If you're feeling as if you're getting nowhere in Hollywood—or anywhere else in your career—why not consider the open seas? Work on cruise ships has long been a means by which performers can acquire stage experience, make money, see the world, and taste a little bit of the good life. In recent decades cruise shows have been likened to those on Broadway and in Vegas, boasting high-caliber talent and fine production values. The cruise industry is thriving despite an uncertain economy; and, in adding over-the-top security precautions, cruise pros are ensuring that their boats are safely going with the flow. The following tips will keep any performer afloat through the audition process, booking the job, and life onboard.
Where do I begin?
Cruise casting specialists emphasize that they do not hire actors for their productions. They are looking for performers with anything from the ability to move well and carry a tune to a solid background and experience in singing and dancing. In addition cruise ships search for standup comics, comedy and variety acts, and circus-type performers. Kellie Menger, who performs with Regency and Holland America, says, "You don't have to be Twyla Tharp with a Patti LuPone voice, but most of the shows are singing and dancing."
While you must be at least 18 to perform, Douglas Senecal of Stiletto Entertainment says all ages are considered. "Our average performer is around 23 to 28. We also like to get the mature seasoned performer," he says. Depending on the ship, there are distinct demographics of clientele on board, furthering the placement of specific age groups.
Auditions are generally held year-round and worldwide. Video, demo reel submissions, or promotional kits are accepted by the cruise lines and booking companies although, according to Christi Coachman-Orengo of Royal Caribbean International, live auditions are preferred. Most major cruise lines have websites that performers can access for current schedules and locations. There are also agents and personal managers who deal solely with cruise ship entertainment.
Of course, "The best way to find out about job opportunities is to keep your eyes on Back Stage and Back Stage West," says Menger, who encourages performers to take the dive. "Once you are in the circle of cruise entertainers, it's easy to keep working for as long as you want, seasonally or all year."
I booked the job. Now what?
Rehearsals begin on land anywhere from one week to two months before setting sail. The schedules can be intense, as performers must learn many different styles of shows. "By halfway through the rehearsal process we can see the performers' eyes starting to glaze over," Senecal says. "We call it, 'Their buckets are full,' like there's an imaginary bucket on their heads and we just keep pouring more choreography, words, and blocking into it. But they take it all in, and in such a short time."
John Antony, who started with Jean Ann Productions more than 20 years ago, recalls instances in which there was an overlap period before performing onboard. "Sometimes there will be a one-week cruise transition where the old cast of a show is still on," he says. "It's a killer schedule because you rehearse the shows after you watch them. That's generally midnight to 4 or 5 in the morning, but it's the only time you can get in the space to rehearse."
The length of the cruise determines how many shows performers will do each week. Rob Dean, whose career began on the sea in 1990 (Norwegian, Holland America) explains, "For a seven- to 10-day cruise you might perform six out of the 10." Senecal adds, "The audience is inundated with entertainment throughout their cruise. You're not performing every day, but there is enough of a variety of shows and performers that rotate, so it ends up being like every other day a singer or dancer will perform."
Even with downtime, performers are expected to remember what they rehearsed, when and where they are supposed to be onstage, apply their own makeup, and change their costumes. Antony says, "You have one week [onboard] with people directing you, then the old cast says goodbye, and you're on your own. There are no stage managers giving you cues, no hair and makeup people. You are out in the hallway changing your costume, hoping a passenger doesn't walk by, and listening to the lines just before you are supposed to go back onstage."
How much money am I going to make?
Most cruise lines provide stipends or reduced wages for food, housing, and transportation during rehearsals. However, salaries vary upon the performer's job and experience. Menger says, "There is no typical pay for being an entertainer. When I first started out, I made $500 per week, and for rehearsals I made $300 per week. My food was not paid for during rehearsals, but once you get on the ship, you can eat as much as you want for free."
Will I have any other work to do besides perform?
Certain cruise lines also require non-lead performers to carry out other duties onboard, whether it's playing games with passengers or checking books out of the ship library. The duties are generally light, and performers tend to agree they don't mind doing them. QE2 performer Jennifer Winegardner says, "I actually chose to do other duties on the ship so that I could get my own single cabin, but most of the performers didn't have to do anything other than perform." Menger adds, "I offered my services as a shore excursion assistant because I made more money and was able to find out what the best tours on land were like."
