Sukriti Sobti

About Sukriti Sobti

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July 30, 2026

Building Safer Sets

Sukriti Sobti Actsafe safety training, BC arts and entertainment safety, entertainment industry safety committee, film and television health and safety, JHSC training for arts and entertainment, Joint Health and Safety Committee training, live events health and safety, occupational health and safety training BC, theatre workplace safety, workplace safety in performing arts

In conversation with Jeremy MacLeod and Tia Buhl

On any given production, there’s a moment when everything clicks—when the lights, crew, performers, and plan all move in sync. But behind that seamless moment is something far less visible: the people who make sure everyone gets home safe at the end of the shift. In an industry built on tight timelines, creative problem solving, and constant change, safety isn’t just a checklist item. It’s a culture—and joint health and safety committees (JHSCs) are at the heart of it.

July 30, 2026

Building Safer Sets

Sukriti Sobti Blogs Actsafe safety training, BC arts and entertainment safety, entertainment industry safety committee, film and television health and safety, JHSC training for arts and entertainment, Joint Health and Safety Committee training, live events health and safety, occupational health and safety training BC, theatre workplace safety, workplace safety in performing arts

In conversation with Jeremy MacLeod and Tia Buhl

The power of joint health and safety committees in our industry

Across film sets, theatres, festivals, and live events, JHSCs bring workers and employers together to spot risks early, strengthen communication, and build safer, more resilient productions. And with Actsafe’s newly refreshed JHSC training course, industry members now have access to tools designed specifically for the realities of arts and entertainment.

Building a strong foundation

As the technical director at the Belfry Theatre in Victoria, Jeremy MacLeod wears a lot of hats. It’s a smaller organization, so he not only manages the creative and design teams but also supports the theatre’s occupational health and safety work— including recently establishing their JHSC. “Traditionally, the Belfry has had a good safety culture, but it was time to align with regulations and formalize our safety work through a committee,” he says. Actsafe’s revamped in-person JHSC training program played a key role in helping the team chart their critical path and set themselves up for success.

In an established organization, it can be hard to know where to start. The course helped us map out the critical first steps and understand what an effective committee actually looks like.

– Jeremy MacLeod, Technical Director

Being able to complete the foundational training as a group also helped create a shared baseline of knowledge and confidence. “It was really informative. Going through it together gave us a common language and a clear direction,” he says.

Training built for the realities of our industry

The newly refreshed Joint Health and Safety Committee Fundamentals course gives arts and entertainment workers the practical skills they need to contribute to safer productions—whether they’re brand new to a committee or looking to strengthen an existing one. Designed specifically for film, television, live events, and performing arts, the workshop focuses less on regulations and more on the real-world duties of JHSC members. Participants work through industry-specific scenarios, practice essential committee skills, and leave with tools they can apply immediately on the job.

To make the training accessible across the province, Actsafe now offers two formats— an in-person workshop for hands-on learning, and a virtual option for teams spread across multiple locations. The course is ideal for current or aspiring JHSC members, as well as production managers, assistant directors, department heads, stage managers, technical directors, location managers, and event coordinators—anyone who plays a role in keeping their production safe. MacLeod, whose team participated in an in-person session, said coming together as a newly formed group was beneficial to cementing their learning as a team. “The ability to take that foundational training all together as a group was really helpful,” he says. “It was almost like a teambuilding exercise in a way—sharing personal experiences and being able to ask questions that pertain specifically to our organization and unique circumstances.”

Key skills and topics include:

Understanding the purpose, structure, and roles within a JHSC
Worker, supervisor, and employer rights Worker, supervisor, and employer rights and responsibilities
Navigating the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
Workplace inspections, incident investigations, and risk assessments
Effective communication, consultation, Effective communication, consultation, and recommendations
The right to refuse unsafe work The right to refuse unsafe work
Committee governance, meeting minutes, and strategic planning

Production Manager Tia Buhl, who took the online version of the course, says she appreciated the real-world examples provided, adding that it made the learning engaging.

It helped to reaffirm that what I’m doing is correct when it comes to supporting my crew with health and safety.

– Tia Buhl, Production Manager

Why employers should champion JHSCs

For employers, supporting a joint health and safety committee isn’t just about compliance—it’s about shaping a healthier, more collaborative safety culture.

“At its core, it’s about shifting the narrative. Safety shouldn’t be reactive or punitive,” says MacLeod. “A JHSC creates a proactive, positive space where workers and employers can talk openly and work together toward better outcomes.” Instead of waiting for an incident to force action, a well-supported committee helps an organization identify risks early, strengthen communication, and build trust across departments and roles. And for employers who may be hesitant or unsure where to begin, the refreshed Actsafe training offers a clear, structured path forward—one that demystifies the process and helps committees launch with confidence. “People want to contribute, and there are often passionate individuals across departments who can help build momentum,” says Buhl. “A committee helps give structure and shared responsibility to work that often falls informally on already busy staff. It also ensures that people know where to go when they have questions or concerns,” she says.

