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DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WORKING ON BROADWAY & THE WEST END | (CONTRACTS, WAGES & MORE) | Georgie Ashford
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- Опубліковано 20 лют 2021
- S U B S C R I B E: goo.gl/RZSBdt
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BEING AN ACTOR ON BROADWAY AND THE WEST END!
In today's video I am sharing with you some of the main differences between working on Broadway and IN the West End. Some of these things really surprised me and I would love to know any that I may have missed!
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Thanks so much for the support! Absolutely no idea what I'm doing but that's the fun isn't it!
Lots of Love, Georgie xxx
The West End for sure. The pay might be higher, but the second you need health care, that difference disappears. Plus, job security with contracts is a wonderful thing.
ya luckily equity provides healthcare, but it’s still like $1200 a year & that doesn’t include co-pays 🥴
I’m from England so I think it feels more “achievable” to be in the west end, and would be absolutely AMAZING. All my idols however are from Broadway shows so it does seem “bigger” and “better” to me. EITHER WOULD BE A COMPLETE DREAM COME TRUE.
Yeah it feels like more Broadway actors get a lot more recognition
@@mrmoolahoola I agree
As a longtime member of Actors Equity who spent many years working on Broadway, I am very grateful to belong to a strong union that really looks out for its members. I would love to spend a little time working in the West End for the experience though.
Broadway performers, like the majority of Americans, are covered by health insurance. I find that Brits in general seem to think that all Americans have to lay out vast sums of money if they get sick and that's simply not true.
Broadway productions get ten hours of rehearsal time per week in addition to eight shows without going into overtime. Producers generally prefer to use that time for clean up and put in rehearsals for replacements, not warmups. Broadway performers do their warmups of their choosing on their own time.
Some performers have run of the play contracts, which means they have a job as long as the show runs, which could be years. But year long contracts ir six month riders are more common. There is a "more remunerative employment" clause in Equity contracts which means if you are offered a big role in a new show or a film that will pay you more, you can exit the contract.
Judging from the cost of rent, New York City is not more expensive than London. On Broadway, the lowest paid performer makes over $100,000 per year, so of course competition for those jobs is fierce! Musicals are serious business here, and there are tons of highly-trained, highly-motivated performers trying to work on Broadway.
It would be intersting to hear about the difference between touring shows and shows in the west end eg wicked on tour vs wicked in london.
agreed! That would be super interesting.
The contract will be shorter I imagine
One minor correction: Having an Equity card doesn't guarantee you an audition here in the States. Producers are required to hold a certain amount of open calls, but if more people want to audition than they have time for (which happens all the time), well, some people don't get in. This is true of chorus calls as well as principal auditions.
Besides the things others pointed out, like healthcare, not wanting to live in the US (particularly new york - no thanks) etc, I also prefer the west end because it has a feel Broadway doesn't. It has this feeling of majesty and history. People tend to dress up more when they attend as guests as well. It's also so much more beautiful architecturally.
Always West End for me! I live in the UK so there’s that but I could never live in America long term! I’d love to do a brief stint on Broadway just to say I’d done it, but West End all the way!
My dream is to be on the west end but I would love to perform on Broadway at least once in my life! Great video! Xx
Thank you! I would definitely agree the West End is awesome! Xxx
Am I just the sort of person who wants to perform everywhere at once?
Even though there are less people in the UK, I feel there are more entertainment cities in the US. Like you can get jobs in Vegas or Los Angeles ect. The UK has London
Vegas doesn’t have equity union shows though which is sad
In the US you have mainly New York and LA, but it depends what direction you go. If you plan more for theatre then you only have New York as an option in the US, if you plan to go for film and tv, then LA is clearly the city in America to go.
So technically it is not a real advantage compared to the UK.
In London you have both (theatre+film)
From an audience prospective (I am not a performer, just a massive theatre fan, and I lived in both cities), tickets in London are way more affordable vs NYC (which is awesome) and there are, generally, more ways to get discounted tickets.
