How much does the creative team get paid and how?

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Joviedamian

Broadway Star
joined:11/9/10

How much does the creative team get paid and how?
Posted: 6/6/14 at 02:43pm

A friend of mine's brother is an up-and-coming Broadway choreographer. My friend and I talked about how it is to work on Broadway (according to his brother), etc. Very interesting conversation. But, what struck me as a bit odd was he told me that a show his brother choreographed did very well in terms of a long run, but in the end was a financial flop. So I told my friend that the show has announced a tour and productions all-the-world..his response was "yeah, I am excited that the show is going to be seen even more...maybe now my brother can finally get paid".

I know each contract negotiations are different pretty much for every Broadway show, depending on the performers and creative teams needs and wants...but is this typical to now really see any money in your bank account until the show starts MAKING MONEY? Is it the same for directors as well??

*Pardon my grammar and spelling as I am typing from my phone*

dramamama611

Broadway Legend
joined:12/4/07

How much does the creative team get paid and how?
Posted: 6/6/14 at 02:48pm

No. Just like the actors, they get a contracted salary.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

ABB2357

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Broadway Star
joined:7/29/09

How much does the creative team get paid and how?
Posted: 6/6/14 at 02:50pm

It depends. Sometimes if a show is performing poorly, the creative team will defer their fees (usually just a percentage) until it begins turning a profit. However, in most cases they'll receive weekly checks from the "royalty pool" - the exact amount depends on their contribution. If they're both composer AND lyricist or director AND choreographer, they'll have a bigger share than those who only render one of those services.

James885

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Broadway Legend
joined:5/2/05

How much does the creative team get paid and how?
Posted: 6/6/14 at 02:59pm

I might be wrong, but it's my understanding that the bookwriter, composer & lyricist don't actually get paid until performances start. Not sure how it works with choreographers - I'm sure it varies, depending on the show.

"You drank a charm to kill John Proctor's wife! You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor!" - Betty Parris to Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller's The Crucible

Updated On: 6/6/14 at 02:59 PM

NotTheComfyChair

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Chorus Member
joined:3/19/13

How much does the creative team get paid and how?
Posted: 6/6/14 at 03:12pm

i may be misconstruing the original post, but my understanding is that choreographers get a fee for their work and then royalties once the show has opened. I think Creatives can defer their royalties if a show is struggling but not the initial fee.
If the link works, here's a download from the SDC page which may be of interest... or not.
http://sdcweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BroadwayRateSheets13-14.pdf

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