Related Resources

Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)

July 17, 2026

Theatrical Rigging and Counterweight Fly Systems

Sukriti Sobti Course, hazard classification, Identifying hazards, Importance of safety committees, mandatory requirement for all new IATSE 118 and sister local permittees, Performing Arts Safety Awareness, Reporting hazards and Injuries, Right to refuse work, roles and responsibilities, safety and well-being in the workplace, training, workshop

Theatrical Rigging and Counterweight Fly Systems

OVERVIEW

An introductory, hands-on, two-day course on stage rigging in a theatre setting, focusing on the use of counterweight rigging systems. This workshop is designed for entertainment professionals looking to build practical rigging skills in a real theatre environment.

Delivered on stage, the course combines foundational knowledge with applied, hands-on experience. The goal is to establish a benchmark understanding of safe rigging practices and help participants recognize when rigging systems may not be safe. Rigging is one of the least understood areas of theatre, and this course aims to improve awareness and safety across the industry.

This course is intended for anyone who works in or around a theatre environment, including head carpenters, wardrobe teams, assistant stage managers (ASMs), deck audio technicians, students in a college/university program, musical directors, set designers, concert riggers, and many others.

Upcoming Dates

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Delivery
In-person

Cost
$945 + GST

Duration
2 days

Certificate Validity
No Expiration Date

Student requirements

Must be currently employed in, or seeking a career within the B.C. arts and entertainment industry.

Participants should have a basic knowledge of general stagecraft.

This is a hands-on course. Participants must arrive prepared to work in a theatre environment.

Required attire includes full-length pants (no shorts or kilts), shirts with sleeves.

Students must bring their own PPE including hardhat, gloves and green patch safety shoes.

Participants should arrive alert, fit for work, and ready to actively participate.

If you require specific accommodation, please email info@actsafe.ca.

Learning outcomes

Students will understand basic rigging theory including roles and responsibilities, understand the concept of design factors; be able to tie basic knots; terminate wire rope; use appropriate rigging hardware; operate a counterweight rigging system; and understand the requirements for and be able to complete basic rigging inspections.

Topics covered

Basic rigging theory
Hardware
Knot tying
Wire rope terminations
Counterweight system operation and best practices
Hanging drapery and scenery
Arena rigging in a theatre
Log books
Inspection requirements and procedures

Who should enroll?

This is an introductory course and will cover the basics of theatrical rigging. It is aimed at entertainment professionals, technicians, and venue crew looking to build rock-solid, practical rigging skills in a real theatre environment.

Please note: The course is not ETCP certified, however, the course can go towards education credits for certified technicians. Each certified technician can report their individual attendance using this form.

Dress Requirements

This is a hands-on course. All tools and supplies will be provided.  Participants must arrive prepared to work in a theatre environment. Required attire includes full-length pants (no shorts or kilts), shirts with sleeves. Students must bring their own PPE including hardhat, gloves and green patch safety shoes. Participants should arrive alert, fit for work, and ready to actively participate.

Certification passing requirements

A certificate will be issued to each successful participant. Completion is based on full attendance and participation in all sessions. A short quiz will be held at the end of Day 1, followed by a final assessment at the end of Day 2.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 30 days before the course are eligible for 100% refund. No refunds will be issued after this deadline.

No-show no refund
Where can I find my certificate?

July 7, 2026

People Working Well

Sukriti Sobti Blogs crowd flow management, crowd management, event crowd management, event risk assessment, event safety planning, festival crowd control, high-capacity event management, ingress and egress planning, large-scale event safety, mass gathering safety, stadium crowd safety

In conversation with Jordan Davies, Michelle Samuels, and Kate Bateman

New psychological health & safety tools for a stronger industry

In an industry where the show must go on, it’s easy to forget that the people behind the scenes need care, too. Whether you’re calling cues from the booth, flipping sets, or stepping into the spotlight night after night, the arts and entertainment world runs on passion, grit, and a whole lot of heart. But it also runs at a pace that can push even the most dedicated workers to their limits.

That’s why Actsafe has teamed up with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), BC Division, to co-create People Working Well—a new suite of mental health resources built specifically for the realities of film, television, live events, and performing arts. These tools are designed to meet workers and employers where they are: on set, backstage, on the road, or anywhere the work takes them.

Creating a culture shift for the industry

With over 20 years working in arts and entertainment, Jordan Davies, Technical Director at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, knows first-hand the challenges that can come with the work. “There’s an acknowledgment that working in this industry can lead to struggles due to the nature of our work. We work odd hours, sometimes away from home and our families—so you kind of get absorbed by the job in a way,” he says, adding that those factors can also make it challenging to seek help when issues arise.

Thankfully, there is a shift happening with more conversations to support people in coming forward when they’re struggling and not waiting until things get too heavy before seeking help.

– Jordan Davies, Technical Director

Jordan was one of 12 subject matter experts who sat on the Technical Advisory Committee for the People Working Well initiative—bringing real-life experience, perspectives, and ideas to resources designed specifically for those working in the arts and entertainment industry. The goal? To create accessible, easy-to-digest courses, webinars, and materials that individuals and supervisors can use to support mental health on and off the stage.

