The Big Mistake Musicians Make (And How to Avoid It)

Broadway Shows Don’t Last Forever—But Your Career Should

There's No Such Thing as Job Security On Broadway

When you finally get your own Broadway show, it feels like the pinnacle of success. You may find yourself saying, "I MADE IT!" Trust me, I've reached that mountaintop three times, and it's an incredible experience. The lights, the applause, the steady paychecks—everything seems perfect. In fact, after the 2010 Tony Awards, I cried when I came home from celebrating being on TV at Radio City and partying after winning our four Tonys. I felt like I had finally succeeded as a musician, which was true to a certain degree.

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking, "This show will run forever." But here's the hard truth: Broadway is fickle. Even the biggest hits can close without warning, leaving you scrambling. Thinking your show will run beyond a year—or even six months—is a dangerous gamble. It's like walking a tightrope without a safety net. Relying on just one show as your sole source of income is the same as putting all your eggs in one basket, hoping that basket never tips over. Spoiler alert: it most likely will.

A good friend of mine once said, "Producers lie, and shows close." That line hits hard, especially after a show you thought would last forever suddenly wraps up. I got that slap in the face myself when Ain't Too Proud closed early in 2022 after just 488 performances. It was a reminder not to put all my eggs in one basket and to stay prepared for the unpredictable nature of Broadway.

Why A Gig on Broadway Is So Great!

Let's start with the positives. If you're lucky enough to land a steady gig on Broadway, there's nothing quite like it. You might even get to create the drum book, putting your unique stamp on the show. There's the excitement of being part of a cast album—a permanent record of your drumming etched into Broadway history.

And then there's the steady income. For as long as it lasts, it's incredible to know you're making a reliable living doing what you love. You get to play with world-class musicians, build deep bonds with your pit family, and become part of something bigger than yourself. Occasionally, there's even the thrill of meeting celebrities backstage. These are the perks that make the grind worthwhile.

I hope each of you gets the chance to experience of having your own drum chair at least once. That's why I've created this platform—to help you navigate Broadway's maze and, if you're lucky, land that dream gig. But I'm also a realist, and Broadway can be brutal. The life of most Broadway shows is usually short. For every Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, or Dear Evan Hansen, countless others close way too soon, leaving musicians and actors alike out of work.

I learned this the hard way with Memphis, The Musical, my first Broadway gig. It closed after three years and 1,165 performances despite winning the Tony for Best Musical. The run was solid, but it taught me that even award-winning shows can shut down when you least expect it. And when that "7 PM company meeting" happens—the one where the producers gather everyone on stage to announce the show's closing—it's like getting the rug pulled out from under you. You have a week's notice to process that the work you put in, sometimes years of it, is over.

Show Chops & Staying Relevant

Beyond financial stability, there's another problem with relying on one show: musical atrophy - also known as show chops. When you're repeating the same parts every night, it can feel satisfying, but it can also stunt your musical growth. Your skills can start to fade. You're not pushing yourself with new material or staying sharp by adapting to different musical settings. You're missing out on the challenge of fresh ideas and styles that keep you marketable. And here's the kicker: when you're out of sight, you're often out of mind. If you're not out there working on new projects, collaborating, and staying connected, it's easy to get forgotten.

Sure, social media can help you stay visible. Still, it's no substitute for actually showing up and making a presence in the real world. Being in the room, attending events, and working alongside others helps you stay in the loop and keeps doors open. If you're not physically around, fewer opportunities will come your way.

Why You Should Avoid Putting All Your Eggs in One Basket

Here's why diversifying can set you up for a more stable, fulfilling career: