3 Broadway Performers on Managing Their Money During and Between Jobs
For Broadway performers, financial stability can feel as elusive as a long-running contract. With paychecks that come and go and few full-time benefits, planning for the future takes strategy, foresight, and adaptability. Three seasoned Broadway artists share their hard-earned wisdom on budgeting, saving, and preparing for the inevitable gaps between jobs, offering practical advice to help build a more secure financial future in an unpredictable industry.
Halli Toland
Most recently in Elf: The Musical, Halli Toland’s past Broadway credits include Carousel and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and she’s currently in the North American tour of Moulin Rouge!
How she copes between shows: “My goal when I’m working is to try to build up enough cushion for the time that I’m not working. I don’t want to be worrying about money when I’m not working—my stress level is already heightened because I’m looking for another job. I try to save enough money for six months of rent, so I have room to breathe and find the next job that’s right for me.”
Pocketing the per diem on tour: “There’s something called buyouts: If you find a cheaper hotel or flight than [the tour] had set up, they’ll give the planned amount, and you can pocket the extra. It’s a great hack. Some contracts offer health and wellness stipends, and you can use it for gym memberships, on voice lessons, to buy a Theragun, etc. Mental health stipends can go towards therapy sessions.”
Her top tip: “When you’re on tour, your taxes are different for every state you’re in. You have to file for every state you perform in. I would not know how to do it without help. There’s no shame in asking a co-worker what they’ve done in the past.”
Jess LeProtto
Most recently in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, Jess LeProtto’s past Broadway credits include Carousel, Hello, Dolly!, CATS, On the Town, Newsies, Bye Bye Birdie, and more.
How he copes between shows: “I’ve found different pockets of projects, like readings [or workshops and labs], that have a nice paycheck at the end. It’s not as substantial as a Broadway show with eight shows a week, but it’s still great to have. On both a financial and artistic level, you know you’re part of a project that can develop legs and become something.”
Where he goes for advice: “If you’re joining Actors’ Equity, look through the handbook and understand what the financial and insurance plans are. They talk about insurance plans, benefits, pensions, anything around financial plans. I’ve learned a lot along the way, and picked up a lot of things from other actors and dancers I’ve worked with, like cautionary tales and them expressing the challenges they’ve gone through.”
His top tip: “There’s a great amount of work to be had in television. There are so many types, whether it be late-night talk shows, ceremonial award shows, or episodics. Especially episodics that have residuals attached—that is a lovely gift to receive when [a check] comes in the mail.”
Alexa De Barr
Currently in Moulin Rouge!, Alexa De Barr’s credits also include West Side Story’s 2020 Broadway revival and the first national tour of An American in Paris.
How she copes between shows: “The School of Visual Arts is always looking for models for their students to practice with lighting and angles. It’s a four-hour gig, $20 an hour, and they reach out through email about specific themed classes. You don’t have to have model experience and it’s stress-free. The best part is you can say yes or no based on your availability or if you have an audition.”
Contract Cycles: “When I’m on a production contract, I contribute to my 401(k). And put money into my high-yield savings account. I can afford a gym membership for cross-training. When I’m not on contract, it feels like I’m spending more because I’m in that audition mindset of “What do I need to be doing to better my craft and better myself?” Dance classes, voice lessons, renting studio space for self-tapes. I take advantage of free classes online, like Pilates and ballet.”
Her top tip: “You can budget in a way where you can max out your 401(k) for the year. That’s been my goal now that I’m dance captain [for Moulin Rouge!] Up your percentage if you can.”
