Cabaret – Broadway Cast Earnings and Salary

Are you curious about how much Broadway actors earn for their performances? In this article, we will explore the earnings and salary structure of the Cabaret Broadway cast. From minimum weekly salaries to additional increments and time-off provisions, we will delve into the details of the new production contract that sets the standard for musical theatre actors. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

The new production contract for Broadway actors includes pay raises, increased time off, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The minimum weekly salary for actors on Broadway is set at $2,323, increasing to $2,638 by 2024.
Actors receive additional increments for playing chorus parts, understudying principal roles, and serving in various other positions.
The new contract also includes provisions for sick time, personal days, safety measures, and protocols.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are focal points of the new contract, ensuring representation and accessibility in the casting process.

Minimum Salary and Raises

The new contract sets the minimum weekly salary for Broadway actors at $2,323. This amount will gradually increase to $2,638 by 2024. These raises reflect a 5% increase in the first year of the agreement, followed by 4% raises in the subsequent two years. It’s important to note that these increases are retroactive to September 26 of the current year.

Broadway actors can also receive additional increments for various roles and responsibilities they undertake. These increments are in addition to the minimum salary and provide further financial compensation for their contributions to the production. The exact amount of these increments can vary based on the specific roles and responsibilities carried out by the actors.

Increment Category
Percentage Increase

Chorus Parts
7% – 15% additional

Principal Role Understudy
3% – 10% additional

Swing (Utility Performer)
20% – 30% additional

Fight Captain
7% – 15% additional

The additional increments provide recognition and compensation for the actors’ versatility and the various roles they fulfill within the production. By rewarding their dedication and talent, it ensures a fair and equitable compensation structure for all Broadway actors, promoting job satisfaction and performance.

Additional Increments and Time Off

Actors on Broadway have the opportunity to earn additional increments based on their roles and responsibilities. These increments are provided for playing chorus parts, understudying principal roles, serving as swings, or being a fight captain. Depending on the position, actors can receive anywhere from 7% to 30% additional compensation.

In addition to the increments, the new contract also prioritizes the well-being of actors by increasing their time off. For every four weeks of studio rehearsal, actors will now be entitled to one-and-a-half consecutive days off. Furthermore, if the rehearsal period extends to a fifth week, an additional day-and-a-half off will be given. This change allows actors to have more rest and rejuvenation, promoting their overall health and performance.

The production schedule will also see a reduction in 10/12s rehearsals, providing actors with more downtime between rigorous rehearsal sessions. Moreover, understudies, dance captains, and stage managers will have fewer weekly rehearsal hours after the opening night. These measures aim to strike a better work-life balance for Broadway actors, ensuring they have adequate time to rest, relax, and recharge.

Additional Increments

Below is a breakdown of the additional increments Broadway actors can expect based on their roles:

Role
Additional Increment

Chorus Parts
7%

Understudies
15%

Swings
20%

Fight Captains
30%

These additional increments recognize the unique responsibilities and contributions of actors in various roles, ensuring they are fairly compensated for their work.

With the increased time off and additional increments, the new contract acknowledges the immense dedication and talent of Broadway actors while prioritizing their well-being and ensuring a thriving and sustainable theater industry.

Sick Time and Personal Days

One of the notable improvements in the new Broadway production contract is the provision for sick time and personal days for actors and stage managers. Under this agreement, all actors and stage managers will be entitled to three days of paid sick time at the beginning of rehearsals. This important benefit ensures that performers can prioritize their health and well-being without the added stress of financial repercussions.

Furthermore, the contract stipulates that individuals earning $5,000 or less per week will be compensated for sick time at their contractual salary. This provision is particularly significant as it recognizes the financial challenges that lower-earning actors may face when taking time off due to illness. By providing paid sick time at their regular salary, the contract ensures that these individuals are not burdened with additional financial strain during their recovery periods.

In addition to sick time, the new contract also grants Broadway actors and stage managers an extra personal day off. This valuable addition allows performers to take a day for personal reasons or to attend to any non-medical appointments or obligations they may have.

Benefit
Details

Sick Time
Three days of paid sick time at the beginning of rehearsals

Compensation for sick time at contractual salary for individuals earning $5,000 or less per week

Personal Days
An additional day off for personal reasons or non-medical appointments

Safety Measures and Protocols

The new Broadway contract prioritizes the safety and well-being of Broadway actors with comprehensive safety measures and protocols in place. These measures aim to create a secure environment for performers and crew, ensuring a smooth and successful production.

Here are some of the key safety measures and protocols included in the new contract:

Expanded access to physical therapy: Broadway actors will have increased access to physical therapy services, promoting their overall health and well-being.
Deep cleaning in all theater spaces: Thorough and regular deep cleaning will be implemented in all theater spaces to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
Emergency action plan: An emergency action plan will be established to effectively handle any unexpected situations that may arise during performances or rehearsals.
Increased rehearsal time focusing on firearm safety: Rehearsals will include dedicated time for firearm safety training, ensuring that actors are well-prepared and comfortable with any scenes involving firearms.
Quarterly meetings between Equity and The Broadway League: Regular meetings between Actors’ Equity Association and The Broadway League will be held to discuss important topics such as ventilation, air quality, temperature, and injuries, allowing for continuous improvement.
Removal of Extraordinary Risk language: The contract has removed all Extraordinary Risk language, further enhancing the safety protocols in place.

