This follows a similar survey in 2019 – funded and conducted by the ABTT, ALD, ASD, PSA, & PLASA – which gave a valuable insight into the wellbeing of industry professionals and can be downloaded here.

Now, following the devastating impact of the Covid Pandemic on all live entertainment activity, AAPTLE is seeking to expand the data to better understand the impact of the pandemic on the wellbeing of the backstage workforce.

Mig Burgess, in her role as ABTT Trustee and chair of the AAPTLE Wellbeing Working Group and who initiated the previous study with her artwork ‘Blackout’, says: “I’m so proud to launch this vital follow up study on mental health and wellbeing in our backstage community. The formation of AAPTLE has brought together many valuable associations and groups, all committed to promoting a better culture of wellbeing backstage. It is our aim, armed with the data collected from this latest survey, to produce guidance notes that will help venues and businesses make positive cultural change in the workplace, reduce the stigma around mental health issues, and create a safer framework for staff and freelancers to openly discuss their own wellbeing issues.”

The survey should take just 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses will be kept confidential and completely anonymous. Participation is voluntary, and people are free to withdraw at any point in the process.

Link to survey here

In addition, on 10th June, 5pm – 6pm, the ABTT will host a seminar titled: ‘Mental Health, Well-being and Resilience in the Backstage Entertainment Industry’.

Burgess, alongside Emma Chapman – member of the ALD (Association of Lighting Designers) Wellbeing Group, Richard Bradshaw, a health & safety expert for theatre, events, TV and radio broadcast; Harriet Saffin from the SMA (Stage Management Association) Well-being group and Dan Shelley from PMF (Production Managers’ Forum) and Reset Better, to discuss mental health, well-being and resilience’, specifically within the UK technical backstage entertainment industry.

“The event will be an opportunity to review the effect that the current pandemic has had on mental health within our Industry,” concludes Burgess. “We will introduce the newly formed AAPTLE Well-being Group and look at its collective plans for the future. In addition, we will share preliminary data from the Backstage Industry Mental Health Evaluation and discuss possible ideas for provision around well-being in the workplace. Finally, we will open up to questions from attendees.”

Register here