The Supported Stage
What Is The Need?
The Supported Stage understands how working in the arts offers creative workers a powerful outlet for expression, collaboration, and storytelling. It fosters community, encourages innovation, and provides space to explore ideas in meaningful, impactful ways. However, the demands of creative careers can also take a toll on mental health and well-being, leading to significant psychosocial challenges unique to our wonderful industry.
Mental Health Support Isn’t Optional –
It’s Essential
Recent updates to Australian workplace legislation make it clear: employers have a legal obligation to manage psychosocial risks. That means recognising and reducing mental health hazards in the workplace, especially in high-pressure, high-performance environments like professional stage productions.
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But beyond compliance, supporting mental health is simply good business. Happy, supported performers and crew are more focused, resilient, and creative. Productions run more smoothly. Outcomes improve.
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Create a safer, more productive workplace—because when people thrive, productions shine.
What are the Stats?
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There is not enough research, but the existing research indicates:
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• Iindustry workers can experience anxiety 10 times higher than the general population; depression 5 times higher.
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• Suicide attempts are more than double the general population, with suicidal thoughts 5-7 times higher.
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• More than half of actors, dancers, stage managers and technical staff said they couldn’t raise 2K in an emergency, with over 80% of road crew and riggers saying the same thing.
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• Over 63% of performers and nearly 30% of industry workers have poor or disrupted sleep, with sleep disorders 7 times greater than the general population.
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• Due to irregular working hours and other stressors, nearly half of industry workers have poor or disrupted sleep, with sleep disorders 7 times greater than the general population.
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Addressing the chronic stress from these and numerous other issues before they become major (and costly) problems is in every producer’s best interests. We can help.
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Ref: Key Findings Working in the Australian Entertainment Industry; Dr J van den Eynde, Prof A Fisher, Assoc Prof C Sonn; Victoria University; October 2016
Support
​​Confidential Care When It’s Needed Most
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Our EAP service offers confidential, one-on-one sessions with experienced therapists who understand the unique demands of the performing arts. Available throughout the contract—including on tour—we provide accessible, flexible support to help individuals navigate stress, anxiety, burnout, or anything else affecting their wellbeing.
Planning
Wellbeing Built Into the Production
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We work with producers and creative teams from the start to identify and reduce potential mental health risks—whether it’s planning for emotionally intense material, preparing for the demands of touring, or supporting cast and crew through high-stress phases. With industry insight and clinical knowledge, we help embed mental wellbeing into the fabric of each production.
Education
Workshops In Your Language
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We deliver practical, face-to-face workshops across the season—including while on tour—covering key topics like wellbeing, burnout, touring fatigue, and working with challenging material. Designed for cast and crew, our sessions draw on clinical expertise and lived experience to support mental health throughout the entire production journey.
Recovery
When Things Go Sideways
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Whether it’s a physical injury, emotional burnout, or unexpected mental health challenges, setbacks happen. We’re here to guide individuals and companies through recovery—offering expert care and tailored strategies to get people back on their feet, safely and sustainably, so the show can go on.
