by Jeffrey and Todd Brabec
With normally the only source of income being from the sale of tickets, the weekly expenses of a show can either make or break most musicals. Just a few of the continuing expenses that must be met every week are the theatres percentage of receipts, salaries of cast and stage crew, the writer and directors royalties, newspaper advertising, television commercials, the producers fee, and office expenses.
On occasion, the sale of the motion picture rights will result in a substantial influx of money to cover costs and help recoup part of the investment, but for most Broadway musicals, box office receipts either keep a show open or close it.
The chart below sets forth many of the weekly expense categories for a show on Broadway.
Weekly Expenses of a Broadway Show
Salaries
Cast
Chorus
Musicians and conductor
Crew
Stage manager
General manager
Press agent
Wardrobe and dressers
Extra stagehands
Equity vacation pay
Star vacation pay
Publicity
Television
Newspaper
Photo and signs
Press expense
Television residuals
Subway and misc. advertisements
Group sales
Departmental
Electrical
Props
Costume
Carpenter
Rentals
Theatre Costs
Rent and administration
Box office and mail staff
Theatre staff
Payroll taxes
Union pension and welfare
Air conditioning
Theatre expenses
Tickets
Transportation
Miscellaneous
Office expense
Legal
Accounting
Payroll taxes
Insurance
Local taxes
League dues
Pension and welfare
Miscellaneous
Royalty Payments
Writers
Director/choreographer
Producers fee
Other royalty participants
This article is based on information contained in the new, revised paperback edition of the book "Music, Money, And Success: The Insider's Guide To Making Money In The Music Industry" written by Jeffrey Brabec and Todd Brabec (Published by Schirmer Trade Books/Music Sales). www.musicandmoney.com