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

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

The Welsh flag against a light blue sky.

Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024

Businesses, employers, employees and freelancers in the creative sector in Wales are invited to take part in a short survey to help Creative Wales strengthen their support of the creative industries.

Published: 21 November 2024

MU Appoints First-Ever Permanent Officer for Northern Ireland

The Musicians’ Union has appointed its first-ever Regional Officer for Northern Ireland, marking an important point of progress for our members in the region.

Published: 21 November 2024

MU Gravely Concerned by Closure of Scotland’s Vital Arts Fund

We are deeply concerned to learn that Creative Scotland has closed the Open Fund for Individuals due to the Scottish Government budget cuts.

Published: 21 August 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

31 Jan 2025

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

Last chance to book

A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.

01 Feb 2025

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Yeovil

This is an opportunity to ensure that your equipment is safe and you are able to provide assurances for your insurance, venues and bookers. Available for all MU members based in South West England.

Yeovil, Somerset Member only

Last chance to book

01 Feb 2025

WSWE Local Members' Day: Yeovil

A free Members' Day in Yeovil for workshop sessions, portable appliance testing and 1:1 advice sessions with officials.

Yeovil, Somerset 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 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 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

Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024

MU Appoints First-Ever Permanent Officer for Northern Ireland

MU Gravely Concerned by Closure of Scotland’s Vital Arts Fund

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

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Last chance to book

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Yeovil

Last chance to book

WSWE Local Members' Day: Yeovil