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

Old, golden theatre binoculars resting on top of a musical score sheet.

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

Further to the release of Arts Council England’s Let's Create report, an analysis of opera and music theatre in England and Wales, journalist Andrew Stewart investigates the sector's current landscape and how this relates to the report, our members and the wider industry.

Published: 01 July 2024

People holding 'protect WNO' posters outside of The Wales Millennium Centre.

MU Ballots Welsh National Opera Members for a Mandate for Industrial Action

The MU is balloting its members in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra for a mandate for industrial action.

Published: 25 June 2024

The outside of the London Palladium theatre.

MU Celebrates Majority Female Orchestra in West End’s Largest Pit Band

Over 50% of players in the orchestra for Hello Dolly! at the London Palladium are women. The MU is delighted to see equal representation in what is currently the largest pit band in the West End, and hopes to see other bands following its example.

Published: 05 June 2024

Birds eye view of a woman on her tablet, sat cross legged next to an open suitcase with a pair of headphones on top of clothes.

MU Launch Brand New Member Benefit for Discounted Hotel Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Imperial Hotels means that we are now able to offer our members discounted rooms in selected hotels across London. Over time, we hope to expand this benefit to other locations throughout the UK.

Published: 01 June 2024

Protesters stood outside the theatre all wearing Shakespeare masks and ruffs, holding up signs saying keep Northern Ballet live.

Musicians Protest Ahead of Romeo & Juliet Performance to Keep Northern Ballet Live

Ahead of the first performance of Northern Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet in London earlier this week, members of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia dressed as Shakespeare and took to the streets to protest against plans to replace the live orchestra with recorded music.

Published: 30 May 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

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

17 Jul 2024

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

A free networking event for female musicians, hosted by Nimax Theatres and supported by the MU.

London

Last chance to book

19 Jul 2024

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

22 Jul 2024

Guided Meditation

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

Online Member only

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Use your voice

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

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

MU Ballots Welsh National Opera Members for a Mandate for Industrial Action

MU Celebrates Majority Female Orchestra in West End’s Largest Pit Band

MU Launch Brand New Member Benefit for Discounted Hotel Rooms in London

Musicians Protest Ahead of Romeo & Juliet Performance to Keep Northern Ballet Live

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

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

Last chance to book

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation