The Pay Scale of Famous Actresses on Broadway in New York City

When people ask about the salaries of well-known actresses on Broadway, the discussion often devolves into mere speculation. However, let's delve into the details to provide a clearer picture of the earnings in this prestigious theater district.

Understanding the Basics: Equity Minimum and Other Fees

For a more accurate portrayal, let's start with some context. The Equity (American Guild of Variety Artists) minimum wage for non-well-known actresses as of September 2014 was $1,861 per week. However, ensemble members often earn more than the minimum. Additional factors to consider include:

Media Fees: Understudy and swing assignments can earn additional fees. Set Move Fees: Payments made for set moves to and from the theater. Extraordinary Risk Payments: Fees for performing dangerous stunts or actions. Contract Increment: Additional base pay under contract terms. Overscale Payments: Earnings over and above the base rate.

Therefore, a well-qualified ensemble member could earn around $2,200 per week considering all these factors.

Principal Roles and Leading Performers

For principal roles, the base pay typically ranges from $4,000 to $5,000 per week. Beyond this, performers can negotiate overscale payments, which can range from $2,000 to $5,000 on top of the base rate. This would be the typical earning structure for an average Broadway show.

Broadway Renowned Performers

Actresses who have achieved Broadway fame, such as Audra McDonald, usually negotiate weekly salaries ranging from $15,000 to $25,000. These rates can fluctuate based on the production and her specific deal.

High-Profile Productions and High-Silhouette Performers

The pay scale increases significantly for productions and performers of immense popularity. For instance, Idina Menzel's weekly earnings for her role in Wicked in London were reported to be $30,000, which would likely be higher now. Similarly, in The Producers, Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick negotiated lower weekly fees but higher percentages of box office sales, putting their weekly earnings in the range of $100,000.

Record-Breaking Performances

In one of the most lucrative productions, Bette Midler has set new benchmarks for her role in Hello Dolly!. She is earning a base salary of $150,000 per week plus 10% of the box office sales if the show grosses $1 million in a given week. Given that they grossed $9 million on the first day the box office opened, she can realistically expect to make $250,000 per week for the entire run.

External Influences and Notable Cases

When celebrities appear in theater productions, their entry typically does not follow the standard procedures, such as auditioning. Scarlett Johansson, for example, appeared in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, a production she was passionate about, and her salary was directly influenced by her significance as a movie star.

It is noteworthy that actors named in the article, such as Julia Roberts and Al Pacino, have no prior history in theater, making their appearances a significant deviation from the norm.

Conclusion

The pay scale for actresses on Broadway is a complex interplay of talent, reputation, and production dynamics. From the basics of Equity minimum to the soaring heights of leading roles and record-breaking performances, the range in earnings is substantial. Understanding these nuances can provide deeper insights into the professional landscape of Broadway.