NYTimes.com: Actors call them “luxury tours”: the road productions of “Wicked,” “The Lion King” and other blockbuster hit musicals with the money to bring Broadway across America in style. No tours pay better for Actors’ Equity union members — at least $1,807 a week, with leads earning up to $6,000 — and none have better perks, like physical therapy at a moment’s notice.
3 comments:
This is a pretty interesting read. Having obviously never been a part of a touring crew, I can say I've talked with quite a few crew and actors on several national tours. They like what they do, and the benefits they receive from it. One of the things I heard the most though is that you truly really do have to love what you do otherwise it will wear you out quickly. Its a lot of travel in a very short amount of time, constantly working. While the pay and on job benefits are great, you have to be extremely committed.
I mean, they say "luxury tours" but you're still travelling 24/7 with minimal breaks, away from your friends and family for extended periods of time. Actors who sign on for this should be getting these rates. It's a tough job. Of course, the producers are going to deny being greedy. Nobody wants to own up to being greedy. But when you're charging Broadway prices for tickets and paying your actors less than they would make if they were working the stationary show in New York, you know something is wrong. My point of view is that they touring company members should be paid as much as reasonably possible, because it's a tough job (and someone's got to do it).
I'll be interested to see how this plays out. I think that there's a case to be made either way, and I'm not sure Equity is strong enough to require producers to raise contract minimums without ruining their contracts all together. It's especially hard for Equity on the touring circuit, since national audiences tend to be less well-versed in union-speak than those in New York, making it easier for non-union tours to make money.
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