Leading Actors
Are unionized theatre actors paid for rehearsals or only after each show?
I was wondering if actors who play lead roles in theatrical productions are paid a lump sum after each show, or if they also receive a payment for time spent during rehearsals? I know that this varies widely, but assuming that the actor is unionized, would he/she be paid for rehearsal time, as well as a nightly rate for each performance?
Yes, they're paid for rehersals too. The Union has an establishment of just how many hours a day the actors can work. This is not only how much time they have for rehersal, but also for costume fittings and other things.
Actors are not typically paid hourly, however. When they're cast into a show they have to sign a contract which includes what they will be paid. If the actor is a member of Equity, they will have a rule over how little they can be paid. This amount is determined by a number of varibles including how long the show is expected to run, how many reheral hours they're expected to put in, wheather they're being cast for a signing, dancing, or straight acting role, among other things.
1996 best leading actor Nicolas Cage
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