Michelle Samuels, a Production Manager at Lighthouse Pictures with 20 years of industry experience, also lent her expertise to the project in hopes of helping shift cultural norms around mental health in the workplace.

“We’re all human and we all have our breaking points,” she says. “We need to understand that if someone needs space or support, it doesn’t mean they’re failing. People really want to give it their all, but that’s just not feasible 100 percent of the time. So, we need to come at it from a place of understanding so that people feel supported.”

An industry-led initiative

A project five years in the making, People Working Well began with the realization that there were gaps in mental health resources tailored to those working in the arts, entertainment, and live event industries. In a move to elevate workplace culture and strengthen safety, Actsafe partnered with CMHA on a progressive initiative. “The project involved deep consultation and high engagement with field personnel, unions, and associations—at both the worker and employer level—on the review and customization of a full suite of resources,” explains Kate Bateman, Project Manager at Actsafe. She says that CMHA was a perfect collaborator due to its existing assets and funding through the Ministry of Health.

We’re so grateful to, and proud of, the industry for their willingness to engage with such solution-oriented commitment and generosity. Coming to the table with open minds—despite busy schedules—to ensure this project was done right.

– Kate Bateman, Project Manager

Samuels and Davies say the Technical Advisory Committee became a safe place for industry leaders to share personal experiences and workplace challenges—stories that were then translated into real-world examples used throughout the materials. “The group had people from different disciplines, so we were able to bounce ideas off each other and really try to understand the different points of view,” Davies says.

Accessible resources to spur conversation

Samuels says the resources are not only well thought out but also clearly laid out and easy to navigate. She adds that the topics and information make for strong safety meeting content.

Mental health needs to become part of the overall safety conversation. If every set and every project can integrate the lessons from these resources into their day-to-day, it can go a long way in making people feel safe to express how they’re really feeling instead of waiting until it’s too late.

– Michelle Samuels, Production Manager

Supporting mental well being isn’t just a backstage task. It’s part of keeping the whole production safe, sustainable, and ready for the next cue. As our industry continues to push creative boundaries, we also need to strengthen the systems that support the people who make that magic possible. People Working Well is a step toward a culture where mental health is treated with the same seriousness as any other safety concern—because it deserves to be. When workers feel safe—physically and mentally— they’re not just protected; they’re able to bring more of their creativity, problem solving, and artistry to the work. As Samuels put it, “When people feel safe, they can take creative risks. Safety isn’t the opposite of creativity—it’s what unlocks it.” By embracing these new resources, employers and workers can help create workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and able to bring their best to every production.

Related Resources

Supervisors

mental health and psychological safety (1920x1279)

Mental Health & Psychological Safety

July 1, 2026

Camera

Sukriti Sobti physical topic

Camera

#08 Guidelines for Traditional Camera Cars and Process Trailers

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Download Safety Bulletin

#36 Drones (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems)

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Download PDF

June 25, 2026

#41 Guidelines for Safely Working On & Around Gimbals/Motion Bases | Motion Picture

Sukriti Sobti stunt performers, Videos

These guidelines are intended to give recommendations for safely working on and around Gimbals/Motion Bases. Gimbals/Motion Bases are generally one-of-a-kind, purpose-built devices designed to simulate real-world movement. Challenging environments, such as an airplane in flight, a ship in a storm, and many others may be simulated through the use of a gimbal. Gimbals/ Motion Bases are typically used to move cast, crew, and sets through a number of programmed or choreographed motions, and can range in complexity from small-scale, seesaw-type devices moved by simple leverage to complex, multi-axis powered motion bases controlled by a computer.

June 25, 2026

Spotlight: Bill Ryan, Special Effects Coordinator Video

Sukriti Sobti stunt performers, Videos

Actsafe Spotlight shines on Bill Ryan, Special Effects Coordinator in the films and television industry in Vancouver.

June 25, 2026

SPFX

Sukriti Sobti physical topic

SPFX

#41 Guidelines for Safely Working On & Around Gimbals/Motion Bases | Motion Picture

Learn More

Download Safety Bulletin

Spotlight: Bill Ryan, Special Effects Coordinator Video

Learn More

Watch Video

June 25, 2026

#11 A Health and Safety Overview of Orchestra Pits | Performing Arts

Sukriti Sobti bulletins, marquee tent, pop-up tent, risk assessment, small tents, tent materials

Orchestra pits present significant hazards for crew, performers, and musicians during all stages of production, including load-ins, set-ups, technical work, rehearsals, performances, and strikes. Incidents can involve falls or objects dropping into the pit, sometimes resulting in serious injury. Even seemingly routine stage actions can create unexpected risks when equipment or set pieces shift or fail in performance conditions. Because every venue and production is different, it is essential to identify and address hazards through a thorough risk assessment before work begins, ensuring appropriate controls are in place to protect everyone involved.