Theatre Work

The MU negotiates and agrees minimum terms and conditions for musicians with UK Theatre and directly with theatres across the UK.

Theatre agreements

UK Theatre

Agreement for musicians working in UK Theatre, excluding the ‘West End’ of London.

'West End' Theatres of London

The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and MU agreement for musicians working in West End theatres in London

Royal National Theatre

Shakespeare's Globe Trust

West End Cover Conductor Rates of Pay

The Royal Shakespeare Company

Bridge Theatre

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Menier Chocolate Factory

Guidance for musicians working in theatre

MU Theatre Stewards

Depping

West End Depping Code of Conduct

Getting into a career in theatre

Member-only panel highlights

Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There)

A roundup of useful resources and key, first hand advice from our expert panel.

Guide: Navigating the Pit

A practical, overview guide for musicians who want to get into theatre.

Working in the West End

Find out how to get work in West End theatres as a musician.

Regional and Touring Theatre

How to find work as a musician in regional theatres, pantomimes and tours.

Working in Amateur Theatre

Local amateur theatre companies often produce musicals and it’s a good way to get started, build a CV of shows performed and get a feel for theatre work.

Guide to Auditioning

If you’re facing an audition we’ve got some useful tips and an explanation of the process, as well as information about screened auditions.

Working in Musical Theatre

Want to know what it’s like to work as a theatre musician and whether it’s an area that might be applicable to you?

Theatre news and features

Exterior of the Clermont Hotel Charing Cross branch.

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Clermont Hotels means MU members can book discounted hotel rooms at various locations in London, as an exclusive membership benefit.

Published: 01 May 2025

The inside of the hotel lobby of a Point A hotel.

MU Launches Another Member Benefit of Discounted Hotels Across UK

Our new partnership with Point A Hotels means that members can now benefit from discounted hotel rooms in Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.

Published: 01 April 2025

Shaftesbury Avenue London in the evening, with signs advertising different West End shows lighting up the street.

Important Recommendation for MU Members on West End Shows that Begin From February 2025

The Society Of London Theatres (SOLT) have failed to resolve outstanding issues with the MU regarding triggering of effects and AMD pay. Although ongoing for several years, we have now reached an impasse and as such, here are our recommendations to affected members.

Published: 13 February 2025

Close up of the exterior of the Birmingham Royal Ballet building with signage.

MU Deeply Saddened to Learn that Caroline Miller of Birmingham Royal Ballet has Passed Away

Caroline Miller OBE, CEO of Birmingham Royal Ballet, passed away on Sunday 15 December. The MU is deeply saddened to hear of the news, and our thoughts go to Caroline’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Published: 17 December 2024

The backs of young children sat in the theatre looking at the stage.

MU Supports Campaign Against National Theatre Cuts to Primary Theatre Touring Programme

Equity's Class Network is behind a campaign to re-instate the National Theatre’s touring programme, which was aimed at giving primary school aged children their first experience of live theatre.

Published: 27 November 2024

See all theatre news

MU member services for theatre musicians

MU Pension Scheme

There are now over 600 members of the scheme, and funds held within the scheme have reached more than £13m, with annual contributions exceeding £1m a year.

Getting involved through the Theatre Section

MU members can shape the Union's policy by joining the Theatre Section.

Non-work Legal Advice Helpline

Contact the Legal Advice Helpline for a free half hour of legal advice on non-work related legal matters.

Personal Injury Claim

Legal benefits package for you and your family for a range of services, including low cost wills.

Discounts and Special Offers

Special offers on products and services from our partners, including TheatreDigsBooker, music shops, professional services and more.

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Hands holding a smiley face made from blue paper.

02 Jun 2025

Training: Suicide Awareness and Prevention

This in-person training session on suicide awareness and prevention aims to enable you to identify signs that someone is thinking of suicide, and give you the confidence to support them.

Cardiff

Last chance to book

Stacked rocks on the shore against a clear blue sky.

02 Jun 2025

Guided Meditation

An extremely efficient and powerful meditation practice, based on Ascension meditation techniques that are tailored to help musicians both in their professional and personal lives.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

A photo of musicians at a protest in Leicester Square, holding up banner and signs.

02 Jun 2025

Campaign Meeting: Keep Music Live on the Streets of London

Join the MU London Regional Office for a campaign organising meeting, aiming to improve conditions for buskers in Westminster following the recent suspension of busking in Leicester Square. Open to all.

London

See all events

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

Theatre Work

Theatre agreements

UK Theatre

'West End' Theatres of London

Royal National Theatre

Shakespeare's Globe Trust

West End Cover Conductor Rates of Pay

The Royal Shakespeare Company

Bridge Theatre

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Menier Chocolate Factory

Guidance for musicians working in theatre

MU Theatre Stewards

Depping

West End Depping Code of Conduct

Getting into a career in theatre

Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There)

Guide: Navigating the Pit

Working in the West End

Regional and Touring Theatre

Working in Amateur Theatre

Guide to Auditioning

Working in Musical Theatre

Theatre news and features

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

MU Launches Another Member Benefit of Discounted Hotels Across UK

Important Recommendation for MU Members on West End Shows that Begin From February 2025

MU Deeply Saddened to Learn that Caroline Miller of Birmingham Royal Ballet has Passed Away

MU Supports Campaign Against National Theatre Cuts to Primary Theatre Touring Programme

MU member services for theatre musicians

MU Pension Scheme

Getting involved through the Theatre Section

Non-work Legal Advice Helpline

Personal Injury Claim

Discounts and Special Offers

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Training: Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

Campaign Meeting: Keep Music Live on the Streets of London