Are crew members on Broadway?

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 12/17/16 at 9:06pm

When an actor joins a show if it's their first Broadway show they are making their Broadway debut. Is it the same case for crew members? Or since they aren't on stage(most of them) they aren't technically on Broadway? 

[oknazevad]

Posted: 12/17/16 at 9:13pm

From the stagehand's perspective, yes they are. Largely because the hourly rate for working at a Broadway theatre is much better than off-Broadway or television work. Though there's a difference between being on a show call (run crew) and a load in. 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/17/16 at 9:18pm

If you work at a show on Broadway as part of the actual production, you are indeed working on Broadway and in a Broadway show.  If it's the first show you're working on that's on Broadway, you can safely say you're making your Broadway debut.  It's up for you to clarify in what capacity.  Not everyone on Broadway is an actor - onstage band member, dancer with no acting tracks, etc.   

[DooWahDiddy]

Posted: 12/17/16 at 9:56pm

Of course they are, yes.  The director isn't on stage either, but it would be insulting to tell them they're not really on Broadway if they've directed a Broadway show.  All the musicians, stage managers, lighting, sound, wardrobe, directors, and anyone else I'm forgetting who are working on a Broadway show, are working on Broadway. 

[asmith0307]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 3:33pm

I will say though, that's its not as celebrated of a thing though like it is for actors. It's seemingly more of an "oh, that's cool" moment rather than a crying-happy tears thing.

[Islander_fan]

Posted: 12/19/16 at 12:01am

I am a member of Local 306 (the union that covers Broadway front of house staff.) I usher and am currently working at Hamilton. I think that it is fair for me to say that I work on Broadway. I"m clearly not a staff member at a non profit off Broadway house.