how much money would a playwright recieve?

Question

I am wondering about how much money would a writer get if their play makes it to broadway and is a succes.

Answer 1

There are quite a few potential revenue streams for us. Some sell their rights long before it ever gets to Broadway.. others could be paid based on the profit of the play (rare) and others take a small fee on one play to help get investors interested in other plays that they are developing. However and often, by the time the play gets to Broadway a corporation owns the entire play, and the writer is an employee of the corporation. If the play tours especially 'direct from Broadway' there's more money in it for most writers. But to answer your question there is no standard fee, It's all the negotiations and the contracts.

Answer 2

That would depend entirely on the play, the producer, and the public. Once a playwright finishes a play, it moves into the hands of a producer and they writer and producer sign an agreement that gives the writer a certain percentage of the profits from the play, once it is produced. When the play is produced, it is up to the public how popular it becomes and how long it runs. These are not things anyone can control or predict at the outset.
A good play can make millions for the writer, and many more millions for the producer. Some plays only last for a handful of performances.
Wouldn't it be nice if you could guarantee a success?

Answer 3

Often, not a lot from the Broadway run. It varies greatly, but many times a writer waives much of his royalties to allow the production on Broadway (esp. for a non-musical play). If it is successful he then makes his money on subsequent productions of the play. Of course, if he is already well-known, then he will make a lot more on the Broadway production.

Answer 4

Regular plays, once they have been somewhat of a success, receive royalties through the catalogs that offer their work. They share the proceeds. 50-150 for the first night with subsequent nights being 25 - 75 per night. Musicals are much higher, often costing several thousands of dollars for even a modest 2 week run.
Consider this: The guys who wrote Annie. Every high school and community college does the production. They are always getting a royalty check. So write a show for a lot of girls, and you're set.
I know the guy who writes the Nunsence series gets a Million per new show he writes, plus royalties.

Answer 5

That depends entirely on the play, the playwright, his contract and the success of the play. There is no set figure for that.