Musicians were spotted protesting at Norwich Theatre Royal amid cuts to their company's live performances.
Members of the Northern Ballet orchestra distributed leaflets to members of the public ahead of Friday evening's performance of Beauty and the Beast.
Northern Ballet, a company based in Leeds but a regular visitor to the theatre, has recently announced that it would be making changes to its touring model.
According to the musicians, the company is now considering drastically reducing the number of performances with a live orchestra and instead using recordings.
READ MORE: Taking up the fight for opera in Norwich and Norfolk
Paul Boyes, a member of the orchestra, said: "Obviously we're all very upset, for a lot of people this will be career-ending.
"Norwich theatres have been particularly badly hit by recent government funding cuts.
"If this goes ahead then you will have to go to London to have the full live experience."
A petition started by the musicians has gained more than 10,000 signatures.
READ MORE: Boyband member and soap stars heading to Norwich in hit play
Northern Ballet said in a statement: "The entire arts industry has been heavily impacted by rising costs across the board.
"We fully believe in the power and importance of live music and where we can, it will remain an integral part of our productions, but with deep regret we cannot maintain it at every venue."
Mr Boyes added that the changes will impact Norwich theatre-goers as soon as the spring, due to uncertainty surrounding whether a live orchestra will be used for the upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet.
READ MORE: Rehearsals begin for city's Christmas panto
He said: "People are utterly shocked when we tell them, most people's faces just drop.
"However we do have sympathy for the management position, funding has been at a standstill for years."
Norwich Theatre Royal has been approached for comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here