HAMILTON Producers to Share Burgeoning Profits with Original Cast

The world is wide enough, after all. Hamilton's original stars won't be going home with empty pockets after a significant profit-sharing deal.

The New York Times writes that the show's producers agreed today to share some of the blockbuster musical's takings with "more than two dozen actors and dancers who were part of the show's development and first productions."

The performers originally complained about the lack of royalty participation in their contracts as Hamilton took its first bows on Broadway.

The actors will receive a segment of "the profit stream from the play," said labor lawyer Ronald H. Schechtman, who represented the performers in the deal. Lead producer Jeffrey Seller also confirmed the agreement, though neither would reveal specific details.

Hamilton is poised to launch a national tour and several international productions, meaning profits -- and thus shares -- will only climb. The Times reports that actors in other shows with profit-sharing receive anywhere "from a few hundred dollars a year to a few thousand dollars a month." This would be a boon to any Broadway performer's humble base salary.

President of Actors' Equity Kate Shindle commented: "This should be a real moment of celebration for any actor who feels powerless."

Actors' Equity is holding a meeting on Monday for actors seeking compensation for their involvement in several other recent shows.

The issue of profit-sharing is a deep one, going back to the days of A CHORUS LINE, RENT and AVENUE Q and continuing with productions such as the upcoming FROZEN adaptation, which will not be sharing earnings with its stars.

The recent debate has grown more heated after many producers have abandoned the practice of using an Equity workshop contract, which includes a flat rate for the workweek, benefits, right of first refusal to the actor's role, and a share of 1 percent of future royalties for 18 years. Instead, they are turning to the developmental lab, which promises $1,000 per week but no right of refusal and no royalty guarantee.

BroadwayWorld will keep you up-to-date as we learn more specifics about what could be a landmark deal.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus