Working in the West End

To gain work in the West End, you need to be on the books of a handful of contractors or ‘Fixers’. Details of these Fixers can be sought from your Regional Office.

Fixers are engaged by the producers to book and manage the band, and through them you can be booked for either touring or West End productions.

Fixers are only likely to book you if you fulfil one or all of the following criteria:

• They know you through other casual session work
• You come highly recommended by a player already on their books.
• By specific request of the MD or Musical Supervisor.

So how do you get noticed? Start by visiting your local professional theatre when they produce musicals and talk to the MD or players in the band. If a big touring show visits, make yourself known and see if you can ’sit in’ and watch from the players’ perspective.