Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 11/7/2008

Question
My daughter has a high school project to research pay for a Broadway stage
actor and the pay scale.  Is there a difference between actors who have a college
degree and those who don't?  What is the pay range?

Answer
Hi Lindly, I hope I can help.  First of all there is no difference in pay because of education. In fact, the professional world does not care if an actor has any formal education. All they care about is what the actor has done and if the actor can do the part they are trying to cast. The pay range for stage actors in Equity productions ranges from about $750 a week union minimum to millions for a star who also has invested in the production. The actual pay for each actor is negotiated by the actor's agent so that actors with larger roles and/or more experience will get more than the union minimum, but there is no set amount except the minimum. I think if you do a web search for AEA pay scales, you will find more accurate information as my amount for the minimum is an estimate.  Best wishes for your daughter's project. Doc