How a Broadway show is made

An introduction to the production process of Broadway musicals and plays, performance run system, and actors’ salaries.

From tryouts to Broadway
How Broadway runs are structured
Broadway actors’ salaries
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The three steps before a Broadway premiere

Step 1 Raising millions through investor presentations

Did you know that it can take years and tens of millions of dollars before a Broadway musical is ready to open? The most expensive show in Broadway history was Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, which ran from 2010 to 2014 and cost around $75 million to produce.

This money is not paid directly by producers. Instead, they raise funds from investors, who then share in the profits if the show succeeds. This fundraising stage is called a reading, where performers present selected songs or scenes to potential backers. These presentations are often simple, with actors standing at microphones, but if investors see potential, they contribute. Because of their importance, investors are affectionately referred to as “angels.”

Step 2 Regional “tryouts” before Broadway

Once funding is secured, the creative team begins refining the show. But instead of opening immediately on Broadway, which is costly and risky, most productions test the show first with a six-week tryout in a regional theater. These performances are full-scale, with paying audiences, but the show is constantly revised based on audience reactions. Songs, dialogue, sets, and choreography can change drastically between the first and last tryout performance. Some shows even go through multiple tryouts in different cities before moving to Broadway—proof of how challenging it is to reach the Broadway stage.

Step 3 Official Broadway opening

After successful tryouts, it’s time for the Broadway debut. Before opening night, productions run for about a month of previews, during which the creative team makes final adjustments. By convention, critics do not publish reviews during previews.

When previews end, the show celebrates its opening night, often with major media coverage and glamorous events. From concept to Broadway can take at least three years—and for some productions, more than a decade.

How Broadway runs are structured

Critical reviews and word of mouth determine success

Most Broadway productions follow what is called an open run system, meaning the show continues as long as tickets keep selling. Advertising is important, but reviews and audience word of mouth matter even more. As soon as a show opens, reviews are posted online, and their tone can make or break ticket sales. In recent years, social media buzz—especially on platforms like Twitter—has become just as influential as traditional reviews.

Broadway actors’ salaries

Annual income of Broadway actors

To perform on Broadway, actors must pass auditions. Sometimes well-known film or TV stars are cast, but it is also common for relatively unknown performers or ensemble members to win leading roles. Conversely, an actor who once played a lead may later return as an ensemble member. It is a fiercely merit-based industry.

When Hollywood stars appear on Broadway

The minimum annual salary is just the baseline. In past productions, stars have commanded extraordinary fees. For example, Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, original cast members of The Producers, reportedly earned record salaries when they returned for a limited run. Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig each earned about $100,000 per week (over ¥16 million) for their roles in the play A Steady Rain, while Julia Roberts was said to have received $150,000 per week (over ¥24 million) for her Broadway appearance. (Rates calculated at $1 = ¥160)