Earning enough money to support our families and lifestyle is essential, and West End performers are no different. Comparing theatre actors’ wages to those on the silver screen is hardly a fair comparison, but it’s interesting to know what they earn as you watch them dazzle on stage.
So, what are the figures for those involved with West End productions? And how do they compare from show to show?
West End Actor Wages
The very lowest a West End Actor will be paid is £629.41 per week, but this number will naturally increase significantly depending on the person’s role and the production clamour.
Unions like Equity fought hard to achieve this minimum amount so that actors would be compensated for their work. As everyday costs have increased for people in every industry across the country, wages for West End actors have grown almost 20% from 2023, meaning actors can get over £900 per week, often measured by theatre size.
These weekly wages are over £39,000 annually, similar to the UK average salary. However, bear in mind that theatre work can be seasonal and inconsistent, so it’s tough for actors to predict what they will earn in future. As expected, the amount actors earn will increase again before 2026.
How Do Actors Know How Much They’ll Earn
The payment actors receive is worked into their contract and stated to them when they join a production. However, the size of the theatre plays a significant role in determining the payment they’ll receive, as does the length of time they’ll be performing.
For example, the minimum weekly wage for an actor, which is stated to be £629.41, only applies to those working in theatres with a seating capacity below 800 and for a minimum of eight weeks. Actors performing at theatres beyond this and up to 1,099 seats will earn £699.50 every week for an eight-week minimum spell.
The amount somebody would earn working for at least eight weeks in a large theatre, comprising anywhere north of 1,100 seats, is almost £770, up from just below £700 six years ago.
All these figures increase if the duration of the show is at least 12 weeks, so shows at the smallest venues will pay a minimum of £736.65 a week, medium-sized theatres of 800 to 1,099 seats will see actors earn at least £818.49 per week, and the weekly earnings for actors taking part in productions at 1,100+ seat venues start at £900.36.
None of these payments include bonuses, and the actor’s role can determine what they will get, such as whether they’re an understudy to a lead actor, a dance captain, or a swing member. Of course, the biggest names in the industry and film stars signing up for leading roles will earn significantly more than other stage performers, but that’s negotiated individually.
While it’s true that Broadway actors can earn more money, you need to consider that their healthcare coverage in the USA is subject to working enough and the money to cover medical bills would come out of their pocket if they don’t meet these terms. Also, West End actors get considerably more holiday time than those performing on Broadway.
Next time you purchase West End tickets, you’ll be more informed about how the actors are compensated for their efforts.
