If you belt out “Don’t Rain on My Parade” every time it drizzles, break out in tap dance at the drop of a (“Chicago”-style bowler) hat, and know the best musical monologues by heart, you probably dream of making it on Broadway. But what are the real chances of getting onstage in the world’s most iconic theater district? Let’s get into the odds, stories of those who beat them, and ways you might do the same.
The actors you see on a Broadway stage only make up nearly 1% of professional actors nationwide. While there are plenty of professional theater productions across the U.S., Broadway only has so many roles to give out. In the 2024 fall season, Broadway productions employed roughly 800 actors. There are approximately 51,000 active members in the Actors’ Equity Association, meaning Equity actors alone outnumber Broadway jobs by, well, a lot—and that’s just those with union status. Consider the sheer number of nonunion actors trying to get their foot in the door and the competition becomes staggering.
But don’t let this dissuade you. Yes, booking a role on Broadway is difficult, but someone has to do it!
How to Get Cast on BroadwayYou’re likely wondering just how you can take “the impossible dream,” “stare down the odds and seize the day,” “believe in yourself,” and start “defying gravity” by making it to Broadway (to borrow from some of the best of musical theater, “Man of La Mancha,” “Newsies,” “The Wiz,” and “Wicked,” respectively). These steps can help begin your path to trod the boards.
1. Start with the basics.
Further refine your sound by working with a vocal coach, brush up on your movements with dance classes, and grow in your craft by taking acting lessons. The learning doesn’t stop after you go to a performing arts school. Even if you snag a spot at one of the coveted college training programs for musical theater, your journey has only just begun. Broadway actors are simply at the top of their game—and to do what they need to do onstage eight shows a week takes not only the skills but also the stamina to maintain a healthy work ethic.
2. Beef up your résumé.
Not everyone who lands a role on Broadway has a ton of experience, but they often do. It’s smart to build a solid foundation, whether through community theater, regional theater, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway, or national tours. Every show is a chance to get better at what you do and build your musical theater résumé.
3. Network (but do it the right way).
Many creative teams with shows in development fill their early casts with folks they already know (and trust), so stay in touch with fellow actors you’ve taken class or performed with and directors you’ve worked with. Take class with choreographers you admire. Use social media to keep tabs on your favorite up-and-coming musical theater composers and lyricists who just might be writing the next “Hamilton.” But remember that the industry can smell desperation from a mile away, so when approaching a networking opportunity, just be yourself!
4. Look for an agent (when you’re ready).
Not everyone needs an agent to get to Broadway, and you can always try your luck at an open call with no representation at all. But casting directors will sometimes choose to release their breakdowns to agents only—meaning the general public cannot view these breakdowns and cannot submit. If you’re interested in finding an agent to ease the way, you can submit to agents virtually, send a hard copy of your materials to their office, take classes in-person or online with select agents, or earn a referral from an industry professional.
5. Audition as much as you can.
We all know booking a Broadway show is a numbers game. Without getting your (character shoe-clad) foot in the door, how will anyone see your talent? Sure, your agent can submit you and when you get lucky you’ll land that Broadway appointment. But otherwise, make sure you’re watching when and where open casting calls are happening. Check out the Broadway casting calls posted on our comprehensive database, find your perfect audition songs, and get to auditioning!
6. Stay versatile.
Almost everyone on Broadway can sing, dance, and act. But do you also play an instrument? Do you juggle? Did you grow up playing sports? Can you do any acrobatic flips? Special skills like these can help you stand out from the crowd. Hone in on what you already do, and maybe pick up something new in the meantime. The more versatile you are as a performer, the more roles you may be a good fit for.
7. Be persistent.
Chances are high that your debut isn’t going to happen overnight; it could take years or even a lifetime. But if you follow these steps, every day you’ll feel a little bit closer.
How to Break Into Musical Theater
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A lucky few have defied the odds, landing a Broadway role with minimal or no theater experience. It’s rare, but it’s possible! Here are a few who broke through on their first try:
- Adam Pascal was cast as Roger in “Rent” while fronting a rock band, with no formal theater background.
- Idina Menzel made her Broadway debut in “Rent” as Maureen, her first professional theater role.
- Myles Frost stepped into the role of Michael Jackson in “MJ: The Musical” without prior Broadway experience, quickly earning critical acclaim.
- Micaela Diamond was cast as young Cher in “The Cher Show” right out of high school.
- Lea Michele made her Broadway debut at eight years old in “Les Misérables” and later starred in “Spring Awakening” as a teenager.
- Justin Cooley debuted in “Kimberly Akimbo” right after being discovered at a high school theater competition.
- Austin P. McKenzie landed his first professional theater role in “Spring Awakening” after being discovered while studying at Columbia College Chicago.
- Brittain Ashford made her debut in “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” with no formal musical theater training.
- Bailey Hanks won a reality competition and was cast as Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde: The Musical” as her first Broadway role.
- Cameron Dallas, best known as a social media star, made his Broadway debut with “Mean Girls.”
These stories show that, while rare, landing a role on Broadway on the first try can happen through a mix of talent, timing, and sometimes just good old-fashioned luck.
Keep in mind that while Broadway may be the ultimate dream for many actors, it’s not the only path to a fulfilling acting career. Other stage productions such as regional, touring, and even summer stock also provide meaningful opportunities—not to mention onscreen work such as film, TV, voiceovers, and commercials. Many actors have built incredible careers without ever setting foot on a Broadway stage. The journey to success can (and will) look different for everyone. As long as you keep pushing, auditioning, and growing, your path as a performer will unfold in exciting and unexpected ways.
