It certainly seems like dinner theatre would be a combination of two really tough businesses, but I think one way that some of these places worked was that he cast of the show was also expected to staff the restaurant prior to the performance. The cast would be your wait staff and bussers and would serve and clear dinner before heading backstage to do Act I. Then, at intermission, would reappear to serve and clear dessert, before heading backstage again to finish the show.
So the ownership were getting a cast and restaurant staff for one price and the cast earns extra money from tips.
It's an exhausting evening for the performers, but I can see how it could make the business end of the dinner theatre business work. |
