What Broadway Really Pays: Starring In Hamilton, Being In A Union, & More

In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Broadway star Nik Walker to talk Hamilton, Ain't Too Proud, being in the actors' union, and what actors working on Broadway really make.
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[@CaethesFaron]

I saw Nik in Hamilton in Orlando and it was the first time I ever went to the stage door after a show. The time he spent talking to me meant a lot and is one of my best memories from going to Broadway shows. It was such a big deal to me, and I really appreciated it. I now follow him on social media, and he's such a great guy. Thanks for the awesome interview, TFD!

[@thefinancialdiet]

So glad you liked it! He was an amazing guest.

[@oliviarenaud2044]

The salaries of Broadway Performers has always been such a hidden secret, it's crazy to see the huge gaps in pay. This was really insightful and eyeopening. My biggest dream is to be on Broadway and I have worked very hard, but yet have never gotten paid to act.

[@LorryHill]

What an amazing person ! I saw him in Hamilton. Saddened to hear his show closed but I’ll make it a point to see whatever show he is in come next fall (we come out to Manhattan every year) . Great interview !

[@nikkywalks9271]

I’m back in Hamilton!!! Come thruuuuu

[@oliviakinter179]

A professional actor myself: Thank You, Thank You, THANK YOU for this one!! Fantastic interview!

[@thefinancialdiet]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@camillacaloi4122]

My biggest revelation of this episode is that they were not lying in GIRLS when Adam gets a part in Brodway and all his problems were fixed

[@Lerantingbitch]

Chelsea you really hit it out the park with your guest selections. Can’t wait to view this episode

[@DanielleDoherty]

Thank you so much for this! I love how candid Nik is. I LOVED the quote about "financial stability and the ability to express myself fully". I also work on Broadway (in a box office) and even with the instability, especially for the past year and a half, I can't leave this industry. I just love it too much, and I've tried to leave twice but just keep crawling back - there's nothing else like it. And to finally talk about Broadway finances! So many people think we either make a ton of money or not a lot at all - no one understands the finances of Broadway, because people don't talk about it! If I may nitpick one thing: the pay rates Nik was talking about don't apply to all Broadway actors. The contract he's talking about is what's known as the "Broadway League" contract. There are a few theaters on Broadway owned by nonprofit theater companies (Manhattan Theatre Club, Roundabout, etc) and those employees are paid less because they have a different agreement with the Broadway unions, of which currently I think there are about 17. As an example, I was the Head Box Office Treasurer (aka the Manager) at a nonprofit Broadway house, and made the switch a few years ago to be a low-ranking assistant treasurer, essentially entry level, at a "commercial" Broadway theater, and one on the Broadway League contract. I was doing far less work day to day, but I made $600 more PER WEEK because it was a commercial theater. Also: as a 33 year old with a KZbin channel, the AARP joke took. me. out.

[@thefinancialdiet]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you enjoyed the interview

[@jsayegh1000]

LEGIT, THANK YOU ! As an actor in NYC, these past two years have played havoc not only on our mental state, but our financial state. This was so beautiful to watch, and to have our world shown to a mass audience when it comes to the life of an actor, our hard work, and the financial instability. Wonderful interview!

[@prm0123]

Great episode Chelsea! I actually work for the Theater/Production of Ain’t Too Proud & I’m one of many who are now unemployed by its closing. It’s unfortunate, but I’m happy for Nik moving on & forward! Tough industry but we love it♥️

[@nikkywalks9271]

Wait who dis be?!??? Come thru ATP FAMMM

[@nikmariealex]

Listennnnnnnn I was there closing night January 16th. I want to thank you and all of your peers for all of the work that went into the show. I have never experienced a closing night like that. It was a true celebration. Your work did not go unnoticed!

[@PeukinsPoint]

I clicked on this SO FAST. I majored in musical theatre and the finances of broadway is something I'm so passionate about. Thank you for covering this!!!

[@jessicabalderas3538]

I love the fact that you brought out the point of the body image, we hear very few men speak about it!

[@annan.3283]

The Temptations wear fitted suits, does the costume department have to keep making new suits when people gain weight?

[@Frwill126]

I took my mother to see Ain’t Too Proud for her birthday in December. She really enjoyed herself. It was really good and I’m sad it closed.