Hey, I'm new here - UA-cam suggested a video of yours to me this evening and I've now watched about five with genuine interest and without getting even slightly bored. As someone who's had a casual interest in musical theatre for years, and knows bits about what goes on behind the scenes but not tons, your content is so insightful and (unsurprisingly, given your job!) you present so naturally and are really engaging. Doesn't feel copycat or like you're trying too hard, which can be the case with some UA-camrs. I generally just whack UA-cam vids on in the background while I'm working out or something, but feel like I could sit and watch yours back-to-back for a good while. Just wanted to leave some public love 'cos you clearly put a lot of genuine effort and passion into this channel and it deserves more attention. Thank you and keep up the great work! (P.S - I know times are crazy tough for everyone who works in this industry atm, so hope you're getting by okay and that your great memories give you the boost you need to get through the tough moments. Keep taking it a day at a time, the curtain will rise again soon! ❤)
Loved this video, thanks Georgie x
I feel like working in the West End is also a lot more appealing for European Nationals too! The distance is closer, the time zones aren't too far apart, etc.
That is definitely true, it is the same with disneyland Paris, many europeans go to DLP because it is obviously a shorter travel than to Walt Disneyworld in Orlando, FL for example. And as you say it is the same with West End compared to Broadway
Great video! I just want to clarify your first point about the contracts for Broadway, the rest you seem to be pretty spot on.
There are a few different contracts on Broadway. We have the Principal Contract, (White Contract) which is a term contract, much like you have out there. They're usually 1 year for a new production, and 6 months for replacements. Sometimes if there's a "star" coming in, the contract is usually shorter. (Anywhere from 2 weeks to several months, depending on their availability) These contracts you're usually required to work the full term, although they are not impossible to get out of. (more remunerative employment)
Then you have the Chorus Contract (Pink Contract) This is a run of the play contract. The performer can leave the production at any time, with a 4-6 week notice, depending on the terms of the contract. However, the producer can only remove an actor from the production for "just cause." This process they must go through a hearing with Equity and even if they win, they usually wind up paying a buy-out fee to the actor. (prior to "just cause" kicking in, any actor, regardless of the contract, can be removed from the production for any reason the producer sees fit.)
Id be happy to work at the musical café or in the foyer in a theatre
Oo yes that would be the dream! Coffee and musicals is a great combo! X
This was super interesting, especially about equity! I guess the question about Broadway being harder to get into then the west end would depend on the number of roles available compared to the population size?!💕
The pay may be higher numerically, but there's likely very little difference in reality given the difference in housing costs, healthcare etc
I have lived in both NYC and London, and the cost of living is not THAT higher in NYC vs London. For example, transportation is a hell of a lot cheaper in NYC. But in general, salaries are substantially higher in NYC, in most any job industries. To make an example (with made up numbers) if the cost of living in NYC is 20% higher than London, salary is 40-50% higher.
Definitely west end! There’s something about London I just love 😍❤️ plus I love being close to home, as I live in Manchester myself 🥰
I feel the same I love London so much too 🤗
I'll be attending your legally blonde workshop at Bath uni, so excited thank you for doing it! 💛
While you have to be an AEA member to be on Broadway, you can become one by being cast in a Broadway show - rather than cumulating your points via regional theatre and what not. If you have a good agent, they can get you into the casting rooms (if you're AEA or not) and if you're cast, you're cast :)
I choose west end over Broadway any day! I can’t fully explain it. I just love it
I hope you’ll do a vlog about the role of subsidised theatres (the likes of the National Theatre, Royal Court, etc.) and the non-commercial ones (like The Old Vic) in the theatre going experience! Sometimes tourists would just focus on the core West End and then miss out on the wonders of what the subsidised theatres offer. Not to mention the fact that they are more affordable if you’re on a budget. Plus the differences in performing and expectations, how the audiences differ, etc.
Actually, for Broadway, only ensemble members get open ended contracts that allow them to leave shows whenever they want and stay for however long they want. Principal Broadway actors get contracts for a year and then the producers can renew them if they want the actors to stay in the show longer.
There is a Swing in Wicked on Broadway who has been there for many years
Yeah I believe the contracts are different colours depending on if it's fixed or if you can give notice.
