Actors’ Trust has released a landmark report presenting the most comprehensive picture to date of the challenges facing UK actors and stage management professionals.
The study surveyed 3,700 respondents and uncovered significantly poorer mental wellbeing across the community compared to the general UK population.
Around three quarters of actors and stage management professionals have experienced mental health difficulties in the past three years, far exceeding the national average of 20 percent.
The report also highlights deeply concerning levels of suicidal thoughts, particularly among younger and emerging professionals. Over a quarter of actors reported thoughts of self-harm or feeling better off dead within the last year, compared to 7 percent of UK adults.
Body image issues and eating disorders were also found to be widespread, affecting six in ten actors and over half of stage management professionals.
The findings further reveal systemic issues of workplace behaviour. A quarter of actors and half of stage management respondents have experienced abusive behaviour from someone in a position of power. Many fear speaking out due to concern it may affect future job opportunities.
Responding to the findings, Alex Macqueen, actor and Chair of Actors’ Trust, said: “Like all actors, when we get the opportunity to go to work, it is a feeling like nothing else. It promises a day connected to like-minded people who want to create characters and stories which ultimately reminds us, as audiences, that we are not alone in our fears, desires or mistakes.
“The purpose of this research was to gain a comprehensive picture of the challenges facing the profession, so we as a charity can ensure we are offering support exactly where and when it is most needed.
“The findings have been truly striking. While many actors and stage management find great meaning and fulfilment in their work, the structure and culture of the industry often intensify existing vulnerabilities. The reality for many actors and stage management professionals is one of poor mental wellbeing.
“Armed with this new knowledge, Actors’ Trust is expanding its support in targeted, evidence-based ways. Along with enhancing our grants programme last year, we have launched a new mental health service specifically for performing arts professionals, which includes free therapy delivered in partnership with Wellbeing in the Arts, and we are also now rolling-out new peer support initiatives.
“We will also use further findings from this research to inform how Actors’ Trust can continue to evolve its support offering. But we cannot do this alone. This report is also a call to action for everyone who benefits from the performing arts: producers, broadcasters, platforms, funders, policymakers and audiences alike, to join with us in the months and years ahead as we respond to the findings in this research.
“Ultimately, if we want a vibrant, resilient performing arts sector that continues to shape our national conversation – from Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which drove Government action, to Adolescence, which sparked global debate – we must look after our own. During the pandemic, we all turned to television and film for comfort and connection; now it’s time to ensure the people who create that culture are properly supported.”
Actor and trustee Simon Callow CBE added: “The latest report from Actors’ Trust shows beyond dispute that far too many people in our industry are in trouble, trying to cope on their own with financial problems and mental health challenges, silently bearing their burdens while continuing to give their all to inspire and delight their audiences.
“The report is both a shocking confirmation of this and a sharp reminder that the future of our industry depends on us all standing together. I’m proud to lend my weight to the Trust in its unceasing effort to provide reassurance, practical help and a personal lifeline to colleagues who need to know that they’re no longer facing these challenges on their own.”
Actor and ambassador Paul Chahidi said: “The applause may be loud, but for many in our profession, the silence afterwards can be louder. I’m proud to support Actors’ Trust for highlighting the loneliness, mental health challenges and financial strain so many experience, and for ensuring support is always waiting in the wings. This research has provided not just data, but a call to action – if we value the stories brought to life on our stages and screens, we must also value the wellbeing of those who tell them.”
A spokesperson for CIISA added: “This important research from the Actors’ Trust provides unique insight into the challenges faced by this community, revealing stark statistics concerning poor and very serious mental health and suicidal thoughts. The report underscores the value of partnership as the Actors’ Trust and CIISA continue to work closely towards our shared aim of a safer, more inclusive creative sector”.
More information can be found here.
