Do Equity Actors Get Paid for Rehearsals?

Do Equity Actors Get Paid for Rehearsals?

Understanding the pay structure behind rehearsals and contracts in professional theatre

(By Jim Webb)

What Is Equity and Why Does It Matter?

Actors’ Equity Association, often referred to simply as “Equity,” is the labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in the United States. Established in 1913, its primary goal is to ensure fair pay, safe working conditions, and standardized contracts for performers working in live theatre.

One of the key concerns for many actors—especially those new to the industry—is whether they get paid for rehearsals. The short answer is: yes, Equity actors do get paid for rehearsals. However, the specifics depend on the contract type, the production budget, the size of the theatre, and more.

Let’s dive into how this works, with examples and insights that clarify the structure.

Rehearsal pay is not optional under Equity agreements—if you’re an Equity actor, you are contractually entitled to be paid for all time worked, including rehearsals.

Each Equity contract outlines:

Rehearsal period duration

Number of hours allowed per day/week

Minimum salaries during rehearsals

Overtime rates

Per diem (in some cases)

For example, under the Production Contract (used for large-scale Broadway and touring shows), actors must be paid a weekly minimum of $2,439 (as of 2024) during rehearsals and performances. This amount is the base salary and applies from the first day of rehearsal, regardless of whether or not the show has opened yet.

Even in smaller markets under the LOA (Letter of Agreement) or SPT (Small Professional Theatre) contracts, weekly rehearsal pay is mandatory, though it may be substantially lower. An SPT actor might earn between $300 and $600 weekly during rehearsals, depending on the tier of the theatre.

Let’s consider a real-world example: an Equity actor cast in a new Broadway musical under the Production Contract.

Rehearsal start date: May 1

Opening night: June 10

Total rehearsal weeks: 6

Weekly minimum salary (2024): $2,439

Even before the actor ever steps onto the stage for a paying audience, they are earning nearly $2,500 per week. Over six weeks, they’ll earn $14,634 just for rehearsals. Overtime, understudy premiums, and other bonuses may add to that total.

If tech rehearsals run long or weekend rehearsals are added (common in Broadway shows), the actor may also receive overtime pay, typically calculated at time-and-a-half for hours beyond the contractual limits.

Equity also covers national tours and regional productions. In both cases, actors are paid for rehearsals, but the amount depends on the contract category.

For instance, a LORT (League of Resident Theatres) contract is used for many of the major regional theaters like Arena Stage in Washington D.C. or the Guthrie in Minneapolis. A LORT B+ actor might earn $1,000–$1,200 weekly during rehearsals.

On a First National Tour under the Production Touring Agreement, performers usually receive the same or close to Broadway-level salaries. For example:

Weekly minimum: $2,000+

Daily per diem: ~$60–$70

Paid rehearsal period: 4–6 weeks

Travel days: Also compensated

Actors are also entitled to per diems and travel stipends, particularly if rehearsals happen in a different city from the performance venue.

Even lower-budget projects like workshops or staged readings are covered by specific Equity agreements such as:

29-Hour Reading Agreement

Workshop Agreement

Developmental Lab Agreement

Under a 29-Hour Reading Agreement, for example, actors are limited to 29 total hours of rehearsal and performance over one week, but must still be paid a minimum stipend, often a few hundred dollars, even if the project never moves forward.

A staged reading might pay around $500 for the week, depending on the production’s backing. Equity ensures this pay structure is consistent across the board.

It’s important to make a distinction between Equity and non-Equity work. In non-Equity theater, rehearsal pay is not always guaranteed—some actors may receive only a stipend or even work without pay in exchange for exposure.

That said, many high-profile theaters, even those hiring non-Equity talent, will still offer some form of rehearsal compensation. Still, this pay is typically lower and less regulated than under Equity contracts.

Equity contracts are the gold standard in ensuring that rehearsal time is honored and compensated fairly.

Most rehearsal periods for Equity productions range from:

2 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the show.

Broadway plays and musicals generally rehearse for 6 to 8 weeks, while regional shows may rehearse for 2–4 weeks. For example:

A regional production of Our Town at a LORT D theatre might rehearse for 3 weeks, 6 days a week, 6 hours a day.

A national tour of Hamilton might rehearse for 8 weeks prior to opening in a major market.

In all of these cases, every hour is compensated.

Additionally, Equity contracts place limits on how many hours actors can rehearse in a given day/week:

7 out of 9 hours per day (with a 2-hour meal break)

6 days per week maximum

Overtime applies beyond these hours

Equity actors themselves often view rehearsal pay not just as income but as a reflection of their value and professionalism.

In a 2023 interview, Equity actor Lisa Hayden shared her perspective:

“I’ve worked on both Equity and non-Equity contracts, and the difference is night and day. With Equity, you walk in knowing your time is respected. You’re not just giving your labor for free while a producer sells tickets. You’re being paid to create.”

Another actor, Jeremy Vale, who worked in regional musical theater under an SPT contract, added:

“Even though the weekly rate wasn’t huge, getting paid for rehearsal gave me financial breathing room and made me more committed to the process.”

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many live productions, but Equity took steps to ensure that rehearsal pay and health protocols were still followed. Virtual rehearsals were compensated, and testing days were often paid or accompanied by stipends.

Equity’s COVID-era agreements also protected actors from being forced to work in unsafe conditions. If rehearsals were canceled due to exposure or illness, actors were still compensated based on the terms in their contract.

This became an essential point of protection in a vulnerable industry.

In the world of professional theater, rehearsals are just as vital as performances. Equity contracts recognize this, ensuring that actors are compensated for every hour of preparation they put in. Whether on Broadway, in a regional house, or during a developmental reading, Equity actors are paid for rehearsals—because rehearsal is work.

If you’re an aspiring actor wondering whether it’s worth joining Equity, rehearsal pay is just one of the many protections and benefits the union offers. From overtime to health care contributions and pension plans, Equity ensures that artists are treated like the professionals they are.

In a field where creative labor is often undervalued, Equity contracts set the standard—and make it clear that even behind-the-scenes time deserves a paycheck.

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