These safety measures and protocols demonstrate a commitment to providing Broadway actors with a safe and secure working environment. By prioritizing their well-being, the new contract aims to foster a positive and thriving Broadway community.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The contract includes provisions to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion on Broadway, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to creating a more inclusive environment. These measures aim to ensure equal opportunities and representation for all actors, regardless of their background or identity.

One significant step towards equity and inclusion is the engagement of licensed technicians for required hairstyles. This initiative acknowledges the importance of authentic representation and cultural sensitivity in the portrayal of characters.

A Labor Management Committee has also been established to determine best practices around intimacy in theatrical productions. This proactive approach aims to foster a safe and respectful working environment, raising standards for intimate scenes on stage while prioritizing the well-being and consent of all actors involved.

Recognizing the diverse gender identities and expressions within the Broadway community, the contract highlights the need for inclusivity. This acknowledgement serves as a powerful affirmation of acceptance, ensuring that actors are valued and respected for their authentic selves.

To make the casting process more accessible and inclusive, the contract also addresses the representation of characters with disabilities. By removing barriers and implementing inclusive casting practices, Broadway endeavors to embrace the talent and potential of actors with disabilities, promoting a more diverse and representative industry.

These initiatives not only enhance the experiences of actors on Broadway but also enrich the performances and stories being shared on stage. By promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, Broadway seeks to create meaningful connections with audiences, celebrating the power of representation and the unique contributions of each individual.

Audition Process and Materials

The audition process is a crucial step in casting Broadway actors. With the new contract, there are some changes and requirements that actors need to be aware of.

Audition Materials

Under the new contract, there are limits on audition materials. Actors are advised to prepare two contrasting monologues, each lasting no longer than two minutes. Additionally, candidates should have a headshot and resume to provide to the casting team.

Music Auditions

For music auditions, Broadway actors are now required to have a plunk track. This track accompanies the actor during their singing audition and helps them stay in tune and on tempo. It is important for actors to practice with their plunk track to ensure a seamless audition.

In-Person and Video Auditions

The new contract allows for a combination of in-person auditions and pre-recorded video submissions. This provides more flexibility for both actors and casting directors. Actors who are unable to attend an in-person audition can submit a video audition, showcasing their talent from the comfort of their own space. This change in the audition process opens up opportunities for actors who may not have previously been able to attend in-person auditions.

Chorus Replacement Auditions

Productions now have the option to conduct chorus replacement auditions for multiple companies of the same production. This allows for a streamlined process when casting replacements for ensemble roles, ensuring consistency across different productions of the same show.

Audition Process
Audition Materials

Prepare two contrasting monologues
Bring a headshot and resume
Stay within time limits

Two contrasting monologues
Headshot
Resume

Music Auditions
In-Person and Video Auditions

Have a plunk track
Practice with the plunk track
Showcase vocal skills

Combination of in-person and video auditions
Flexibility for actors and casting directors
Submit video audition if unable to attend in person

Chorus Replacement Auditions

Streamlined process for casting ensemble replacements
Consistency across different productions
Efficient casting for multiple companies

Actor Salaries on Broadway

When it comes to actor salaries on Broadway, there is a wide range of earnings depending on various factors such as name-value and box office success. While non-profit productions often adhere to the standard scale, commercial productions featuring high-profile stars can have different salary structures.

Here are a few examples of reported salaries for Broadway actors:

Bette Midler: $150,000 per week plus a percentage of the box office
Julia Roberts: $150,000 per week
Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane: upward of $100,000 per week for their roles in “The Producers”
Bryan Cranston: the union minimum of $2,095 per week, but entitled to a significant chunk of the net profits

These numbers demonstrate the significant earning potential for actors on Broadway. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that salaries can vary greatly based on individual contracts, negotiation leverage, and an actor’s star power. The allure of performing on Broadway often brings both financial rewards and the opportunity to showcase incredible talent on a prestigious stage.

Broadway Actor Salary Breakdown

When it comes to Broadway actors, their salaries are determined by the actors’ union, Actors’ Equity Association. The minimum scale serves as the baseline salary for all performers. However, additional increments are added based on the specific roles they play. For instance, actors who perform in ensemble parts, understudy principal roles, or serve as dance captains receive extra compensation.

In addition to these increments, an actor’s salary may also include term contracts and overscale additions. Term contracts are long-term agreements that guarantee a specific salary over a defined period. Overscale additions, on the other hand, are negotiated bonuses that exceed the minimum scale.

It’s important to note that Broadway actor salaries can vary significantly based on individual contracts and factors like star power. High-profile actors with well-established careers may command higher salaries due to their name recognition and box office value. Conversely, lesser-known actors or those starting their careers generally earn closer to the minimum scale.

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