Mental Health Crisis In Theatre

Many of the professionals in the industry have recently spoken out about the conditions that workers are facing in recent years, including some chair members of organisations. Some of the ways they have spoken out informally include taking to social media, speaking to magazines, partaking in unofficial surveys, and of course word of mouth to allies and friends. These ways rarely get the attention of higher-ups and can sometimes cause trouble for those who have spoken out by not going through more formal channels. But some within the industry have taken the route of more official ways of speaking out including speaking directly to unions, associations, partaking in official surveys, and talking to adversaries who speak on their behalf. Some have even issued warnings to companies employing professionals in the industry.

There are those who believe this time period is the toughest working climate it has ever been in the industry. Since 2020, those who have not been pushed out of the industry have been feeling a constant burnout. In Scotland alone, it is estimated that 73,000 people work in the creative industries yet everyday more are feeling the toll the industry takes on one’s body and mentality. While some large companies are showing support, like the EdFringe who partnered with Health In Mind for this year’s Fringe, it is curious as to what was the final straw for these companies to make these long-needed adjustments.

The outcry for more Mental Health support is not new to the industry, but with larger pay gaps, rising bills, and the continued skills shortage, it is not difficult to understand why more and more workers are threatening to leave without the necessary adjustments that are long overdue. From those who are new to the industry and inexperienced to those who are considering leaving the industry for something else or altogether, it’s not a question of why people are leaving. It’s a question of what can be done to prevent this from getting worse.

An Equity global study in 2022 found that those who work in the performing arts industry are more likely to experience higher levels of anxiety and depression. Some of those who reported high anxiety symptoms included 24% of dancers, 32% of opera singers , 60% of actors, 90% of rock musicians. 54% of musical theatre students report a level of depression or anxiety that met the rate for diagnosis of mental disorder (according to a study conducted in 2019).

Mental Health First Aider training is not yet mandatory in the industry, but luckily more are stepping up and realising it is a good idea to help in any way possible.

The solutions the study demanded were already well known and included:

Producers addressing impacts of lack of pay and adjusting accordingly

Producers adopting safeguards in the workplace including mental health risk assessments

Governing bodies invest in mental health services and reverse underfunding

Also by Drew Janine:

Physical Health While Touring

Mental Health First Aiders

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