Theatre Work

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

Last updated: 20 January 2021

Coronavirus guidance

Theatre Work during Covid-19

Learn how we’re lobbying the Government to better protect theatre musicians, and find out about the latest on our negotiations with SOLT and UK Theatre.

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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

Shakespeare's Globe Trust

Royal National Theatre

The Royal Shakespeare Company

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Menier Chocolate Factory

Guidance

Working in the West End

Regional and Touring Theatre

Working in Amateur Theatre

Depping

Latest news and features

Photograph of what appears to be an empty theatre pit set up for musicians, with a drum, double bass and electronic keyboard set out.

Unions Call for Exemption for Socially Distanced Theatre

Together with Equity and Bectu, the MU is calling on the government to exempt theatre productions from the Tier 3 regulations and to allow them to open to socially distanced audiences.

Photograph of a musician playing a guitar, the heavy blue light means we can't clearly see the performer.

Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

The Government has updated and published its guidance on working safely during Coronavirus in the Performing Arts – and we have updated our guidance on how this relates to musicians accordingly.

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

On Monday 23 November the Prime Minister confirmed that national restrictions in England will come to an end on Wednesday 2 December.

Photograph of an empty stage, looking out from the back towards where the audience would be, with bright lights shining down.

Figures Reveal UK Music Industry’s Pre-Covid £5.8bn Boost to Economy

UK Music’s annual Music By Numbers report reveals the £5.8bn boost to the economy before Covid-19’s catastrophic blow – and renewed calls for Government action to protect the industry.

Photograph of a musician, we can't see their face but they are holding a microphone with plastic gloves on, and have a surgical mask on their face.

Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

We’ve had confirmation from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that rehearsals can continue, provided that the band or individual is working.

See all theatre musician news

Upcoming events

Photograph of a laptop on a silvery grey background, with a pair of earphones propped on it.

26 Jan 2021

Creating and Launching a Podcast in a Day

This one-day workshop will take you step by step through the the essentials of creating a podcast, from planning and recording to editing and sharing, using only a mobile app.

Wales, Online

Photograph of a yellow piggy bank against a yellow background.

26 Jan 2021

Cash Flow for Freelances

Learn how to plan having enough cash all year round and avoid the panic of running out of money at any given time.

Online, England

Photograph of a paper chain of people set out on a table, under a warm light.

28 Jan 2021

Stay Connected Online

This webinar will help you access or initiate a support group that meets your specific creative objectives.

Online, England

One-to-Ones

Online, one-to-one expert advice for members in Greater Manchester on all aspects of your music career, including contracts, copyright, employment advice and legal advice.

Greater Manchester, Online

Guided Meditation

A guided meditation session based on Ascension meditation techniques.

Online

Stage Presence: Feeling Better on Stage, or Under Stress

Improve the way you move and play using the Feldenkrais Method.

Online

02 Feb 2021

Overcoming Overload

This session will share a range of evidence based tools and techniques that can be easily adopted into your daily life, supporting you to reclaim your energy, focus and creativity.

Wales, Online

Join the MU's Work for Equality

Be sure your voice is heard - and help make the music industry a better place for every musician. Join one of the MU's Equality Networks.

Join a network See all Campaigns

Have your voice

Theatre Work

Coronavirus guidance

Theatre Work during Covid-19

Sign up to regular updates

Collective agreements

UK Theatre

'West End' Theatres of London

Shakespeare's Globe Trust

Royal National Theatre

The Royal Shakespeare Company

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Menier Chocolate Factory

Guidance

Working in the West End

Regional and Touring Theatre

Working in Amateur Theatre

Depping

Latest news and features

Unions Call for Exemption for Socially Distanced Theatre

Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

Figures Reveal UK Music Industry’s Pre-Covid £5.8bn Boost to Economy

Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

Upcoming events

Creating and Launching a Podcast in a Day

Cash Flow for Freelances

Stay Connected Online

One-to-Ones

Guided Meditation

Stage Presence: Feeling Better on Stage, or Under Stress

Overcoming Overload

Join the MU's Work for Equality