Authorities say an actor in "The Little Mermaid" fell at least 20 feet through a trap door minutes before a performance.

The 51-year-old man was taken to a hospital after falling shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday at a Broadway theater.

Authorities say the man was unconscious with injuries to his leg and arm.

Show spokesman Chris Boneau said the actor is an ensemble member who plays various roles. He says the actor fell to the stage as he was preparing for the show's first scene, in which a boat is lowered.

Boneau declined to release the actor's identity and did not know his condition.

The audience was in the theater, but the curtain was down. The show had not begun and was delayed for about an hour.