Former Saturday Night Live cast members Ana Gasteyer, Maya Rudolph, and Rachel Dratch are currently performing on Broadway in New York City.

Their transition from sketch comedy to live theater highlights the versatility of comedic performers and the prestige associated with the Broadway stage. The move represents a significant shift in performance style for the trio, who are now navigating the demands of long-form theatrical productions.

During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, the performers discussed the differences between their time on SNL and their current roles. Ana Gasteyer and Rachel Dratch have both received nominations for the 2026 Tony Awards [1]. The recognition marks a professional milestone for the pair, who have maintained a friendship for 27 years [3].

Dratch reflected on the evolution of their careers, saying, "We're SNL legends—and now we're both Tony‑nominated Broadway stars" [4].

For Gasteyer, the shift to theater felt like a natural yet exhilarating progression. She compared the experience to a sudden professional opportunity, saying, "Someone just said like, 'Do you want to join the NBA?' And I just started dribbling. That's what it feels like" [2].

Rudolph, who spent seven years on SNL [5], spoke about the personal challenges of moving into a new medium. She said, "I was terrified to make my Broadway debut" [6].

Despite the nerves, the three performers emphasized the value of their collaborative history. The shift from the fast-paced, iterative environment of a sketch show to the disciplined structure of a Broadway run requires a different psychological approach to performance. The group used their interview to celebrate the significance of their shared journey from television comedy to the highest level of U.S. theater.

“"We're SNL legends—and now we're both Tony‑nominated Broadway stars"”

The transition of high-profile television comedians to Broadway underscores a broader trend of 'crossover' talent utilizing established celebrity brands to draw audiences to live theater. The 2026 Tony nominations for Gasteyer and Dratch validate the technical skill required for this shift, proving that the improvisational timing of sketch comedy can be successfully adapted into the rigorous demands of a Broadway production.