How has cruise ship entertainment changed over the years?
Gone are the days when Love Boat cruise director Julie McCoy would take a moment from working on deck to provide a song or two to entertain the passengers. Today cruise lines have myriad shows and styles to suit anyone's tastes. Most have full-scale performances with everything from pyrotechnics to flying and rotating set pieces that change size and shape. Dan Fink, cruise social director for Norwegian and Celebrity, says, "The technical aspect of the shows they put on these days astound me. Most of the stages are equipped as well as Broadway and Off-Broadway stages." Dean says, "Shows have come a long way from 14 years ago when I started working. They are more fun and challenging. You will find it's some of the hardest work you ever do."
Senecal also sets the record straight on any myths surrounding the quality of cruise ship entertainment: "The entertainment has had a stigma of being of lower class, but the shows are more elaborate than you can imagine. There have been vast strides made. We currently have Tony Award–nominated and winning directors and choreographers."
How do I make it work on the sea and beyond?
Depending on the itinerary, performers have time on- and off-board to roam around and explore. "There is a certain type of performer that wants to go on a cruise ship," says Senecal. "They want to get away, and they want to travel in style. Performers are treated really well." Dean admits, "Other than performing, you're getting paid to lie out in the sun, see the world, and experience different cultures."
Working the cruise circuit provides valuable experience you can take with you through the rest of your career. Dean says, "Performing teaches you how to do the same show over a long period of time and keep it fresh for you as well as the audience. You have to be willing to learn, work hard, and keep a good attitude. You not only learn how to work with others but most importantly you learn about yourself."
Menger adds, "I didn't go on a cruise ship to further my career but took advantage of the resources that were available. There were nights that nothing was going on, so I offered to do the one-woman show I was working on. I would have never branched out to doing my own show [on land] if I didn't try it onboard." Winegardner says, "It opened up things for me artistically that I'd never experienced before. I never sang rock 'n' roll before I was on a cruise ship. I got to be a rock star playing Tina Turner. How many times does a white girl get to do that?" BSW
Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines
Contact Info: Kerry Stables
Carnival Productions
3655 NW 87th Ave.
Miami, FL 33178
Phone: (305) 599-2200
Number of vessels: 20.
Hiring dates: Ongoing.
Audition schedule: Hire by open-call auditions and by videotape, which can be sent directly to the line; include a resumé and headshot. Approximately four to five national and international audition tours per year.
Audition location: Visit www.carnival.com/entertainment; cities include New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Branson, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, London, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney. Also have agents in Russia.
Rehearsal time before boarding: Three to eight weeks for production shows.
Length of contract: All dancer/singer contracts are six months, starting Jan. 1.
Salary information: Varies per performer.
Medical: A full medical before hiring/joining the ship is required, and all employees are covered medically while onboard for up to a 12-month period.
Additional services required: All dancers are required to do additional cruise staff duties. Dancers may also be able to earn additional money through the photo department by taking photographs with the guests. Production singers and adagio duos are not required to assist with cruise staff duties.
Comments: Carnival seeks high-caliber talents, whether young performers starting their careers or older, more experienced performers, said Vice President of Cruise Operations Roger Blum. "We get people for whom it is their first job. It's different than dancing in Vegas, where you can have a family and go home after work. Here, on a ship, it's a better life for somebody who doesn't have those types of ties. But it depends on the talent. We have dancers where it's their first job out of college, and we have other dancers who have been on our ships for 10 years."
Crystal Cruises
Contact Info: Gretchen Goertz and Kathy Orme, Artistic Directors
C/O 555 S. San Rafael Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Phone: (626) 441-6267
Fax: (626) 441-5111
production@crystalcruises.com
www.CrystalCruises.com
Number of vessels: Three (Crystal Harmony, Crystal Symphony, and Crystal Serenity).
Hiring dates: Periodically throughout the year. Detailed information available by visiting http://www.crystalcruises.com/employment.aspx#id4
Audition schedule: Periodically throughout the year.
Audition locations: Pasadena, Calif.
Submission policy: Promotional kit (cover, resumé, headshot, VHS/DVD of performance).
