What is the Equity Minimum for Theatre?
Understanding Base Pay Rates for Professional Stage Actors in the U.S.
(By Jim Webb)
Understanding Actors’ Equity Association (AEA)
Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), commonly referred to as “Equity,” is the labor union that represents over 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre across the United States. Equity is to stage actors what SAG-AFTRA is to screen performers — it ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and a host of professional protections.
Founded in 1913, Equity negotiates minimum salaries with producers under different contracts depending on the size, budget, and location of the theatre company. These contracts help ensure that actors are compensated fairly and consistently across the professional theatre industry.
But what exactly is the Equity minimum — and how does it differ from one production to another?
What Is the Equity Minimum?
The Equity minimum refers to the lowest allowable weekly salary that a professional stage actor or stage manager can earn under an AEA contract. These minimums are negotiated between Equity and theatre producers, and they vary depending on the type of contract, which is influenced by several factors such as:
Size and classification of the theatre
Geographic location
Production budget
Union contract in effect
The base minimum serves as a floor, not a ceiling — producers can, and often do, pay more than the Equity minimum to attract higher-profile talent or to retain experienced actors.
Examples of Common Equity Contracts and Minimums
Equity administers a variety of contracts depending on the region and nature of the production. Here are a few examples with the current (2024–2025) minimums as outlined in Equity’s published rates:
1. Broadway Production Contract (New York City):
Minimum Weekly Salary for Actors: $2,439
Minimum for Stage Managers: $3,230
Example: A revival of Oklahoma! at a Broadway house like Circle in the Square would pay no less than $2,439 per week to each actor.
2. LORT (League of Resident Theatres) Contracts:
These are tiered from LORT A+ (large, well-funded theatres) to LORT D (smaller companies).
LORT A+: $1,296/week
LORT D: $748/week
Example: An actor in A Christmas Carol at a LORT B theatre might earn around $1,035 per week.
3. Off-Broadway Contract (NYC):
Tiered by theatre size and budget (A, B, C)
Off-Broadway A: $887/week
Off-Broadway C: $737/week
Example: A production at Playwrights Horizons under a C-level contract pays actors at least $737 per week.
4. SPT (Small Professional Theatre):
Tiered from 1 to 10, based on weekly box office income and theatre size.
Tier 1 Minimum: $288/week
Tier 10 Minimum: $802/week
Example: A small-town regional production of Steel Magnolias under SPT Tier 3 might pay around $399/week.
5. COST (Council of Stock Theatres):
Often used for summer stock and touring theatre.
Minimum for Actors: $790/week
Example: A summer stock production of Guys and Dolls in New England would use COST contracts.
6. TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences):
Contracts designed for theatres that perform for schools or children.
Minimum Salary: $272–$592/week depending on tier and location.
Example: A daytime children’s tour of Charlotte’s Web would fall under a TYA agreement.
These rates are updated regularly, so actors and producers consult the Equity website for the most current details.
Factors That Affect Equity Minimums
Minimum pay varies widely because Equity contracts are designed to scale according to the size and income of a production. Here are some major factors that influence how much an actor is paid:
Theatre size: Broadway actors earn more than actors in small regional houses.
Production budget: A theatre with a larger budget is obligated to pay higher minimums.
Geography: New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles markets tend to have higher pay scales.
Union classification: Each Equity contract is negotiated specifically for its own tier.
In other words, a performer might earn $2,400 per week in a Broadway show, but only $400 per week doing the exact same role at a community theatre on an SPT Tier 3 contract.
Beyond the Minimum: Benefits and Protections
The Equity minimum wage is just the beginning. Union contracts also provide:
Health insurance and pension contributions
Overtime pay
Per diem on tour
Rehearsal pay
Understudy bonuses
Safe working conditions
Protections against exploitation
These benefits are what make Equity membership attractive to many actors. According to veteran performer Rema Webb, “It’s not just about the paycheck — it’s about being treated with dignity. That’s what Equity gives you.”
Do Non-Equity Theatres Pay Less?
Yes — non-Equity theatres are not bound by the same wage regulations, and actors working in those productions are often paid far less — sometimes just a stipend or hourly wage. For example:
A non-union community production may offer $150–$300 for the entire run.
A touring non-Equity children’s theatre might pay $250 per week plus housing.
While some non-Equity theatres treat performers fairly, others may not. That’s one of the reasons actors join the union — for stability and protection.
However, non-Equity productions can serve as valuable experience for emerging artists who are building their résumés and working toward union eligibility.
How Do Actors Join Equity?
Actors can become Equity members through several routes:
Equity Contract: Get hired on an Equity production and become a member.
EMC Program (Equity Membership Candidate): Earn points by working at participating theatres; 25 weeks qualifies for full membership.
Sister Union Program: Join through membership in a sister union like SAG-AFTRA or AGMA.
Once a member, actors must pay annual dues and work dues based on income, but in return, they receive union protection, access to Equity auditions, and better pay standards.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite the protections offered, Equity minimums are not without debate. Some smaller theatres have argued that the required salaries make it hard for them to produce work at all. This was especially controversial during Equity’s attempts to raise minimums in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, where small theatre scenes thrive.
Actor equity activist Sarah Ramos argued, “If we can’t sustain a living wage for artists, then we’re just continuing the cycle of burnout and exploitation.”
In response, Equity has experimented with new contract models to balance fairness with financial feasibility.
The Equity Minimum in a Post-Pandemic World
COVID-19 deeply affected the theatre industry. After a long shutdown, the return to live performance has placed new emphasis on fair pay and safety. Many actors have demanded stronger benefits and hazard pay as a result of the increased risks.
Equity has responded by updating health and safety standards, enforcing better ventilation requirements, and offering new resources for mental and physical health. Some contracts were re-negotiated to address pandemic-related concerns.
Conclusion: More Than a Number
The Equity minimum is more than just a wage — it represents a standard of respect for artists’ time, energy, and talent. Whether on Broadway or in a rural touring production, union actors deserve a fair wage that reflects the difficulty and emotional labor of their craft.
Theatres that uphold Equity standards invest not just in great performances but in the sustainability of the performing arts industry as a whole.
As actor and Equity member Montego Glover once said, “When you pay actors fairly, you’re not just supporting art — you’re supporting lives.”
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