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.