Rehearsal time before boarding: 8–10 weeks.
Types of shows: Broadway-style Revues.
Number of performers hired per ship: 14 per vessel.
Number of shows per cruise: Average five production shows.
Length of contract: One year.
Travel areas: Worldwide.
Salary information: On par with industry.
Medical: Benefits included with performance contract.
Additional services required of performer: Light cruise staff duties (library, bingo, trivia), in-port manning (as required by the vessel).
Perks: Yearly contracts and salaries, paid rehearsals and vacations, medical benefits, onboard-officer status with single cabin, elegant six-star cruising aboard "the most glorious ships at sea."
Comments: Christopher Escamilla of Crystal Cruises says, "Our international sailings have set the standard for six-star security abroad, using multi-leveled security procedures to ensure the patron's safety."
Cunard Line
Contact Info: Martin Lilly, Director of Entertainment
24305 Town Center Dr.
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Phone: (661) 653-2450
Fax: (661) 753-0118
E-mail: mlilly@princesscruises.com
www.cunard.com
Number of vessels: Two (QE2 and QM2). Third being built, QV2.
Hiring Dates: Year round.
Audition Location: Ongoing UK and Europe.
Rehearsal time before boarding: Four to six weeks with pay.
Type of shows: Las Vegas–style production shows.
Number of performers hired per ship: 10: QE2, 16: QM2.
Number of shows per cruise: Two to four.
Length of contract: Varies, with an average of six months.
Travel Areas: Worldwide.
Salary information: Each salary is negotiated according to talent level and experience.
Medical: Full coverage.
Additional services required: Dependent on the contract, minimal staff duties. Most are entertainment-related.
Disney Cruise Line
Contact Info:
Human Resources
200 Celebration Pl.
Celebration, FL 34747
Phone: (800) 951-3532
Entertainment Audition Hotline: (407) 566-7577
Fax resumés to (407) 566-7575; Attn: Entertainment
www.disneycruise.com
Number of vessels: Two.
Hiring Dates: Ongoing.
Audition Schedule: For information on the next scheduled audition, call (407) 397-3220 and choose option 5.
Rehearsal time before boarding: Four to seven weeks in Toronto.
Types of shows: Currently casting for three original musical theatre–style shows performed in repertory.
Number of performers hired per ship: 40.
Length of contract: Four months onboard, two months break, and an additional four months onboard.
Additional services required: Entertainment-related activities and weekly safety drills.
Comments: Also looking for experienced cruise directors, deputy and assistant cruise directors, cruise staff, technical supervisors, and technical personnel, including audio, lighting, video, special effects props, costumers, carpenters, stage hands, show-controlled engineers, and automated system riggers. Fax or mail resumé to above number.
Holland America/Stiletto Entertainment
Contact Info: Stephanie Hengstenberg, Casting Supervisor
Douglas Senecal, General Manager, Cruise Ship Operations
P.O. Box 45348
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: (310) 957-5757
www.stilettoentertainment.com
Number of vessels: 13.
Hiring dates: Ongoing.
Audition schedule: Ongoing.
Audition locations: Country wide. Check Web site for up-to-the-minute details.
Rehearsal time before boarding: One month prior. All accommodations are provided.
Types of shows: Varies—standard Broadway, tribute to Broadway, jazz or big-band show, tribute to country, rock 'n' roll, or generic pop, classic 50s type, doo-wop theme.
Number of performers hired per ship: 8–14.
Number of shows per cruise: Approximately three, based on a seven to ten day cruise.
Length of contract: Six months.
Travel areas: Worldwide.
Salary information: $550 weekly for dancers. Additional compensation for lead singers and singer/dancers. All meals and accommodations.
Medical: Medical and dental.
Additional services required: Library duty. Lead singers—no additional duties required.
Perks: After a contract with Holland America, performers and a guest get a free cruise. Friends and family can be brought onboard at a reduced cost once you are with the company for a while. Performers given officer status.
Comments: "Please consult our Web site to see what life at sea is all about. Try it, get out there, and audition for a cruise ship. It's a wonderful opportunity to perform and do what you love to do and get paid for it and meet new people and travel," says General Manager of Cruise Ship Operations Douglas Senecal.
