How Difficult Is It To Balance A Broadway Show and Personal Life?

Hello all. Every once in a while, I've read interviews where performers in Broadway shows comment that being in a show takes a huge strain in that person's personal life. At times, I've read it described that being in a show is like living the life of a monk. I'm curious about the schedule that a performer has to endure, while working on a show. I'm not talking about intimate or deeply personal matters, but how do performers balance the demands of working on Broadway and trying to have a semblance of a life off-stage. Just curious. Perhaps you out there who have been on Broadway shows or tours can share your personal perspective. Kindest regards, Roman in Austin, Texas

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Updated On: 8/28/06 at 10:42 PM

YankeeFan007. I did create an account with NYTimes.com. It was easy. As the FAQ said, they only charge you for premium sites/sections of the site. There is not a charge for the regular parts of NYTimes.com. I was intrigued in reading the articles on how a show causes major sacrifices in a performer's life. Aside from this article, there is also a segment on ACL itself, as well. from Roman in Austin, Texas...

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when my family had dinner with Mylinda Hull, she said it was really hectic, and very little personal time. She and her husband are on vacation in South Carolina this week, and its their first vacation since Mylinda moved to New York five years ago. I mean, think about that! No vacation in like 5 years, just working! Wow... And she also said it is pretty hard because she has had to miss a lot of weddings, funerals, family get-togethers, and such because of how busy her life on Broadway is. And once she gets back from vacation, she has to get busy all over again, doing a CATCH ME IF YOU CAN reading, her husband co-directing COMPANY, and Mylinda is expecting a baby at the beginning of September. very crazy life on Broadway...I rather be watching people on stage, than actually be on the stage.
:P
yeah, that is one story about Broadway life from the awesome Mylinda Hull :)

oh im sorry
it just sounded like a long time to me not to take a break for like 5 years
but im just a teen, please excuse me for not knowing too much about real life...

Yeah, I had to admit that I wasn't all that sympathetic to any of the people interviewed. I know plenty of people who can't go away to the shore or The Hamptons on weekends and who don't own country houses. Granted, the schedules are hectic but they aren't impossible. Think of the interns and medical residents who work 24 hour shifts, policeman/firman who work graveyard shifts while their wives work 9-5.

I was a little shocked at the story about the actress that left her kid in Chicago under the care of her 20 year old son so she could move here to be in a show. I don't know, that's a personal choice, but I would never want my young child out of my sight in a city like Boston, NYC or Chicago.

Piece of cake.

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After the rehearsal process, Broadway actors work - roughly - from 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm five nights a week, and 1:30 to 5:00 three days a week. (Shows have different schedules - I'm just estimating here.) That's 3.5 hours 8 times a week. 28 hours a week. Equity minimum is around $1350 to $1400 (based on the lastest stats I could find), so that equals about $50.00 an hour. Of course there are other considerations such as rehearsals and put-ins to keep in mind, but these schedules can be very irregular, so we'll leave them out.

Those are just some stats... In my opinion, Broadway actors have a lot of time for a personal life. Many may not look upon strict diet and exercise patterns, limiting their intake of alcohol and/or drugs, or taking only scheduled vacations as a sacrifice. It's just a way of life they have to have to be successful and reach their goals. The Broadway actors I know are determined to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. Is it tricky to balance a career on Broadway and a personal life? It doesn't seem like it to me. You work when you are scheduled to, and you lead your personal life the other 140 hours of the week.

But I suppose it depends on what kind of personal life you want to lead....

Updated On: 8/7/06 at 12:18 AM

"However, look at *sighs* Drew Sarich. He seems to be able to make it work just fine. Other examples are Michael Cavanaugh, Chuck Wagner, Sutton Foster/Christian Borle, etc. ?"

That's true but, Sutton Foster has said her life outside of the theater is about the theater.

I'm sure it's tricky for Broadway actors to come up with a schedule that incorporates time with a mate and/or children as well as social time, but it's certainly not impossible. There are so many professionals out there who work 12 hour days every single day all while raising a family. No weekend getaways? Boo hoo. Welcome to the life of 70% of the rest of the population.

I'm SO not saying this to be mean cause I love him with all my heart, but ask Michael Cerveris. He'll tell you he's found it to be quite a challange. Actually you don't have to ask him, you can just listen to his cd and you'll get a good enough impression.

Cerveris really needs to find a new tune to sing. His "Oh, an actor's life..woe is me. I just can't seem to find the right girl. My heart is broken" schtick is wearing thin on. He does perfectly find "socially" and he knows it.

I think it's different from a regular job because, while most people get to come home at night and eat dinner with their families, actors are going off to start their workday. They don't work during the day, but their kids or spouse are probably at work during the day and home at night, so I'm sure it can be difficult to see each other except for the "hello, goodbye, i love you" sort of thing. I'm sure it's stressful, but if you know that going in, then I'm sure you're prepared for it. I mean, it's what these people have wanted their whole lives. My acting teacher said "if you can think of anything else you'd rather do, then do it because this isn't an easy road."

mathewbrock--

Thank you for pointing that out. Although Broadway actors will often complain about how "difficult" their jobs are, in actuality being in a Broadway show is only a part-time job (technically speaking), and a VERY well-paying one at that. No complaining should be allowed!

Updated On: 8/7/06 at 02:11 AM

While I only read the article in the Times someone posted, I can imagine it might be hard sometimes to balance a Broadway show and a personal life. Many of you have been in shows, and I know when I'm in a show (and I have obviously not been on Broadway so I can only imagine this 10x) I sleep as much as possible during the day so I can give the best performance possible at night, and I don't even attempt to have a life outside of the show, atleast for shorter runs and everything.

And like someone said before, people in any job have to make sacrifices so there is no need to feel sorry for them because they are doing what they want. It's true, thousands of people would love to be on Broadway, so this is the actor's choice of lifestyle.

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