Theatre Work

The MU negotiates and agrees minimum terms and conditions with all major UK theatres for theatre musicians.

Collective 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

Theatre Work during Covid-19

Learn how we’re lobbying the Government to better protect theatre musicians.

Depping

Working in the West End

Regional and Touring Theatre

Working in Amateur Theatre

Member services

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.

Non-work Legal Advice Helpline

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

Morrish Solicitors

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.

Get involved

Dedicated Theatre Section

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

Latest news and features

Orchestra pit, chairs and music stands in black and white.

MU Responds to News of ENO’s Move From London to Manchester

The MU is continuing talks with English National Opera regarding their proposals, which do not currently mention the future of our members’ jobs.

Published: 06 December 2023

Some of the musicians and supporters from the demo at Newcastle Theatre Royal on 10 November, holding MU banners and signs saying “Keep Northern Ballet Live”.

Keep Northern Ballet Live Petition Surges Past 10,000 Signatures

Over 10,000 people have signed the petition urging Arts Council England to keep Northern Ballet music live.

Published: 27 November 2023

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl with ENO Music Staff and Orchestra Members after delivering letters outside the building.

Musicians at ENO Deliver Over 150 Letters Urging ENO Management to Reconsider Proposals to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

Musicians delivered 153 letters to English National Opera management, urging them to save ENO as a full-time company with a full-time orchestra and music staff on full-time pay.

Published: 24 November 2023

The Royal Opera House orchestra wearing yellow FairPay t-shirts outside of the entrance to the building from their leafleting campaign in September..

Royal Opera House Orchestra Have Voted to Accept a New Pay Offer From Management

Following an MU-supported campaign to have their pay restored to pre-pandemic levels, musicians in the Royal Opera House Orchestra (OROH) have accepted a significantly improved pay and conditions offer from the company’s management to settle this year’s dispute.

Published: 21 November 2023

Musicians and supporters holding MU flags and ‘Keep Northern Ballet Live’ signs, outside the Newcastle Theatre Royal on 10 November.

Trade Union Movement Calls on Arts Council England to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak joined musicians from Northern Ballet Sinfonia and supporters from across the union movement in Newcastle, who were campaigning to keep Northern Ballet live.

Published: 14 November 2023

See all theatre news

Career in theatre

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 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.

Key Skills for Theatre Musicians

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

08 Dec 2023

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Free up your playing and singing using the Feldenkrais method.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

stacked rocks on the shore against blue sky

11 Dec 2023

Guided Meditation

An extremely efficient and powerful meditation practice, based on Ascension meditation techniques.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

Young woman smiling looking at the phone in her hand while holding a mug in the other.

12 Dec 2023

How to Stand Out on Social Media Workshop

A one-hour workshop with industry experts to gain up to date insight into using social media to stand out as a musician.

Online

See all events

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

Theatre Work

Collective 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

Theatre Work during Covid-19

Depping

Working in the West End

Regional and Touring Theatre

Working in Amateur Theatre

Member services

MU Pension Scheme

Non-work Legal Advice Helpline

Personal Injury Claim

Discounts and Special Offers

Dedicated Theatre Section

Latest news and features

MU Responds to News of ENO’s Move From London to Manchester

Keep Northern Ballet Live Petition Surges Past 10,000 Signatures

Musicians at ENO Deliver Over 150 Letters Urging ENO Management to Reconsider Proposals to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

Royal Opera House Orchestra Have Voted to Accept a New Pay Offer From Management

Trade Union Movement Calls on Arts Council England to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

Career in theatre

Working in Musical Theatre

Guide to Auditioning

Key Skills for Theatre Musicians

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

How to Stand Out on Social Media Workshop