@@reptongeek a swing contract on broadway is just like ensemble..open ended
I love this it’s awesome and very interesting ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you!! Xxxx
@@GeorgieAshford and if you ask me I would love to work in the west end and work my way up to broadway ❤️❤️❤️
Love both although the West End theatres are so much nicer than Broadway ones. Tickets are cheaper in the West End although I love the rush system in New York (I know we have day seats in West End). Interval ice cream is not such a thing on Broadway, instead you get a lot of noisy sweet packets. Finally I can’t remember a time when there hasn’t been a standing ovation on Broadway. The audiences are far more vocal and cheery on Broadway. Love the free Playbills too!
yes! the strict equity rules make it so hard to break into the business 😭 but they are also the reason the minimum pay is higher! also a small reason why tickets for broadway shows are much more expensive, though that also has to do largely with rent monopolies & ticket resellers 🙃
Isn't it also a fact that some of the theaters in London are owned by producers (like Camerin MacIntosh) so they have more control over the costs of mounting a show?
That was really interesting,
Thank you! Xx
So interesting! I’ve always loved NYC and wanted to work on Broadway but I’d also LOVE to do a West End show, perhaps even more so if I ever visit London? Also, I’m Australian and I know just as far as paperwork etc goes I have a much higher chance of getting a job on the West End than Broadway, but either way I’ve got to keep up training 😂 love hearing the differences! Xx
Cody simpson is australian and he was dimitry in the closing Broadway cast of anastasia
I would love to be on broadway! It’s always been a dream of mine even though it’s really hard to get into, also I’m a Canadian so I love a lot closer to the us. BUT NOW IM CONSIDERING THE WEST END CAUSE ITS EASIER TO GET INTO
I love musicals. In the West End I’ve seen Phantom ,Joseph, Miss Saigon,Martin Guerre,Lion King,Blood Brothers. I saw Starlight Express 21 times as my friend Paul Baker was in it 😀
The US entertainment industry is very union heavy which is a good thing because there are lots of protective things in place for people. It can get very weird because a film writer might not have written the script of the film you see however because he is the first writer on the film he has to be credited. Also Whoopi Goldberg wanted to work for free on Star Trek however they had to pay her scale ie the minimum you can earn as an actor, you cannot not get paid even if you want too.
When I first went to a theatre in London, I was surprised to learn that mini ice cream and bubbly/ wine are staples of the interval? I think this made thee second part of Mamma Mia! even more fun :)
Is this not a thing in the US? Same here at our big shows in Toronto, those little ice cream bars are everywhere haha
I live in the United States but my Mum is from England!! I would LOVE to perform on the West End, but with things like VISAs and stuff like that it is so hard to move to England. I would love to do both and hope to do both too! Thank you for these videos, love them :)
If your mums English then your entitled to a British passport which means you can work study and live here.
Hi, hoping you are well :) . The West End all the way. That was my dream as a child, and why I love the UK so much. I've never been to Broadway not even the US. Living happily in England and I can't wait for the West End to open
Yay! Fingers crossed it’s not too long now xx
@@GeorgieAshford Definitely. I've been bugging my local theatre in Ipswich, regarding any work, even ticket sales gives you the hype of the PA business. It was so difficult getting a job in the foyer in London, I tried when I was in my 20s
Could you do a video about differences in the UK auditions vs. US? Or specifically where/how auditions work in the UK?
This is a wonderful video ❤️ Despite the difference I really couldn’t choose one over the other as they both seem so magical however Westend would probably be my choice as living in America is more expensive then living in Britain x
As an American who lived several years in London, I can say that most American cities are much cheaper than London. San Francisco is certainly an exception and, while NYC can be very expensive, there seem to be more affordable pockets that don’t require a long commute.
You are charming and I am really enjoying your presentations ☺
Hi! I’d pick west end because I’m from ireland and it’s closer to my country so flights will be easier haha, I also just love west end so much
Have you ever done a video where you talk about things people might not know about working in theatre? I heard that tipping your dresser is a thing so now I’m wondering if there’s loads more customs and traditions like this that I don’t know about.
West End. I loooove London 😍
So hard idk. I'm a huge fan of the UK but I love West End & Broadway and would love to perform on both. I just take it as it comes 🙈🙈😅
Hi Georgie do you have to be a dancer to be in musicals? Are there always dance auditions for roles?
I am in school of rock UK tour if this pandemic goes away so I am here just to learn a few little tricks to help. Amazing channel keep up the great work 👍👍👍👍👍
Omg I want to watch that when it goes to where I am! What role did you get?
@@egg7338 I managed to get billy the stylist.
@@egg7338 where are you living in the UK?
