Amber Riley Explains Why Broadway Isn't Sustainable for Her

The Glee alum says the demanding schedule and lack of support make Broadway an unhealthy option.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:35am

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An abstract close-up photograph of a shimmering sequin texture, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to evoke the glamour and intensity of Broadway performance.Amber Riley's candid remarks about the unsustainable demands of Broadway shine a light on the physical and mental toll that the stage can take on even the most seasoned performers.Inglewood Today

Amber Riley, the Glee actress who won an Olivier Award for her role in the London revival of Dreamgirls, has revealed why she has not yet performed on Broadway. Riley says the intense schedule of eight shows a week without proper support or compensation is unsustainable and unhealthy for performers. She credits her experience on Glee with instilling a sense of discipline and professionalism, but believes the Broadway culture needs to change before she would consider taking the stage there.

Why it matters

Riley's comments shed light on the demanding nature of Broadway productions and the toll it can take on performers. As several of her Glee co-stars currently appear in Broadway musicals, Riley's perspective provides an important counterpoint about the realities of life on the stage.

The details

Riley shared her views on the Broadway culture after reacting to a post claiming New York theater actors are 'run ragged like they in the Marines.' She agreed, stating that the expectation for performers to sing at the top of their range eight times a week without proper support or compensation is 'not sustainable or healthy.' Riley, who earned an Olivier Award for her role in the London revival of Dreamgirls, said any ear, nose and throat doctor would confirm that the Broadway schedule can lead to injuries, even for highly trained performers.

  • In March 2024, Riley spoke about the rigorous training she experienced on Glee, describing the series as 'theater bootcamp' that prepared her for the intensity of performance work.
  • Several of Riley's Glee co-stars, including Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, Darren Criss, Kevin McHale, and Heather Morris, are currently appearing in Broadway musicals as of April 2026.

The players

Amber Riley

A 40-year-old actress and singer who portrayed Mercedes Jones on the TV series Glee and won an Olivier Award for her role in the London revival of Dreamgirls.

Lea Michele

A Glee co-star of Riley's who is currently appearing in the Broadway musical Chess.

Matthew Morrison

A Glee co-star of Riley's who is currently appearing in the Broadway musical Just in Time.

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What they’re saying

“It's not. That's why when people hassle me about it, I say when the culture changes maybe I'll do it. But as of now, asking people to sing at the top of their range 8 shows a week without proper support or compensation, absolutely not.”

— Amber Riley, Actress

“You can have all the training in the world, which I do, and you can STILL injure. It's not sustainable or healthy. Any ENT doctor will tell you that 🫠.”

— Amber Riley, Actress

The takeaway

Riley's comments highlight the intense physical and mental toll that Broadway productions can take on performers, even those with extensive training and experience. Her perspective provides an important counterpoint to the glamour often associated with Broadway, underscoring the need for better support and working conditions for stage actors.