Amber Riley Reveals Why She Won’t Do Broadway: ‘It’s Not Sustainable or Healthy’

Amber Riley, the talented actress and singer best known for her role in the hit series Glee, has opened up about the challenges faced by performers in the demanding world of Broadway. In a recent discussion on the social media platform Threads, Riley expressed her concerns about the sustainability of the rigorous schedule required of theatre actors, suggesting that it may be detrimental to their health and well-being.

Riley addressed a post that described New York theatre performers as being “run ragged like they’re in the Marines.” In her response, she agreed with the sentiment, emphasising that the current culture must change before she would consider taking on a role on Broadway. “Asking people to sing at the top of their range eight shows a week without proper support or compensation, absolutely not,” she stated, highlighting the pressures actors face in the industry.

Despite being an award-winning performer—she earned an Olivier Award for her role in the London revival of Dreamgirls—Riley has yet to grace the Broadway stage. Her comments reflect a growing awareness of the intense physical and mental demands placed on actors in theatre, particularly those working in such a high-pressure environment.

Riley also underscored the potential for injury, remarking, “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.” Her concerns resonate with many graduates of performing arts institutions, where the focus is often on building skills and artistry but not necessarily on promoting long-term health and sustainability in a demanding career.

The 40-year-old actress, who has had a successful career since her time on Glee, drew parallels between her experiences on the show and the demands of theatre. Reflecting on her time playing Mercedes Jones, she described the rigorous training regimen endured by the cast. At the Billboard Women in Music Awards in March 2024, she jokingly referred to their experience as “the good ol’ Glee sleep training,” revealing that cast members often had to perform while functioning on just a few hours of rest.

Riley characterised their experience as akin to “theatre bootcamp,” noting the intensity of their performance commitments. “It literally was like bootcamp. It was just on television,” she recalled, stating that the experience instilled a profound sense of professionalism and focus that she continues to apply in her career today.

In the fast-paced environment of Glee, teamwork was essential for success. Riley explained the importance of collaboration, saying, “Everyone has to be a team player. So I think that’s probably the biggest thing that I’ve taken into other jobs. It’s like, play your part so the day can go through smoothly.” This spirit of cooperation remains a vital lesson for performers in any field.

Riley’s reflections on her experiences highlight not only her achievements but also the broader challenges that many artists face. Even as she builds her career outside of Glee, she maintains a fondness for the series and acknowledges the impact it has had on her professional development, even as it remains a chapter “in the rearview mirror.”

As Riley contemplates her future in theatre, she observes that several of her Glee co-stars are currently performing in musicals around New York City. Notable names include Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, and Darren Criss, who are all making waves on stage. However, for Riley, the time is not yet right to join them in the bustling Broadway scene.

Her candid remarks shine a spotlight on the pressing need for change within the theatre community, particularly regarding actor support and wellness. As she puts forth her vision for a healthier approach to performance, her message resonates not just with her fellow artists but with audiences who value the wellbeing of those who entertain them.