Times Square was the focus of the protest

The actors criticised producers who take shows such as Miss Saigon on US tours but pay actors' non-union fees.

"The producers charge almost the same ticket prices, but the actors are getting one-third the money," said Flora Stamatiades, of union Equity.

But producers have said they often pay touring actors more than is specified in Equity minimum contracts.

The musical Miss Saigon employed union members for performances on Broadway, who earned $1,300 a week but non-unionised actors on a tour were payed $450 a week, said Maria Somma, a spokeswoman for the protest.

'Jobless Chronicles'

"Non-Equity shows used to go to smaller markets. But Saigon is hitting major cities - that's a change," Ms Somma said.

During the protest, Equity members presented The Jobless Chronicles, a one-act musical showcasing unemployment stories, and the fictionalized story of a Miss Saigon cast member who runs away from the production.

The protest was held in Times Square, where many discounted tickets for Broadway shows are sold.

Miss Saigon's tour executive producer, Dan Sher, said the weekly non-Equity salaries were more than $450, but he refused to give an exact figure.

He said taking the show on the road was expensive, and included costs for rights to the production, stage crews and transportation costs.

"We pay actors what we can afford to pay based on the budget," Mr Sher said.

He also pointed out that ticket prices were set by the theatres.