@@Jason-Clark235 omg yessss! Congrats that’s an awesome role to have! I’m watching it when it gets to Dartford
I want to be in the west end, it’s the home of theatre it has the history and the culture and it’s no contest.
another difference between the West End and Broadway; in the West End Sunday is every shows dark day whereas on Broadway, it varies from show to show. I *THINK* "Phantom" is the only show on Broadway that has the same day off as in London.
The majority of the shows on Broadway are 2 shows Wednesday and Saturday and dark Monday. Usually it’s the two show days that are different but the vast majority if not all the shows are dark on Monday.
This may have been true in the past but more and more shows are now doing a Tuesday through Sunday schedule with the dark day being on Monday.
Great note on differences in Equity - although worth pointing out that even if you're not a member of Equity here in the UK; you are still employed under an Equity contract. And as Equity negotiate those contract with the Society of London Theatres on our behalf; if you are a member, you then get the chance to vote on any changes. And they'll also represent you in any disputes.
Personally -I'm torn. US Equity makes working there restrictive; both in terms of NEEDING a card to work, and also limits on what one can work on in certain situations. The looseness of UK unions allow for a bit more freedom. However the clout of their unions in the US mean that your job rights, especially when it comes to exceeding working hours and break-times makes their system more appealing (especially to a Stage Manager such as myself).
It's only fair to point out that just as an American cannot just fly to the UK and apply for a job, UK residents must comp!y with American immigration laws to work over here, over and above union rules. It is not legal for people who are not citizens or legal residents to work in the US unless they have a work visa. Entire foreign companies, like the RSC are allowed to bring intact casts for a limited time in a specific production, but that's rare.
@@simbahunter8894 Yes - I've not done so myself, but I know friends who have been over to the US with UK productions and from what I understand, it was quite tricky being able to bring the whole company; and even more so to bring over the original stage management team. Completely get the reason behind it all though.
@@guyjones3035 Also so an AEA stage manger here, and to work on the West End as a U.S. stage manager is nearly impossible because of the union exchange rules. I was originally supposed to do a show on a the west end a few years back and apparently, there are only a certain number of "exchange" contracts available each season, which the producers don't usually care to use them on non-performers. So instead, I went out as a non-paid consultant on the project. They did allow me to observe back stage for a few performances, which was very interesting. Instead of a PSM, they have a Company Stage Manager, which is a kind of a combination of SM/CM. (Much as the title reads.) During the show itself, he seemed to be kind of the traffic cop, back stage. Then there is the Technical SM (who actually calls the show), the Deputy SM and the ASM, who both also worked with props and wardrobe and moving scenic pieces. (Which is something that would never in a million years happen here with the IATSE rules.)
The West End. I thrive on comedy and love being supporting characters in Shakespearean plays. Not great on musical theatre. Plus the Donmar Warehouse looks like an amazing space....
Tbh comparing watching shows on Broadway and the west end, the west end is far better and cheaper. On Broadway we paid huge amounts and it felt so casual! When me and my friends go and see a show on the west end we dress up make a night of it but on Broadway it was like just a quick show on the way home, nobody dressed up (one women didn’t even take her woolly hat off lol) and the atmosphere just felt dull (don’t get me wrong the shows were good just not the experience) and it kinda spoiled it for me. X
Could you do a video about UK equity? Pros and Cons?
I'm already eligible for Equity (no reason to join at the moment since everything is closed) but, the West End has always been where I've dreamed to be & London is my favorite city in the world. But, as an American actor, I'm not sure if it'll ever be possible for me. The rules of how to legally get cast there are very confusing. 😢
I'm not too sure how much experience you have with this but would you ever consider writing or producing your own show?
Never say never! It’s definitely something I would be interested in x
Great video. I do wonder though when you compare population size in each country is it not harder in the USA as any aspiring performer would need to relocate, potentially, a significant distance to be in a chance to audition and work in NY where in the UK, the London region is clearly closer for most people no matter where they are in the nation?
That’s very true excellent point!
I would love to be on broadway, but west end is closer to home. So I can't choose, both, depending on the moment of my life
10000000000000000% would choose West End, London is my favourite city in the world! Also is it weird hwo I think there's more community in the West End?
I don't think the higher population in the US necessarily makes it harder to get a job. They likely have a greater number of shows and jobs available to suit the larger population
You to not have to be a dues paying Actor’s Equity member to work on Broadway. The producers must hire you on an AEA contract, but the individual can decide if they want to join the union when they receive that contract.
