Spain’s musical theatre industry has grown significantly over the past two decades, becoming one of the country’s most dynamic cultural sectors, and the third largest market according to The New York Times, right after Broadway and London’s West End.
Alongside this growth, the training opportunities for studying musical theatre in Spain have also expanded, with more specialized programmes, conservatories, and private institutions developing high-level curricula to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.
With a mix of large-scale international productions and innovative local works, the scene offers exciting opportunities for aspiring actors and performers. Understanding the landscape of production companies, audition processes, and professional standards is key to preparing for a career in musical theatre.
Understanding the landscape of production companies, audition processes, and professional standards is key to preparing for a career in musical theatre.
Insights for aspiring actors
Spain offers a dynamic landscape for musical theatre careers. Key takeaways include:
- Versatility is essential: Modern musical theatre demands actors who sing, dance, and act at a high level.
- Audition preparation: Stay informed through BroadwayWorld Spain, company websites, and social media channels.
- Networking: Attend workshops, masterclasses, and student showcases to connect with professionals.
- Professional awareness: Know your rights under the union agreements and be
prepared to negotiate contracts fairly. - Start with smaller productions: Independent and emerging producers offer
experience, exposure, and creative growth.
By understanding the industry structure, audition expectations, and salary standards,
students can make informed decisions and pursue a sustainable career in musical theatre.
Industry Standards and Salaries
The Spanish musical theatre sector is regulated by the Union of Actors and Actresses (Unión de Actores y Actrices), which sets minimum salaries for performers. As of 2025:
- Lead actors in musical theatre: minimum €249.06 per day, or approximately €5,444.67 per month.
- Supporting actors: minimum €160.57 per day, or around €3,517.78 monthly.
These figures are the legal minimum; actual pay can exceed these amounts depending on the company, production budget, and actor experience. Contracts also specify rehearsal hours, performance schedules, and additional benefits, such as accommodation for touring productions.
Leading Musical Theatre Producers in Spain
Spain is home to a variety of production companies, ranging from global entertainment giants to smaller independent producers. Each plays a distinct role in shaping the country’s musical theatre landscape.
1. ATG Entertainment
ATG Entertainment, which acquired SOM produce in January 2025, is now one of the largest players in the Spanish market. SOM Produce was founded in 2011 and quickly became a leader in bringing international musicals to Spain. Its acquisition by ATG strengthened its position, giving it access to a wider international network and resources.
Notable ATG Productions
ATG operates several major theatres in Madrid, including Nuevo Alcalá, Rialto, and Apolo, totaling over 3,500 seats. Some of their notable productions include Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Cabaret, and Mamma Mia!
These productions are known for high production values, large-scale sets, and professional orchestras, making them an ideal training ground for performers aspiring to work in international-standard theatre.
Replica vs Non-replica productions
One of ATG Entertainment’s defining characteristics is its mix of non-replica and replica productions. Non-replica shows, such as Wicked and The Book of Mormon, are often fresh interpretations of Broadway and West End hits. These productions allow directors, choreographers, and performers to bring new creative perspectives, giving opportunities to emerging artists to offer their unique vision of globally recognized musicals.
On the other hand, ATG also produces replica productions, like Chicago or Les Misérables, which closely follow the original staging, design, and choreography of the Broadway or West End versions. This balance between non-replica and replica productions allows ATG to both innovate and maintain the classic theatrical experiences that audiences expect from internationally renowned musicals.
Students are encouraged to attend open calls, prepare versatile repertoire pieces, and maintain strong dance and vocal skills, as these are highly valued in large-scale productions. ATG also operates SOM Academy, the Performing Arts School that the former production company opened in 2020.
2. Stage Entertainment España
Stage Entertainment is a European entertainment conglomerate with a presence in more than ten countries. Their Spanish branch has been instrumental in establishing Madrid as the country’s main musical theatre hub.
Notable Stage Entertainment productions
With over 25 years of experience in Spain, Stage Entertainment has brought hits such as Beauty and The Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin, Anastasia, Tina, the Musical, and Sister Act to local audiences.
