Do actors get "paid out" if their show closes?
Do actors get "paid out" if their show closes?
#1Do actors get "paid out" if their show closes?
Posted: 11/5/07 at 10:32amI was just wondering. Since I assume actors can't just break their contract if they are in a show for, say a year, to do something else. I wondered if the contract works both ways. Does the contract protect the actor if the show closes and are they paid out for the time they were supposed to be committed to the project even though it is ending?
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#2re: Do actors get 'paid out' if their show closes?
Posted: 11/5/07 at 10:39am
this happened to me once, where our show ended it's three week run one week early.
Basically, we only got paid for the two weeks, because as long as the theatre notifies Equity that the show is closing within ten days
(I think it's ten days), then the contract is only good up until the last week of actual performaces.
I hope that makes sense
"I'm an American, Damnit!!! And if it's three things I don't believe in, it's quitting and math."
#2re: Do actors get 'paid out' if their show closes?
Posted: 11/5/07 at 10:42amIn the UK its a clause called 'run of show'! You get paid for the run of the show, be it 12 months or 12 perfs whichever is sooner.
A young actress with Noel coward after a dreadful opening night performance said to him 'Well, i knew my lines backwards this morning!''
Noels fast reply was ''Yes dear, and thats exactly how you said them tonight'!'
Yankeefan007
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
#3re: Do actors get 'paid out' if their show closes?
Posted: 11/5/07 at 10:45am
Actors in ensemble roles only have to give 2-3 weeks notice before leaving the show. Actors in principal roles must live out their contracts.
In turn, if a show closes, they get paid up to the last performance. It's not the job of a producer to keep them afloat financially because they have a year long contract. Once it's closed, they're out of a gig.
markymatt
Understudy Joined: 3/18/05
#4re: Do actors get 'paid out' if their show closes?
Posted: 11/5/07 at 11:10am
If it's an open-ended run, actors have to be given proper notice (proper being something like one week). If they aren't given that notice, they are paid one additional week.
The lesson: When you get that Broadway show, save, save, save!
BrianS
Broadway Star Joined: 10/8/07
#5re: Do actors get 'paid out' if their show closes?
Posted: 11/5/07 at 11:23am
Actually, the lesson is: When you get that National Tour, save, save, save.
After taxes, agent fees, 401k, etc... most Broadway chorus paychecks are around $980/week. Not a bad paycheck overall, but when you consider NY living expenses combined with the fact that this is the high end of (chorus) actor salaries, it isn't quite what you imagine a career on Broadway would be.
On tour, there is a tax-free per-diem of $777. If actors are frugal, they can save some serious cash.
If the audience could do better, they'd be up here on stage and I'd be out there watching them. - Ethel Merman
Updated On: 11/5/07 at 11:23 AM
etty
Swing Joined: 11/5/07
#6re: Do actors get 'paid out' if their show closes?
Posted: 11/5/07 at 11:25am
i don't know about broadway as much as over here in the uk, but most contracts have a clause that is generally two weeks' notice from the producers.
if a show posts closing notices more than two weeks in advance, the actors will be given notice and paid until closing. if it closes in less than two weeks, they'll do the remaining performances and be paid the full two weeks' wages.
markymatt
Understudy Joined: 3/18/05
#7re: Do actors get 'paid out' if their show closes?
Posted: 11/5/07 at 11:42am
From the production contract:
(1) Notice of closing. The Producer shall give to all Actors signed to
Term Contracts one week's individual notice in writing of the closing of
the production and Company or pay one week's salary in lieu thereof.
Link to Production Contract on AEA Website
ruprecht
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/16/05
#8re: Do actors get 'paid out' if their show closes?
Posted: 11/5/07 at 4:38pmYankee, isn't it 4 weeks notice the chorus people have to give? That's what I've always heard.
friedrichVT
Leading Actor Joined: 5/4/06
#9re: Do actors get 'paid out' if their show closes?
Posted: 11/5/07 at 7:38pmOn a production contract (broadway, tours) Ensemble must give a 4 week notice to leave a show. Per diem on the road is now 814.00 a week.
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