This article delves into the earnings of Broadway artists, including performers, stage managers, and musicians, providing valuable insights into their financial compensation.
Ever been curious about the income of Broadway’s talented professionals? Due to publicly available standard union contracts, we can determine the base salaries for Broadway performers, stage managers, and musicians.
Remember that the minimum rates stated here only apply to Broadway professionals and are calculated weekly. Since artists may only work on a Broadway show for part of the year, annual salaries are not provided. Additionally, these rates do not account for fees paid to agents, managers, taxes, and union dues, which can vary for each individual. The minimums also don’t consider the potential for actors and stage managers to negotiate higher rates, particularly for principal roles.
The information for actors and stage managers comes from documents endorsed by the Actors’ Equity Association, valid from December 19, 2022, through September 25, 2023. For musicians, data has been sourced from documents available to Associated Musicians of Greater New York, American Federation of Musicians Local 802, with pay rates valid from March 6, 2023, through March 10, 2024.
Actors
Equity performers on Broadway currently have a minimum weekly salary of $2,439. However, specific roles and responsibilities may lead to a higher weekly rate. Chorus and specialty roles add $25, while understudying multiple ensemble tracks or principal roles results in an additional $116.15 or $60 per week, respectively.
Dance captains and fight captains, responsible for maintaining choreography, also receive increased weekly salaries. Dance captains earn an extra $464.60, while assistant and fight captains earn an additional $232.30 and $100, respectively.
For chorus contract actors, agreeing to a one-year rider can increase their weekly pay by $80 for the first six months and $40 for the second six months, with a $2,600 bonus at the end of the year.
Stage Managers
Broadway stage managers earn a base weekly salary of $4,007 for a musical and $3,444 for a play. Assistant stage managers make a minimum of $3,165 for a musical and $2,816 for a space, while second assistant stage managers earn $2,645 weekly.
Musicians
Musicians’ weekly base pay on Broadway is $2,143.10, varying significantly depending on their commitments. Playing multiple instruments increases the weekly wage, with the first additional instrument adding $267.89 and subsequent instruments adding $133.95 each.
Conductors on Broadway have a base weekly salary of $3,750.43, while associate conductors earn at least $2,786.04. Additional instrument fees also apply to conductors.
Additional pay is granted for musicians assuming extra responsibilities or committing an extended time. Being on stage adds $104.18 per week, while wearing a costume or performing choreography adds $69.47 each. Wearing body paint increases the weekly salary by $100.71, and first-chair trumpet players earn an extra $100 weekly.
Broadway professionals, including actors, stage managers, and musicians, have different earning structures depending on their roles and responsibilities. The base weekly salaries mentioned above serve as a starting point, and various factors can lead to increases in pay.
It is important to remember that these figures are minimums and do not consider personal expenses such as agent fees, taxes, and union dues. Moreover, performers and stage managers may negotiate higher rates, especially when playing principal roles.
For actors, various factors can increase their weekly earnings, such as chorus or specialty roles, understudying roles, dance or fight captain responsibilities, and committing to a one-year rider.
Stage managers earn different base weekly salaries for musicals and plays, with first and second assistant stage managers making less than their senior counterparts.
Musicians’ pay can fluctuate dramatically depending on their commitments and the number of instruments played. Conductors and associate conductors receive higher base weekly salaries, and additional payments may be granted for extra responsibilities or specific requirements.
Understanding the income structure of Broadway professionals offers insights into the financial aspects of the industry. It highlights the importance of considering various factors when evaluating the earnings of these talented artists.