[@rycrafty]

As someone who worked in Canadian theatre (stage management!), in the union, was so proud of making a living just from theatre (...mostly), what you say about the feeling of financial stability changing when you get older is ON POINT. I worked in theatre from roughly age 22-32 and then I quit, because I couldn't take the worry any more. I spent almost 10 years stitching together a theatre season out of 8-week contracts. None of this 2 years on the same show. Now I have a (unionized, aw yeah) office job, I work half the hours I used to, I get WEEKENDS that are TWO DAYS long (theatre is 1 day off). It is amazing. Do I miss the art, the music, the camaraderie, going to work in yoga pants sometimes? Yes, but now I have a steady paycheque, a pension, health insurance, SICK DAYS, VACATION DAYS... I could go on. Now I can support theatres by buying tickets!

[@PeukinsPoint]

Exactly where I've landed at age 26. Most contracts don't pay as well as his, so it's a conscious thing to be aware of as we age.

[@MaggieDas.]

This is so interesting for me! I was looking to move to a different city or country to make a living out of the arts because where I live there's almost nothing. And I have so many questions about the musical theater industry in Canada that I can't find the answers to online. If you can share some of your knowledge, experience or recommendations with me I would highly appreciate it. And I'm so glad you found a path that worked for you and gave you peace of mind while doing what you love.

[@stevenponte6655]

I have followed you for a little while but this interview was the best yet. Your comments about creativity and your creative "hobbies" and your comment about diversifying it from validation and decoupling it from money, really hit the nail on the head (I had to watch it again to make sure I got it). What a great interview and what a lovely man.

[@thefinancialdiet]

Thanks for the love

[@adriennechrislady]

As a recent NYU grad, I concur the "real estate firm that happens to teach classes" statement. #straightfacts

[@kristenamaezing]

Thank you thank you thank you for this! As a multi-hyphenate in NYC it's so nice to see someone who's actually in it and willing to talk about it. Such a wonderful, thoughtful, and engaging interview.

[@_ZB4]

Chelsea this is my fave podcast series and I binge a lot. Please keep bringing in these lovely magical guests. I’m so appreciative to have it to look forward to weekly at the moment ☺️

[@thefinancialdiet]

More to come!

[@nikmariealex]

He was so good in Ain't Too Proud I saw it twice 😩🙌🏿

[@thatjillgirl]

Wow! I had no idea Broadway actors made so much! (And good for them! They work a demanding job in a high cost of living area, and if the show is successful, the profit is certainly there.)

[@sixtwentysevenblog]

I'm not as into plays, musicals, or theater, but really enjoyed the level of candor and pay transparency in this episode! Great interview. Hope y'all were able to make those brunch dreams come true.

[@d14551]

Fascinating interview with someone who's not only talented, but also thoughtful and kind.

[@sankimalu]

Magnificent interview! Such a candid, graceful, eloquent conversation.

[@albamadero7207]

I was literally waiting for this episode to be posted with my running shoes in my hand. Now I'm ready to go🏃‍♀️🎧 ¡Gracias!!!

[@lieslmcpherrinsoprano]

I’m glad that performing arts finance is being talked about! We go into these careers knowing *nothing* - I’m so happy to share this video with my college music students

[@becsterbrisbane6275]

LOVE this interview! I can totally see Thayne scarfing tubs of icecrream after his smug Seabury scene lolol. I am so surprised at the salary he mentioned, I always thought that even principals were starving artists! Glad they're getting decent incomes!

[@jampsonn1826]

I am absolutely loving this influx of TFC episode lately!! So many interesting guests that I've never heard of and a lot of insight into industries and financial situations that I know nothing about. Please keep 'em coming!! 😁

[@lesliemartin1520]

Yep, at 39 I'm very old to be a hard-core KZbin watcher. Thank you, Chelsea and the TFD team, for bringing me such high-quality content. I love these thoughtful interviews with interesting people.

[@Lolzadoodle8484]

Been watching TFD since I was 18! I'm 22 now :) Loved this interview and this podcast series in general - I always look forward to your guests and the insight they have on life, finance, and the future.

[@laceyh]

Saw Nik in Hamilton in March--he was truly a major highlight of the show! So cool to see him here now.

