From my survey of 11 local theatre producers, here is a rough look at what they currently pay actors. All figures were supplied by company artistic directors.

The Equity Companies

Austin Playhouse
Min. AEA contract (3-5 per show): $222/wk
Non-AEA: Typically slightly less than AEA

Austin Shakespeare
Min. AEA contract (3-5 per show): $222/wk
Non-AEA: Not disclosed

Zach Theatre
Min. AEA contract (mainstage): $370/wk
AEA (theatre for youth, which typically includes more performances per wk): $461-663/wk
Non-AEA: $90-520/wk

Non-Equity Companies

Capital T Theatre
$750 avg. ($500-1,000 range, depends on cast size)

Different Stages
Small stipend (no range given)

Hidden Room Theatre
Varies from show to show (no range given)

Hyde Park Theatre
$600-1,200 range, depends on cast size

Penfold Theatre
Varies from show to show (no range given)

Rude Mechanicals
$1,000 minimum for non-touring shows with four weeks of rehearsal; four-week, 15-performance run; and $30,000 budget

Salvage Vanguard Theater
Varies from show to show (no range given, depends on cast size and production funding)

Vortex Repertory Company
$200-500 avg. ($100-$1,000 range, depends on cast size, time commitment by the actor, and production funding)

This article appears in January 23 • 2015.

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