Stage Entertainment España is known for its strict focus on replica A+ productions, meaning that almost all their shows faithfully replicate the original Broadway or West End productions. From set design and costumes to choreography and musical arrangements, every detail is recreated to match the originals, ensuring a high level of visual and technical fidelity. They operate two main houses in Gran Via – Teatro Lope de Vega, where The Lion King has been running for over 13 years, and Teatro Coliseum, where Cinderella is currently running this season.
Auditioning for Stage Entertainment productions
For performers, joining a Stage Entertainment production often means training to meet exacting standards and performing in productions that mirror the original show down to the smallest detail. This provides a unique learning opportunity for students and actors to experience the precision and discipline required to maintain the aesthetic and performance quality of internationally acclaimed musicals.
The company is renowned for its meticulous casting process. Aspiring performers often participate in multi-stage auditions that may include singing, dancing, and acting workshops over several days. Stage Entertainment emphasizes versatility and professionalism, seeking actors who can adapt to demanding rehearsal schedules and touring commitments.
3. BeON Entertainment
BeON Entertainment is known for producing original Spanish musicals with international appeal. Founded by a group of creative producers in the early 2010s, BeON has developed large-scale works like Los Pilares de la Tierra, based on Ken Follett’s famous novel. Premiering in Madrid in 2024, the production involved more than 70 team members and a 4.5 million euro investment, highlighting the company’s commitment to professional-quality Spanish musical theatre.
Experimental and original productions
BeON also experiments with innovative stagecraft and technology, including complex set designs and immersive soundscapes. For performers, working with BeON can offer valuable experience in experimental productions that push the boundaries of traditional musical theatre
BeON notable productions
BeON Entertainment, led by producer Dario Regattieri, has consistently focused on creating original, homegrown Spanish musicals, establishing itself as a pioneer in the national theatre scene. Among its most emblematic productions, written and composed by Iván Macías and Félix Amador, is El Médico, el Musical, based on Noah Gordon’s bestselling novel, which ran for over five years—including two different national tours—, with additional audiences in the Czech Republic, Germany, and upcoming international tours. The company also produced Antoine, the Musical, El Tiempo entre Costuras, La Historia Interminable, which introduced animatronics to the stage, and Forever Van Gogh, an immersive production with music by Ara Malikian and choreography by Chevi Muraday.
BeON’s repertoire reflects a commitment to technological innovation, original storytelling, and celebrating Spanish artistic talent, and the company has recently become the new manager of Madrid’s historic Teatro Calderón as of August 2025.
4. LetsGo Entertainment
LetsGo Entertainment specializes in innovative productions. Their 2024 adaptation of Cabaret transformed Madrid’s UMusic Hotel into a 360° Kit Kat Klub experience, merging theatre, gastronomy, and interactive elements. This type of production requires performers to be adaptable and comfortable engaging with the audience directly.
They have evolved from its origins as a family-run production company with over 20 years of experience into one of Spain’s leading forces in hybrid entertainment — bridging musical theatre, immersive exhibitions, and large-scale experiences. Founded by brothers Iñaki and Gorka Fernández, who grew up “backstage” in the entertainment industry, LetsGo was built around their shared vision of creativity, innovation, and audience engagement.
LetsGo productions
In the musical theatre field, LetsGo has produced renowned titles such as Dirty Dancing and, more recently, a groundbreaking non-replica production of The Phantom of the Opera, which became a major hit in Madrid over two consecutive seasons and is now touring across Spain.
LetsGo auditions
This diversification makes LetsGo a particularly exciting company for performers. LetsGO auditions often seek versatile artists capable of singing, dancing, and acting, while also exploring physicality and audience interaction. The company’s focus on immersive formats opens up new creative opportunities for actors who wish to work at the intersection of theatre, technology, and live experience.
5. AMR Produce
AMR Produce has a strong track record in both festival productions and musical theatre. They operate as a versatile theatre and entertainment company dedicated to the creation, promotion, management and exploitation of public performance venues, musicals, concerts and large-scale live events.