You must join Actors Equity if you work on Broadway. When the musical Bring It On opened, with a large cast of real cheerleaders, all of them had to join, a record number of thirty-one new members in a single show. Most new productions only have a couple of newbies.
@@simbahunter8894 Yes, those actors all chose to join the union and most actors who get cast on Broadway will take that option, but IT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT. US laws prohibit any organization from making affiliations with any union mandatory. If you are a member of the union it makes open casting calls more efficient for you and you have more protections against salary cuts and what the production can and cannot ask you to do without additional compensation. No producer can compel you to join a union and the union cannot compel you to do so either.
You are mistaken. You MUST be a member of Actors Equity to work in a Broadway show. There are other Equity contracts which allow a limited number of non-members, but not the Production contract which covers Broadway shows. Broadway producers are not eager to hire people who are not members anyway, just as they don't, and can't, hire non union electricians. This is all completely legal. Only a handful of US states have "right to work" laws which allow non union members in union positions. New York is not one of them.
I wouldn’t necessarily say that because the Us Has a larger population means that it’s harder to work on Broadway than it is in the west end. Not everyone is interested in working in the theatre in the US, most people who want to act tend to do the film route and Los Angeles First. Whereas in the Uk the theatre is still the main training ground and development centre for budding actors. I would say they’re probably evenly both as tough as each other.
Equity membership in the USA is a pain. As a member of British Equity, I was nearly fired from an American show, as I needed to be paid under US Equity rules for which there "must be a reciprocal agreement" with an actor in the UK. Well, there was not an American actor to be found! I was forced to leave British Equity and sign the contract as a non-union actor, which was kind of unfair. However, it was the only way that the theatre could keep me in the show. How odd!
I consider myself I strong dancer and actor, but not a very strong singer. Do any shows have ensemble members that are more danc-ey and less sing-ey?
Most certainly. "Cats" and "A Chorus Line" are two obvious ones. But, also, "Anything Goes", "42nd Street", and many others.
Can someone explain to me why people think Broadway is better that the West End?
I love both but I would defiantly rather Broadway
would things also differ if you were to do a uk tour with a show?💗
There are a few differences! Maybe I’ll make a video about tours compared to west end! Xx
@@GeorgieAshford That would be amazing, thankyou!! x
Broadway actors and stagehands are contracted as well
I would rather work on the West End, because it would be so awesome to live in London and work with so many amazing performers!
I think I would have to agree 🤗
Hmm- don't think either one would want me, just saying...!
do you still work on the west end xxxx
Whole west end is shut due to pandemic. So right now nobody works on the west end :(
@@CuppaCupboard I know I meant after the pandemic x
BROADWAY ALL THE WAY!!!
I hear a lot about equity but don't know what it is. So what is equity?
Equity is the Actor/Stage Manager Union.
Is equity a sort of actors union?
Yes
Yes. Equity is the union for Actors, Stage Managers, Directors, Dancers, and many other types of performer; both here in the UK and in the US; and if you work on a W-E or Broadway show, you will be employed under an Equity contract (even if you're not an Equity member here in the UK). The big difference between the two though is that the US unions hold considerably more clout than their UK counter parts, especially when it comes to enforcing pay, working hours, and breaks etc.
@@guyjones3035 thanks!
@@harri9095 My pleasure! Happy to pass on the knowledge.
To clarify further, in the US, Actors Equity is the union of actors and stage managers. "Actor" means anyone performing in a cast, including singers and dancers. Ballet and modern dancers and opera singers have their own union, AGMA. While directors are usually Equity members, the union doesn't cover them. Their contractual arrangements are negotiated with management on an individual basis. There are dozens of Equity contracts which cover different performing venues. For example, there are special contracts for regional theatres and the Walt Disney theme parks.
West end pay is terrible tbh
Don't be jealous of the US, they have health insurance to pay 😅
Super interesting video, can't imagine arriving at the theatre for the half, that is so intense 😬
Also NY housing is ridiculously expensive. I paid 3000 USD a month for a tiny apartment when i lived there.
Either I just want to be on stage for the rest of my life
Me toooo
Probably west end because I'm british 😂
FIRST
Woop! Xx