Imperial Majesty Cruise Line
Contact Info: Stephanie A. Servaites
2950 Gateway Dr.
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Phone: (954) 956-9505, (800) 394-3865
Fax: (954) 971-6678
stephanies@imperialmajesty.com
info@globalmaritimegroup.com
www.imperialmajesty.com
Number of vessels: One.
Hiring dates: Usually Sept.
Audition schedules: Ongoing.
Production hiring: Twice per year through Global Entertainment in Greece. Please check Web site for more detailed information.
Rehearsal time before boarding: One week.
Types of shows: Musical revue (singing and dancing), trio (popular music), piano.
Number of performers hired per ship: 15
Number of shows per cruise: Four revues.
Length of contract: 8–10 months per year.
Salary information: Varies.
Medical: Required coverage.
Norwegian Cruise Lines/
Orient/Norwegian Cruise Line America Entertainment
Contact Info:
Sue Carper (Comedians, Magicians, Variety Acts)
Phone: (305) 436-4680
Stan Stought (Cabaret vocalists, Cabaret Instrumentalists)
Phone: (305) 436- 4681
Fax: (305) 436-4158
sstought@ncl.com
www.ncl.com
7665 Corporate Center Dr.
Miami, FL 33126
Number of Vessels: 13
Hiring dates: Year round.
Submission policy: Video/CD promo (not returned).
Types of Shows: Cabaret.
Number of Shows per cruise: 1 possible welcome aboard (15 minutes), 1 main show (45 minutes) repeated twice, 1 possible split show (20-25 minutes), 1 possible farewell show (15 minutes).
Length of Contract: Varies.
Travel Areas: Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Alaska, Caribbean, Hawaii, South America, Bermuda, Mexican Riviera, Baltics, and Antarctica.
Advice for performers: Work on your craft.
Princess Cruise Lines
Contact Info: Kerry Lovegrove
Production Shows/Dancers/Vocalists
Entertainment Department
24305 Town Center Dr.
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Phone: (661) 753-2430
Fax: (661) 753-0118
klovegrove@princesscruises.com
www.princesscruises.com
Number of vessels: 16.
Hiring dates: Continuous.
Audition schedule: Nothing in 2005 due to high percentage of returning performers.
Submission policy: Resumé, photo, video/DVD footage.
Rehearsal time before boarding: Four weeks prior to contract.
Type of shows: Broadway, contemporary, MTV, and Vegas.
Number of performers hired per ship: Varies from ship to ship, but basically seven girls, six boys, and four lead vocalists.
Number of shows per cruise: Varies from ship to ship and itineraries.
Length of contract: Approximately six months.
Travel Areas: Caribbean, Alaska, New England, Europe, Baltic, Asia, Australia, South America.
Perks: Dancer-only contracts, no duties, no curfews. Vocalists have passenger status, single outside accommodation, guest travel.
New additions/provisions for 2005: New ships: Diamond Princess, Caribbean Princess, and Sapphire Princess all brought out within 6 months. Producing 3 new shows in 2005.
Advice for Performers: "Working on a cruise ship is not easy, with many changes that can occur during the contract, like injuries, weather conditions, new shows, and other anomalies. When out at sea, solutions to these problems are not easily corrected unlike land-based organizations, so being adaptable and supportive to changes is required," comments Kerry Lovegrove.
Comments: Princess Cruises has a new vessel—Crown Princess—emerging in 2006, which will be the same size as the Caribbean Princess. Also, we are currently working with UK Olivier Award–winning Director/Choreographer Karen Bruce on a new show.
Royal Caribbean International/Celebrity Cruises
Royal Caribbean Contact Info:
Jerre Taylor-Feeney—Dancers
Robert Kling—Singers
2700 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, FL 33020
Phone: (954) 925-0417
Fax: (954) 922-7545
Audition Hotline (305) 539-6475
www.royalcaribbeanproductions.com
Celebrity Cruises Contact Info: Leigh-Ann Thomason, Specialist, Entertainment Productions
Phone: (305) 262-6677
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
Number of vessels: 19.
Hiring Dates: Continuous.
Audition Schedule: Many scheduled all over the world (see Web site for audition calendar and specific dates).
