Theatre Advisory Board The Theatre Advisory Board is a consultative body, made up of players, MDs and AMDs. Last updated: 09 January 2026 About the Theatre Advisory Board The Theatre Advisory Board is a consultative body within the MU’s Live, Theatre & Music Writers’ department, made up of players, MDs and AMDs. Its remit includes overseeing the application of the MU/UK Theatre Agreement, ensuring that minimum terms for players on touring and regional productions are met, and contributing to negotiations when the agreement is reviewed. The Board also looks at how musicians are engaged in theatre more generally, supporting fairness and consistency across the industry. Role The Advisory Board remit includes: Supporting MU Officials in negotiations and consultations with UK Theatre, producers, venues and other industry bodies; Helping to negotiate the MU/UK Theatre agreement to shape its terms, and improve pay and working conditions for theatre musicians; Making recommendations to the MU’s Executive Committee on theatre-related issues; Reporting to MU Officials on issues affecting the engagement and working conditions of musicians in theatre. Areas of focus Monitoring and responding to sector developments affecting pay, terms and conditions, health and safety, use of recorded music, band sizes, and contracting practices for musicians in theatre. Advising on theatre work that falls outside the MU/UK Theatre agreement and finding ways to improve engagements in line with MU minimum rates and guidelines. Promoting best practice and championing equality, diversity, and inclusion across the theatre sector. Recruiting MU members working in theatre and encouraging active engagement in their workplaces. Recent achievements & ongoing work Formation of negotiating team to help shape the MU’s pay claim with UK Theatre, and to accompany officials at negotiation meetings Consulted on variation requests from UK Theatre members, producers, and venues to ensure fair and compliant practices Set up a working group to develop MU guidance and support for musicians working in theatre Reported on key challenges in the sector, including the use of recorded music, equality, diversity and inclusion issues, contractual concerns, and the undercutting of agreed terms. Standing for the Theatre Advisory Board Seats: The Advisory Board comprises up to 20 elected members serving a two-year term with broad representation across the sector. Meetings: The Advisory Board meets around three times per year, primarily online, with consultation via email in between meetings. Eligibility: To stand for election, you must be a player in the theatre sector and a member of the MU's Theatre Sector. You must be nominated by a fellow Theatre Sector member. The Board aims for broad geographical and sector representation, with reserved seats to support diversity. Co-option: The Board may co-opt additional members to address gaps in representation or expertise, with full voting rights. Why join? As a member on the Theatre Advisory Board, you will have the opportunity to: Influence MU policy and negotiations that directly affect musicians working in theatre Gain a broader view of how the industry works, seeing the challenges and opportunities across the sector and how decisions are made Network with peers, MU officials, and industry stakeholders Help shape the future of musical theatre in the UK. Responsibilities Theatre Advisory Board members will be expected to: Attend meetings and contribute to discussions Share responsibility for collective decisions and actions Uphold the MU’s values of equality, diversity, and inclusion Act as a conduit between theatre musicians and the MU. Contact Contact the Advisory Board with issues or feedback via theatre@themu.org. For more information on the MU’s Theatre Sector, visit (link).