Scheduling: How Excessive Scheduling Hurts Theatrical Workers

About this episode

This episode discusses the negative impact of excessive scheduling on theatrical workers and advocates for safer work conditions.

Excessive scheduling is a huge problem in the theatrical industry. The demands of our jobs as live theatrical performers and stage managers can result in 60+ hour work-weeks before any type of overtime pay even without scheduling overload. But when the scheduling flexibility allowed within our union contracts is manipulated by employers in attempt to make as much money as possible, profit is prioritized above employee safety. Excessive scheduling creates unsafe workspaces by increasing overuse and fatigue, which lead to injury and illness. In this episode I break down exactly how and why my work hours total 60+ hours per week as a Broadway performer, what a "normal" work week looks like, and when and how employers contractually can adjust our schedules to add shows without additional compensation for actors and stage managers. I speak about how this always leads to illness, injury, and additional cost to employers, and why investing in actors' and stage managers' wellbeing and safety will create safer workspaces and better shows. I also share what I believe we - actors, stage managers, or people who love and support actors and stage managers - can do to advocate for…

Topics covered

• scheduling
• theatrical workers
• employee safety
• work-life balance

Keywords

• Broadway
• performers
• stage managers
• wellbeing
• sustainability

More episodes of Assembly Guide

• We Are The Union · February 18, 2026 · 18 min
• How to Make Actors' Equity Association Function FOR You · February 4, 2026 · 36 min
• 101 to Getting Involved with Actors' Equity Association · January 21, 2026 · 46 min
• Holidays in Theater · January 7, 2026 · 43 min
• Dignity vs. Entitlement, And Why Management Loves When We Mix Them Up · December 24, 2025 · 24 min
• Your Body is Not Company Property · December 10, 2025 · 58 min