AMR productions
Over recent years, AMR Produce has built a reputation for staging large-scale musicals aimed at broad audiences, including productions like Los Chicos del Coro, el Musical and the upcoming Oliver Twist, el Musical, set to open in November 2025 at Madrid’s Teatro La Latina.
The company’s focus on accessible, high-quality entertainment makes it a frequent partner for family-oriented productions and touring shows across Spain. In 2024, AMR’s production of “Los Chicos del Coro” won the BroadwayWorld Spain Public Award for Best Musical on Tour.
Working for AMR Produce
For students and emerging actors, AMR Produce offers an interesting entry point into the Spanish musical-theatre industry. Its casting calls often target young talent, ensemble performers and triple-threats (sing-dance-act), with productions that tour or open in major Madrid theatres. While budgets may vary compared to some multi-million-euro super-productions, AMR’s projects allow performers to gain professional experience, work under demanding rehearsal schedules, and build credits in national productions. This can serve as a robust stepping stone toward working with larger companies and high-profile international licences.
6. La Coja Producciones
La Coja Producciones is a Madrid-based company renowned for its creative versatility and commitment to innovative storytelling across a wide range of theatrical formats. Founded to promote contemporary Spanish talent, La Coja has established itself as a multifaceted production company, moving fluidly between theatre, concerts, casting management, and large-scale cultural events.
The company first gained national recognition with Laura y el Enigma, which was nominated for Best Original Musical at the Premios MAX 2015, and has since expanded its artistic scope. Its catalogue includes critically acclaimed works such as Un Día Cualquiera and La Verdad de los Domingos, showcasing its ability to blend contemporary themes with strong narrative and emotional depth. In recent years, La Coja has also produced major concert events, including Pepe Nufrio: El Primer Día de Nuestras Vidas (2021), demonstrating its capacity to merge theatrical artistry with live music performance.
Recently, La Coja has made a major leap with its hit musical Atrapadas en la Ofi, which has been running for over two years at Madrid’s Teatro Lara and has toured nationwide since 2023. The production earned the Premio a la Mejor Actriz Principal for Paula García and solidified La Coja’s reputation as a leading independent producer in Spanish musical theatre. Alongside its productions, La Coja continues to manage casting and coordinate national and international events, while developing new theatrical and musical projects to be announced in the coming seasons.
7. El Tío Caracoles
El Tío Caracoles is a Spanish production company that combines musicals with live concert events. Unlike larger multinational companies, El Tío Caracoles has carved a niche by producing original musicals alongside concerts for renowned artists such as Elena Roger and Gerónimo Rauch.
Its current standout production is Asesinato para Dos, a musical that has captured the attention of audiences for its original storytelling and innovative presentation. The company’s dual focus on musicals and concerts allows performers to work in both theatre and live music settings, offering valuable versatility and professional growth.
Auditions and Career Development
Auditions are a central part of a performer’s career. Most large-scale companies post casting calls on BroadwayWorld Spain and their official websites. Students are encouraged to:
- Prepare a strong, versatile repertoire – including songs from classical musical theatre, contemporary works, and Spanish-language material.
- Maintain peak physical and vocal condition – musical theatre demands stamina, strong dance skills, and vocal versatility.
- Practice cold readings and improvisation – many auditions include unseen material and improvisational exercises.
- Research the company and production – understanding the style and vision of the production helps tailor performances.
- Network and seek mentorship – attending workshops, masterclasses, and student showcases provides valuable connections.
Participating in multiple auditions, even if unsuccessful, builds resilience, confidence, and insight into professional standards. Observing casting directors’ feedback can be as educational as performing in a final role.
The Spanish musical theatre industry is thriving, with opportunities ranging from internationally acclaimed productions to innovative local works. For aspiring performers, understanding the major producers, audition processes, and professional standards is critical. Platforms like BroadwayWorld Spain, along with networking and hands-on experience, are essential tools for building a successful career. For students at the Institute of the Arts Barcelona, this landscape offers a rich environment for growth, learning, and artistic achievement.
