How to Earn a Raise as a Broadway Dancer

Working hard and doing well are key to getting a raise.

Thousands of hopefuls across the nation apply each year to land a dance part in a Broadway show, but only a comparative handful make it. Once you are hired and the show hits the stage it occurs to you that you need more money.Asking for a raise as a Broadway dancer entails creativity and finesse, but can be accomplished.

Things You'll Need

• Reviews

Instructions

1. Collect positive reviews. Nothing says success like a good review. Watch the dailies, blogs and other review venues to see where your name shows up. Even as part of a dance troupe on stage, there may be reviews that single you out and complement your form and technique. Locate them, print them and put them in a folder.

2. Attend every rehearsal and performance. Demonstrating to producers, directors and other dancers you are dependable will strengthen your value to the company. Show up early, ready to rehearse, without complaint and give it your all every time.

3. Find ways to stand out. While upstaging others is not right and will get you noticed for all the wrong reasons, you can find reasons to stand out without being obvious. Take extra care with your steps, smile and body language to exude enthusiasm during the show.

4. Submit a written request for salary increase through your agent if you have one, by yourself if not, to the producer and director. Include in the request copies of positive reviews. Also include a printed calendar with each date you performed highlighted to illustrate how dependable you are. Write a letter for the folder detailing how you benefit the company and how much of a raise you are seeking.

5. Accept the answer initially. You may get the raise the first time you ask. If not, continue showing up early for rehearsals and shows, collecting more positive reviews and working hard. Wait a few weeks and approach it again. Your willingness to keep working hard after being turned down will be seen as a positive and may score you that increase.

Tips & Warnings

• Include any accomplishments in the folder such as union memberships, past performance reviews and other things that reminds them of your value.

• Avoid a Primadonna attitude. Others will not like it and may stop working well with you.

References

• SCNow.com: Tips for Asking for a Raise
• "USA Today"; from The Associated Press; The curtain hides actors' salaries; Michael Kuchwara; August 2003