Ensemble salary questions

Who is the highest paid ensemble member? If tthis is not widely known, who would you assume to be the highest paid ensemble member?

Which show would you assume to have the highest average salary for an ensemble member?

The equity broadway minimum is a little over $1800/wk I believe, so at least that much. I would imagine that it fluctuates based on their status as dance captain etc, if they/how many roles and tracks they cover, among other things.

Sure, it sounds like a lot but it's expensive as hell to live in NY. And think of how many shows close in less than a year....who knows how long until their next gig.



(I guess my original figure was not updated on the site I got it from.)

Updated On: 12/25/16 at 04:23 AM

$1,974 is the current minimum for anyone on a Broadway Production contract. This is lower for shows produced by Roundabout, Manhattan Theatre Club, Lincoln Center as they are not producing on the commercial production contract but rather on the non profit LORT A+ contract. This is the same contract (be it on different tiers) that a number of higher profile regional theatres produce on.

Very few contracts on Broadway are at that minimum. The rare occasions include being on minimum during the rehearsal process (common for new/unknown entities) or if a show operates on a favored nations agreement. An actor at the Broadway level is oftentimes well represented and agents fight hard to get actors above minimum. In addition there is compensation for covering/understudy duties that are based on the number of tracks/roles covered as well as bumps when you go on in this track. In many cases this makes swings some of the highest paid members of the ensemble, and if not a star driven vehicle, the cast. Chorus contacts, also known as pink contracts exist until broken by the performer, whereas Principal or yellow contracts are typically 3-12months and can be renewed at the discretion of the producer/performer.

Updated On: 12/25/16 at 04:53 AM

Is it still the rule that an agent must negotiate a fee above minimum in order to collect a commission? It used to be, which gave agents all the incentive they needed. Before we start telling agent jokes, I knew many who worked with clients on minimum contracts as an investment in talent, even though they themselves saw no money from doing so.

$2K/week equals $104K/year, which sounds like a lot until you consider that most actors/singers/dancers spend as many years training as your average doctor or lawyer.

There are also expenses unique to performers: headshots, makeup, rehearsal shoes, etc.

And as others have suggested, only a small minority of union members are employed at any given time.

GavestonPS said: "Is it still the rule that an agent must negotiate a fee above minimum in order to collect a commission? It used to be, which gave agents all the incentive they needed. Before we start telling agent jokes, I knew many who worked with clients on minimum contracts as an investment in talent, even though they themselves saw no money from doing so."



On Broadway the agent's commission is taken for a certain time frame (I think a year) after which if the actor is still making minimum (which includes any required bumps, such as swing, dance captain, understudy, etc) then they can stop paying the commission. This is part of the agreement Equity has with franchised agents.



Now as for managers, Equity has no agreements in place with them so it will be whatever the actor and the manager have negotiated and agreed to in their contract.

Someone may earn that salary for 15 or 20 weeks and then not be able to book another Broadway show for 2 or 3 years, or ever. But even if the work was steady and could be relied upon for 52 weeks each year, even a swing, or someone in the chorus, if they're on Broadway, they've reached the very top of their profession. No one needs to justify or try to rationalize what these talented folks are paid.

Updated On: 12/25/16 at 12:11 PM

right. and thats just the way the cookie crumbles