If you’ve ever been captivated by the dazzling performances on Broadway and wondered about the financial rewards for the talented individuals who bring these stories to life, you’re not alone. Many aspire to grace the Broadway stage, but understanding the financial realities is crucial. This article delves into the salary structures for Broadway actors, stage managers, and musicians, shedding light on what these artists earn for their dedication and craft.
The information provided is based on publicly available standard union contracts, offering insights into the base salaries for these professionals. It’s important to note that these are minimum rates specifically for Broadway professionals and are calculated on a weekly basis. Unlike many other professions with annual salary reporting, artists’ employment with a Broadway show may not span an entire year.
These figures also don’t account for deductions such as agent and manager commissions, taxes, and union dues, which can vary significantly among individual performers. Furthermore, these minimums don’t reflect opportunities for actors and stage managers to negotiate higher rates, particularly when cast in principal roles.
Data for actors and stage managers, validated by Actors’ Equity Association, originates from documents accessible to union members. The rates discussed were effective as of December 19, 2022, and remained in effect through September 25, 2023, with subsequent slight increases.
Musician compensation data is derived from the most recent documents available to members of Associated Musicians of Greater New York, American Federation of Musicians Local 802, encompassing a scale sheet from 2021 and a subsequent agreement outlining 3% increases in 2022 and 2023. Playbill has incorporated both increases to determine current wages. These rates were valid as of March 6, 2023, and remained in effect through March 10, 2024.
Broadway Actor Salaries: A Closer Look
The fundamental question remains: How Much Does An Actor On Broadway Make? The current minimum weekly salary for an Equity performer on Broadway stands at $2,439. However, this figure can fluctuate based on the specific demands of a particular role. For example, a chorus role or specialty typically adds $25 to the weekly minimum, which is a common standard for Broadway ensembles.
Understudying roles also provides supplemental income. Swings, who cover multiple ensemble tracks, earn an additional $116.15 above the performer minimum, while performers who are only partial swings receive an extra $20. Understudying principal roles can boost the weekly salary by $60, and understudying chorus roles adds $17.50.
Musicals often designate performers as dance captains, responsible for knowing and maintaining the integrity of the show’s choreography. Serving as a dance captain adds $464.60 to the weekly salary, while assistant dance captains receive an additional $232.30. Productions requiring a fight captain to maintain fight choreography compensate that performer with an extra $100 per week.
An actor’s base salary on a chorus contract can also increase through a one-year rider, committing the performer to remain with the production for a full year. For the first six months of this agreement, the performer earns an extra $80 per week, which decreases to $40 for the second six months. Upon completion of the year, assuming the performer has stayed with the production, they receive a $2,600 bonus.
Stage Manager Salaries on Broadway
The compensation structure for stage managers on Broadway differs from that of actors. The base weekly salary for a stage manager working on a Broadway musical is $4,007, while for a play, it is $3,444.
Assistant stage managers earn a minimum of $3,165 per week for a musical and $2,816 for a play. Some musicals also employ a second assistant stage manager, who receives a minimum weekly salary of $2,645.
Musician Salaries on Broadway
The nature of professional musicianship allows for a flexible work environment. Broadway musicians often supplement their income by playing other gigs when not required for their Broadway show. Skilled substitute musicians, trained on the show’s score and approved by the conductor, fill in when the primary musician is unavailable. This flexibility can lead to significant weekly pay variations.
Focusing on the contractual weekly base pay for a musician, assuming consistent show attendance, the weekly wage for a Broadway musician is $2,143.10. Musicians who perform (or “double”) on multiple instruments receive additional compensation for each instrument. The first additional instrument earns the player an extra $267.89 per week, with $133.95 added for each subsequent instrument played.
The base weekly salary for a conductor on Broadway is $3,750.43, while their associate conductor earns a minimum of $2,786.04. Doubling on instruments also applies to conductors, increasing their base pay accordingly.
Musicians may also receive additional compensation for assuming extra responsibilities or committing additional time. If the orchestra is required to be onstage, they receive an additional $104.18 per week. Costumes or choreography add $69.47 for each. Body paint increases the weekly salary by $100.71. The first chair trumpet player also receives an extra $100 per week.
The Bottom Line
Navigating the financial landscape of Broadway can be complex. While the minimum salaries provide a baseline understanding of potential earnings, factors such as role, experience, and additional responsibilities can significantly impact an individual’s overall compensation. Understanding these nuances is key for anyone aspiring to a career on the Great White Way. The life of a Broadway actor, stage manager, or musician demands immense talent, dedication, and resilience, and while the financial rewards may vary, the passion for the craft remains the driving force for these extraordinary artists.
