earning £150,000+ per run.
What is the average salary for entertainers and performers in the UK?
The average salary for entertainers and performers in the UK is £40,600 per year. However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of performances you specialise in.
What are ‘Theatre Digs’?
‘Theatre Digs’ is a term used in the industry to refer to the accommodation for touring actors. Actors receive a weekly allowance to cover the cost of accommodation while on tour.