Like our conversation in another thread about Bway transfers/budgets tonight, it COMPLETELY depends on the actor, the show, and what kind of deal was negotiated between their agent and the producer/GM.
In short, you're off.
An ensemble member is always going to make close to minimum (about $2,100), no matter how many shows they've done. Nominal additional money for things like understudy tracks or dance captaining or stunts, media fee if their likeness is used in advertising materials, a week's salary for a cast album, a tiny percentage of profits if the show was developed with a Workshop agreement, etc. The goal is that they are in a long-running show where they could have steady employment for a few years, and then move on to another show or a TV/film gig.
Maybe someone like SJB or Beth Leavel or Caissie Levy makes between $4k and $10k a week. A star who actually sells tickets will command a higher salary + a percentage of the box office. Bryan Cranston supposedly did Network for scale and then took 25% of profits post-recoupment, which is a rare move. Bette Midler made $150k per week + a percentage of the box office. There can also be bumps for Tony nominations or wins, a car to/from the theatre, housing/per diem for out of towners and their family, grooming allowances and travel for press appearances, an Assistant fee, and other contractual requirements.
And remember, $2100 a week might seem like a great gig, but the actors could go years without booking another Bway show after the current one closes. Or a show they thought would run a year shutters after 4 months. Factor in agent percentage, union dues, classes, headshots, PT, rent, and student loans, and you're making a living but never a killing.
Updated On: 8/19/19 at 12:31 AM
