'Hamilton': The Art of Profit-Sharing for Actors

In a Chicago Tribune illustration, 'Hamilton' creator Lin-Manuel Miranda depicted on the $10 bill. (photo credit:Michel Miner)

With a monster Broadway hit like 'Hamilton' gathering so much publicity, the show also made the news rounds for the behind-the-scenes negotiating of a profit sharing deal between the actors and lead producer Jeffrey Seller.

The outcome was 22 of the show's actors, some who are no longer in the show, who helped to create the show during its Off-Broadway run, will receive 1 percent of net profits from the New York production as well as .33 percent of the net profits from Chicago and all other U.S productions.

Recently an in-depth article in Bloomberg details what is probably intended to be confidential communications of how the deal was reached.  It is fascinating reading and the result will likely be a rollover into shows that are expected to be the next big hit. It also adds another layer to the difficult economics of Broadway where only about a quarter of the plays and musicals turn a profit. Click the link below for the full article.

How Hamilton's Cast Got Broadway's Best Deal: Of all the prizes bestowed on Hamilton, the greatest might be the one its cast won for itself (Sept 28, 2016).

The $10 Lin-Manuel Miranda photo at top is from a Chicago Tribune from April 22, 2016 called Do Actors from 'Hamilton' deserve to be paid royalties.

Hamilton actors during the 40th anniversary celebration of 'A Chorus Line'.
(photo credit: Jim Spellman/WireImage)