[@nikkicole54321]

Great interview! Plus his financial transparency is awesome!

[@bwaySHO]

This is fascinating. Thank you, Nik, for your candor! Great interview

[@ashawntiford1457]

Very appreciative of this episode as one of your listeners who is an actor!

[@ameliamarosek7353]

10/10 this was another amazing episode! Nik was amazing, appreciate his warmth and candor. Time to steal some money and go see him perform

[@charlotteharris7427]

Omg THANK YOU! I am currently an actor trying to do the damn thing, and this is just everything that I needed and more! Thank you for branching out with artistic workers

[@glrreid96]

This was such an excellent episode. So fascinating to get an idea of how the industry works and so impressed that Nik talks with such transparency.

[@andikelley2295]

As a huge Broadway fan for most of my life, thank you for talking about the financial side. I have been wondering about it for years.

[@brinababey]

I love your channel but am even more obsessed with musical theater and this was FASCINATING. Thanks to you and Nik for sharing all this insight

[@josephlim6854]

Wow what a great interview! I appreciate your transparency Nik. You are amazing! My perception of Broadway is it can be a feast or famine type experience. There will be times when you're employed in a hit show where the money will be good for some time yet there will also be times when it may be very hard to get a gig. @24:10 I think it is very tough to be a producer but I also hope that once a producer has a hit show that he/she would reinvest some of the proceeds to produce another show on Broadway. One thing I also was curious about is agents and whether they really get 5-10% of the actor's pay.

[@ashleychason4939]

This was absolutely fantastic. It was so interesting to learn about the business side of theatre. And Nik- what a class act. I loved how he talked about his wife. You knocked out out of the park with this one!

[@sydlant]

One of the best financial confessions episodes yet. Thank you!

[@chapellastewart1301]

WOW! So much valuable info here! Thanks!

[@victorialee1239]

As an actor, thannnnnk yoooou for sharing this video. It helps people understand the nuances of our industry. It is so hard!! Btw for those who care, to get in the union you just have to prove you were paid professionally as a performer. Not even in the Union. It is huge because many theatres abused and manipulated nonunion actors promising them Union status and never giving them that status.

[@tammystockley-loughlin7680]

Halle Barry in Bruised was amazing. So glad she was able to get the movie done with her vision. Positive vibes from New Hampshire, remember to be kind to each other and yourself during this pandemic and social crisis

[@justinedraus2010]

What a truly fantastic interview! Love to Nik and love to the TFD team!

[@jacquelinealbin7712]

When he's talking about the guy who played Octavius Caesar 😭 it's raining on my keyboard

[@angimurphy1139]

SO enlightening!!! What a great interview 😃

[@Ottersauce]

These are always fantastic! Thank you for making this content and having these wonderful guests. These help me have a better understanding of my uncertainty with money. 😁

[@FCPA1997]

Fabulous interview!!

[@leenanorms]

This was so fascinating, thank you!

[@kemisoremekun4887]

Also like the transparency about salary and negotiations around the jobs that he's taken.

[@wildcatste]

Great episode!

[@witavorr]

Stage door success story: I’m not not crying, you’re crying 😭

[@ooppii1]

I don't only want my KZbinrs to be 19, you're fine Chelsea. As you grow older, so will your audience 😆

[@simpleandhealthymama]

One of your best videos ever!

[@Bronzyglow]

This was a great interview! 🌟

[@kemisoremekun4887]

Love love the comment about no comments about bodies. I've had to navigate this as I have started to see people more and more. I've put on weight and many people have been very keen to point the fact out to me. It's been hard to navigate properly.

[@Kthx881]

We love a cat dad!!!!

[@TheImperfectReader]

I saw Hamilton multiple times on Disney now I want to see in NY.

[@mahikamihan]

I love how he just simps on his wife on the podcast, like... 👍👍👍 yesss we definitely love a wife guy ❤

[@madaffi2434]

Why no timecodes? Please 🥺

[@casebeth]

unions are great, let's all get one. YYES M'AM!!!

[@angelbird7227]

Solidarity!

[@blancavarela8526]

Dang Chelsea called us old, I’m not even 30 yet! But she’s right 🤣

[@lar7849]

So long… no time codes?

