About how much could you get paid for a role in a play in a public theatre?

Question

ranging from least (like a minor role) to most (major role)

Answer 1

You don't usually get paid especially for a minor roles unless it's an Equity show and even then it depends on which roles are being given the contracts. I know this is different in NY than in other parts of the country, because more roles get paid there I believe. Professional theatres (dinner theatres, regionals, etc.) pay actors, but sometimes it can range from a simple stipend (about $10 per show and a set amount for the rehearsal period as a whole) and it goes up from there. Our local dinner theatre typically pays about $250 for the rehearsal period and $40 per show, but they do occasionally have a few equity contracts available for more and those typically go to male leads or roles that they're having a hard time casting. Most often though you do not get paid, especially at community theatres and definitely not for minor roles or ensemble. Some theatres have companies where you pay a fee to be a part of their company membership... I've never done that so I'm not sure how that works but I'm sure it's not hard to find out.

I hope that answers your questions!

Answer 2

Most community theaters don't pay anything.

In L.A., you're expected to work for free or pay to be in theater, because there are so many actors, no one knows what to do with them. Only well-known actors get paid. Most fledging actors have lots of money to make it.

Answer 3

It depends entirely on the theatre and their budget, whether or not they use union actors, whether or not you're a union actor, the rate your agent negotiates for you, etc.

Answer 4

umm well...if its like community theatre you don't get paid anything....