Audition locations: Worldwide.
Submission policy: Video submissions accepted in certain format (detailed information on Web site).
Rehearsal schedule before boarding: Four to six weeks.
Types of shows: Contemporary theatrical stage productions.
Number of performers hired per ship: 12-14.
Length of contract: Six to eight months.
Travel areas: Caribbean, Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal.
Salary information: Varies.
Medical: Yes.
Additional services required by performers: No additional cruise staff duties.
Perks: Rehearsal per diem, state-of-the-art rehearsal facility, housing provided, guest cruise privileges, professional working environment, contemporary productions
Salary Information: Given upon offer of contract.
New additions/provisions for 2005: Created and produced three brand new shows for our newest ship, Jewel of the Seas. Produced nine other productions throughout the fleet.
Advice for performers: "Come in with an open mind, ready to sing and dance! Of course after all the work is complete there is plenty of time to enjoy each destination along with the opportunity to travel the world. You even get paid for this," says Christi Specialist, Casting/Production Operations for Royal Caribbean International
Booking Agents
Bramson Booking Agency
Contact Info: Linda Raff
630 Ninth Ave., Ste. 203
New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 265-3500
Florida Office—Jan Stenning
Phone: (954) 423-8853
info@bramson.com
www.bramson.com
Cruise Line Clients: Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Radisson Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises, Oceania, Cunard, Saga, Royal Olympic, Asuka (NYK Cruises).
Types of performers hired: Variety artists, pianists, vocalists, harpists, magicians, comics, musicians, comedy jugglers.
Hiring dates: Ongoing.
Audition schedule: Videotapes only.
Length of contract: Varies.
Salary information: Varies.
Medical: None.
Comments: "As for auditions, ideally if we can see a videotape of a live performance—and it can be a 45-minute show—that's the best thing to see for this particular market," says Bramson Agency President Linda Raff. She also adds that security on the ships has been built up in the last few years. "Everybody must travel with a passport nowadays, even if they are not going outside of the country. They have to have everybody's pertinent information ahead of time. Getting on a ship now, you need to have official paperwork from the cruise line that you are supposed to be onboard. If you fly to join a ship, you have to have a boarding letter. The security is also beefed up in all of the port areas as well."
Don Casino Productions, Inc.
Contact Info: Wendy Friedman
20880 West Dixie Hwy., Ste. 105
Miami, FL 33180
Phone: (305) 931-7552
www.doncasino.com
Cruise line clients: All lines including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America, Carnival, Princess, and Disney.
Submission policy: Showcase on Feb. 13, 2005. Send videotapes c/o Candi Casino.
Types of performers hired: Comedians, vocalists, jugglers, magicians, and novelty acts.
Hiring dates: Ongoing.
Length of contract: From two days to two months.
Salary information: Varies.
Medical: Access to on-ship doctor.
Comments: "We've recently implemented late-night comedy shows over the past few years," says Wendy Friedman of Don Casino Productions. "The cruise lines are looking for all types of entertainment these days. They like high-energy shows that play to all types of audiences: family shows and comedy."
Neal Hollander Agency
Contact Info: Neal Hollander
9936 Majorca Pl.
Boca Raton, FL 33434
Phone: (561) 482-1400
www.nealhollanderagency.com
Cruise line clients: Celebrity Cruises, Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Crystal, Norwegian, and Disney.
Types of performers hired: Variety acts, musicians, bands, pianists, cabaret acts.
Hiring dates: Ongoing.
Length of contract: Varies, major names could go on for weeks, bands usually 3 months at a time.
Salary information: Varies.
Medical: Must have a full medical and drug test before boarding.
Advice for performers: "Performers have to get themselves a promo package, including video, and then get out to the agents of the cruise ships to see if they can get hired. Once they get the job, my best advice is to stay away from the casino," chuckles Neal Hollander, founder of the agency.
Proship Entertainment Booking Agency
Contact Info: Leo Arsenult
5253 Decarie Blvd, Ste. 308
Montreal, Quebec
Canada H3W 3C2
Phone: (514) 485-8823
www.proship.com
Cruise line clients: Exclusive with Crystal, Celebrity, Cunard, and Seabourn (for pit orchestra musicians), and all of the other major cruise lines.