[@carolinapecaibes1121]

"Im seeing 6 shows a week" Chelsea living the dreeeeeam

[@annan.3283]

Chelsea I don’t know how you have a half fresher on the table. I finish mine a couple blocks walking away from the Starbucks. There’s no way it would make it all the way home plus I’d worry about the ice diluting the flavor. Oh wait I forgot it January, didn’t even know they sold that in the winter time.

[@Shelleebeee]

oh god it cuts away after he says they go to Disney World every year, as a theme park fan i gotta know what Chelsea said lmao

[@deboragrenzel5201]

People!!! If there can be Hamilton in Germany, I NEED Hamilton in Brazil!!!!! Who do I have to beg to make this happen???

[@Larindarr]

Im so depressed as a musician... why can't our union ensure we get paid for what we do? oh because ppl want our work for free :( basically. Chelsea.... you really need to get musicians producers writers performers recording artists in here not just actors. Because our industry is severely in need of some financial revolution or fresh perspective or the very least the harsh realities of it to be revealed.

[@bee42Sad]

Wow. Thats a lot of money! I'm wondering if its like many other things, your making great money or... you are not (like not getting booked). This is kinda talked about but not in depth.

[@nikkywalks9271]

Theres def some diversity here- different types of contracts, with varying levels of salary. but in terms of a consistent living wage for theater (in America), you’re going Bway or Bway union tour, or a very well contracted regional theater, like ART, Denver Center, Baltimore Centerstage, etc.

[@jenniferholcomb9300]

WE👏LOVE👏A👏WIFE👏GUY👏💖

[@thefinancialdiet]

Yes we do!

[@becksss2672]

I clicked so fast!

[@mariaelenasanchezkeranovic4576]

I think it is best to ask for money that stole it. People take it litterally

[@bellaadamas5850]

Reading about people grabbing multi-figures monthly as income in investments even in this crazy days in the market, any pointers on how to make substantial progress in earnings? Would be appreciated.... I'll be in the comments

[@Boucher-Antoine]

Am investing in crypto now........the dip is a clear sign for new investors to come in

[@ambrociochiyo2094]

Perfect you buy when the market is low to get profit when it rises

[@Faith_breeds_strengnth]

wanted to trade crypto but got confused by the fluctuations in price

[@andrewpaulo5439]

Trading crypto now will be very wise but trading without a professional is not

[@jurgenstefan6682]

I tried trading on my own but it only left chasing shadows

[@TonyMrBoring]

What is Chelsea's Starbuck drink?

[@fefewa14tx]

Passion fruit iced tea from Starbucks

[@saschamayer4050]

00:33

[@saschamayer4050]

01:04:28

[@afhyoutube]

Holy shit.. $600,000?!

[@8rainbowcaterpillar]

..comparing body language dang Chelsea

[@darbymori350]

No wonder Broadway tix are so expensive. Seems like only the elite can afford to be in the audience.

[@asadb1990]

wow the amount of brown nosing of the guest's coworkers is staggering.

[@kcoley15gmail]

That poor guy is trapped in a web of rittalin speed and everyones jus milking the cow. Talk about an oncoming zeitgeist , thats as bad as turning kids into drug addicts so they can "behaves" ...justice is a hellof a drug , not good.

[@nikkywalks9271]

i take adderall and gabapentin, not rittalin- but thanks for playing!

[@kcoley15gmail]

@@nikkywalks9271 I did too for about 14 years , the kick is tough because it's dope. It is possible tho , I'm living proof , but worse for the wear than I woulda been without. -trewths

[@hejiranyc]

Did he just call women “a female presenting person.”?! What a tool!

[@nikkywalks9271]

we had non-binary cast members in ATP, and they requested that we use that terminology, for the sake of inclusion. all love to you!

[@hejiranyc]

Do you know how utterly dystopic it is when the word "woman" is now a pejorative? You can't even be a "mother" anymore; you're a "birthing person." It's surely the end of days...

[@nikkywalks9271]

​@@hejiranyc i mean... i still have a mother lol. and if the fem presenting ensemble had identified themselves as women across the board, we wouldve gladly called them "the women's ensemble." nothing pejorative; just addressing people how they'd like to be addressed.

[@ML-fw6yh]

@@nikkywalks9271 best and most chill response, love it. In the video "women and female presenting people" is used. They both exist still lol.