Most Broadway shows are "dark" (closed) on Mondays, as it is the traditional day off for casts and crews. However, several shows, such as Chicago, & Juliet, and The Great Gatsby, often offer Monday evening performances, making it possible to catch a show.
Although there are some exceptions, shows with open-ended runs generally have evening performances Tuesday through Saturday, with a 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. "curtain". The afternoon "matinée" performances are at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays and at 3:00 p.m. on Sundays. This makes for an eight-performance week.
Most Broadway shows perform eight times a week, usually six evening performances and two matinee performances. One day per week (most commonly Monday) is considered dark, meaning there are no performances at all that day.
But the real reason most Broadway shows are dark on Mondays is all about rest and practicality, not mystery. The standard Broadway workweek is built around eight performances per week, and that's a grind.
Best Broadway Shows to See in New York Right Now (2025 Guide)
What is the average salary of a Broadway actor?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $139,000 and as low as $15,500, the majority of Broadway Actor salaries currently range between $30,000 (25th percentile) to $46,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $138,000 annually across the United States.
Typically, most Broadway theaters are closed on Mondays. This closure allows cast and crew to rest after a bustling weekend filled with shows—often two or three per day on Saturday and Sunday! It's a well-deserved breather for everyone involved in bringing these magical productions to life.
Although it varies by Broadway Theatre (as some of the redesigned theatres have slightly larger seats), the accepted maximum weight for a Broadway seat is 250 lbs. The maximum height is 6'2". Anything above those parameters will be uncomfortable for the patron and distracting for the other patrons at the show.
Clooney is 2025's highest-paid Broadway performer with $6 million total for his Cold War play Good Night, and Good Luck. Jackman reportedly earned $100,000 per week for his headlining role in The Music Man in 2022.
The Lion King sits at the top, with a Broadway gross of $2 billion. Dates refer to original Broadway productions, with notes added for future productions that outran the Broadway run. † Background shading indicates shows running in the week commencing 16 January 2026 in Broadway theatres. Ref.
Actors are typically paid on a weekly basis during rehearsals, ensuring they can focus on preparing for the show without worrying about financial stability.
Is it better to sit in the orchestra or mezzanine?
At times, a front mezzanine view may even be preferable to an orchestra view, especially in shows with large ensembles or extensive choreography. Keep in mind that most Broadway theaters do not have elevators and taking the stairs is required to reach mezzanine seats.
The hottest Broadway shows right now include long-running hits like Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King, alongside newer, buzzworthy shows such as Hell's Kitchen (Alicia Keys' musical), Death Becomes Her, The Outsiders, and Stranger Things: The First Shadow, all drawing big crowds and critical attention. Other popular choices are MJ The Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Six, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, with musicals like The Great Gatsby, Hadestown, and Chicago also consistently popular.
Backpacks and bags are permitted inside the theaters and are subject to inspection. All bags should be sized to fit comfortably under your seat without obstructing any walkways. Theaters will not allow guests to check bags and will not hold them during the performance.
The four most common types of dress codes often focus on workplace settings: Business Formal, Business Professional, Business Casual, and Casual, though social events have their own (White Tie, Black Tie, Cocktail, Casual). Business Formal is the strictest (suits), Business Professional allows for suits/dresses, Business Casual mixes professional and relaxed (slacks/blouses), and Casual is the most relaxed (jeans/polos), but each company defines them differently.
No, Broadway theaters don't have any official dress codes. The modern Broadway experience embraces a "come-as-you-are" atmosphere that welcomes diversity in audience attire.
There's no bad seat at the theatre. No matter where you sit, you're able to experience the stellar performances and well-crafted designs your chosen show has to offer. Some seating sections are touted as "better" than others, but really, the "best" seat is a matter of each audience member's preference.
What's important is not so much that you look like everyone else, but that you feel the best that you can be. Yes, eight shows a week requires a certain level of stamina, but honestly, it's a kind of stamina that you're not going to get unless you're doing eight shows a week.
Outside food or drink is not allowed to be brought into the theatre, this includes restaurant “doggie” bags. You may bring a sealed water bottle or an empty personal water bottle (hydro flask).
One famous stretch near Times Square, where Broadway crosses Seventh Avenue in midtown Manhattan, is the home of many Broadway theatres, housing an ever-changing array of commercial, large-scale plays, particularly musicals.
The Actors' Equity Association has set the minimum Broadway actor salary at $2,638 per week, which averages approximately $135,000 per year. However, most theater actors don't work for the full 52 weeks of the year, as their contracts and a show's run can fluctuate.
