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

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

View from behind a person on stage against smoke and lighting, their arms are raised as they explain something, holding a pen and paper.

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

The MU is pleased to launch two practical guides for Musical Directors (MDs) and Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs) working in theatre, covering key responsibilities, standard terms and conditions, and practical advice.

Published: 10 April 2026

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

View from the second floor of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre with a period costume in the foreground.

MU Backs Petition to Stop Closure of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Music Department

The MU is supporting members who have raised concerns and is currently involved in consultation with the RSC.

Published: 12 December 2025

A outstretched hand holding a megaphone against a lilac background.

Important Update for Members: MU Sections and Committees Rebrand

From April 2026, MU Sections will be relaunched as ‘Sectors’, and their Committees as ‘Advisory Boards’. Elections will also take place in the new year for members to form the new Advisory Boards for the next two-year term.

Published: 11 December 2025

Five orchestra members sat at a bus stop with ‘Keep Northern Ballet Live’ t-shirts and wearing Shakepeare masks as part of our demo in May last year.

TUC Shares Solidarity with Musicians at Northern Ballet

Trades Union Congress (TUC) Regional Secretary Dave Pike has shared a video message in support of musicians affected by ongoing issues at Northern Ballet.

Published: 15 August 2025

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

Young woman on director's chair on stage, in front of empty theatre seats.

15 Apr 2026

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

A free networking event to support female musicians and musical directors in theatre, hosted by Nimax Theatres and supported by the MU.

London

Last chance to book

17 Apr 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

A hand holding a yellow membership card.

20 Apr 2026

Northern Ireland: How To Get The Most Out of Your MU Membership

New Northern Ireland members are invited to our online event where we explore how to make the most out of your membership. This event will take place online and will last for approximately 1 hour.

Online

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

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

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

MU Backs Petition to Stop Closure of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Music Department

Important Update for Members: MU Sections and Committees Rebrand

TUC Shares Solidarity with Musicians at Northern Ballet

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

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

Last chance to book

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Upcoming

Northern Ireland: How To Get The Most Out of Your MU Membership