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 already working in theatre

Urgent Guidance for Members Using Deputies: Right to Work Checks

MU Theatre Stewards

Depping

West End Depping Code of Conduct

Musical Directors (MDs)

Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs)

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.

Member-only event recording

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?

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.

Theatre news and features

A theatre pit at the front bottom of the stage, full of musicians lit by lamps, as the audience takes their seats before the performance.

Sarah Sayeed: Composing and Sound Design for Theatre

Whether you're new to theatre or an experienced composer or sound designer, MU Music Writers' Advisory Board Chair Sarah Sayeed shares practical advice on contracts, fees, licensing and protecting the value of your work.

Published: 13 October 2026

Music stands for theatre musicians in an orchestra pit.

Urgent Guidance for Members Using Deputies: Right to Work Checks

New right to work rules could change how musicians and deps are engaged from 1 October 2026. Read about the proposed new rules, who may be affected and what MU members need to know.

Published: 24 September 2026

Alice standing at a lectern in a big conference hall with a large screen behind her.

Alice Angliss Calls on TUC Congress to Support Live Music in Theatre

West End musician and MU Executive Committee member Alice Angliss called on the Trades Union Congress to support live music in theatre at Congress 2026. This blog post is adapted from her speech.

Published: 24 September 2026

Close up of a large, red, closed theatre safety curtain, lit up by stage lights.

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

Concerns have been raised about how new Right to Work requirements could affect musicians who arrange deputies or substitutes to perform on their behalf. The MU is urgently investigating the implications and will provide further guidance as soon as possible.

Published: 18 September 2026

MU Motions on Music Education and Keep Music Live in Theatres Passed at TUC Conference 2026

At the 2026 annual Trades Union Congress (TUC), motions on the accessibility and affordability of music education and the importance of live music in theatre were unanimously voted through.

Published: 15 September 2026

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 Sector

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

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

16 Oct 2026

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Free up your playing and singing using the Feldenkrais method, a sensory-motor learning system which looks at our mind and body holistically.

Online Member only

Upcoming

22 Oct 2026

MFY & MU Music Mentor Recruitment Taster Session

Apply to attend a mentor training taster session, free of charge, in collaboration with Music for Youth.

Online Member only

Upcoming

23 Oct 2026

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Free up your playing and singing using the Feldenkrais method, a sensory-motor learning system which looks at our mind and body holistically.

Online Member only

See all events

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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 already working in theatre

Urgent Guidance for Members Using Deputies: Right to Work Checks

MU Theatre Stewards

Depping

West End Depping Code of Conduct

Musical Directors (MDs)

Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs)

Getting into a career in theatre

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

Working in Musical Theatre

Guide: Navigating the Pit

Working in the West End

Regional and Touring Theatre

Working in Amateur Theatre

Guide to Auditioning

Theatre news and features

Sarah Sayeed: Composing and Sound Design for Theatre

Urgent Guidance for Members Using Deputies: Right to Work Checks

Alice Angliss Calls on TUC Congress to Support Live Music in Theatre

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

MU Motions on Music Education and Keep Music Live in Theatres Passed at TUC Conference 2026

MU member services for theatre musicians

MU Pension Scheme

Getting involved through the Theatre Sector

Non-work Legal Advice Helpline

Personal Injury Claim

Discounts and Special Offers

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Upcoming

MFY & MU Music Mentor Recruitment Taster Session

Upcoming

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better