Actors who helped shape Broadway hits get share in profits

NEW YORK – Performers who help develop successful Broadway shows will share in the profits under a landmark agreement between theatre producers and the union representing actors.

The New York Times reports that the deal reached Friday by the Broadway League and Actors’ Equity will let actors and stage managers who took part in a show’s development split 1 per cent of the profits.

The issue came to a head when “Hamilton” became wildly successful. The actors who had helped shape the hit musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton in its early stages complained that they would not share in the profits.

“Hamilton” producers agreed to a profit-sharing deal with the actors. Under the deal reached Friday, performers who take part in developing the next megahit will be guaranteed a share in the profits.