Types of performers hired: Vocalists, pianists, bands very important, also variety artists, comics, jugglers, magicians.
Hiring dates: Ongoing.
Audition location: Held worldwide.
Submission policy: Audition by one-hour videotape in front of a live audience. Some audio if applicable. Check Web site for details.
Number of performers hired per ship: About 250 people on about 100 ships.
Salary information: For musicians—$400–500 per week for a side man. Band leaders—$500-900 per week.
Length of contract: Two to three weeks up to four months and a lot of emergency work.
Medical: Full medical coverage onboard and on land, but must have a physical exam prior to coming aboard.
Advice for performers: "Cruise ship entertainment is probably the last growing segment of live music out there that is extremely stable," says Leo Arsenult, Director of Recruitment. "If you get onboard, you could be employed for pretty much the rest of your life and see the world. You can save money while you are onboard, and you are going to be playing with professional musicians. It's an all-round advantage."
Comments: "We're definitely the big guys in this business," adds Arsenult. "We've got far more work than we have qualified musicians. I am in desperate need of qualified musicians, especially pianists and sax players. We're looking for the pros, from 21 years to 65."
Jean Ann Ryan Productions
Contact Info: Jean Ann Ryan, President
308 South E. 14th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: (954) 523-6399
Fax: (954) 523-5407
JARJobs@aol.com
www.jeanannryanproductions.com Cruise line clients: Include Norwegian and Silversea.
Number of vessels: Twelve plus and increasing each year.
Hiring dates: Year round.
Audition schedule: Check Web site, Backstage, Backstage West, and all other trade publications for a listing of our audition dates and times.
Audition location: U.S., Europe, and Australia several times a year. Check out Web site for exact cities and dates. New cities added each year. Also by appointment in Fort Lauderdale.
Submission policy: CDs, videos, pictures, and resumés, press packets are accepted year round.
Rehearsal time before boarding: Varies per project; new shows debuting on vessels—approximately six weeks, cast changes—usually three weeks prior to boarding and one week onboard prior to opening. Rehearsals on land take place in Fort Lauderdale at our studio.
Types of shows: Cirque shows, contemporary song-and-dance shows, concert-style revues, Broadway musical revues, the production teams of Cameron Mackintosh and Really Useful Group.
Number of performers hired per ship: Approximately 300 people per year.
Number of shows per cruise: Varied. Usually three to four productions per vessel.
Length of contract: Three to six months. Once a performer completes a contract on one vessel, we like to move them to another vessel. This enables us to offer a performer long-term work with variety.
Travel areas: Amazing itineraries on six-star luxury vessels including the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia.
Salary information: Based on position and discussed at the time of contract.
Additional services required of performer: Varies per ship. The majority of performers we hire are performers only. Principal singers are often given the opportunity to perform their own cabaret.
Perks: Travel, room, and board included. Exposure and work with Cameron Mackintosh and Really Useful Group.
New additions/provisions for 2005: Norwegian will debut their second American-flagged ship within the next few months. Additionally NCL has several new mega-liners on the board that will also feature state of the art showrooms and lavish production shows.
Advice for Performers: Joanne Maiello, vice president of JAR Productions, says, "The opportunities are there. If you don't get hired the first time you audition, audition again. Continue to perfect your craft so you are always on the top of your game," and she adds, "Make sure your passport is valid!"
Peter Grey Triune Presents
Contact Info: Emmett Murphy
1353 North Courtney Parkway, Ste. Y
Merritt Island, FL 32953
Phone: (321) 453-2313, ext. 19
www.pgtpi.com
Cruise line clients: Princess Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas, Costa Cruises.
Hiring dates: Ongoing.
Audition schedule: Ongoing.
Audition location: locations and dates posted on www.backstage.com.
Submission policy: Audio tapes sent to above address.
Rehearsal time before boarding: Four to six weeks.
Types of shows: Broadway revue, pop revue, French, Latin show, country show, swing, nostalgia, and classical.
Number of performers hired per ship: 4–14.
Number of shows per cruise: Three to four.
Length of contract: Six months.
Salary information: $400-1,200/week.
Additional services required: Some ships require cruise staff social responsibilities.