Actors’ Trust, the charity which supports actors and stage management professionals across stage, sound and screen, has released a report providing a picture of the challenges facing the UK’s acting and stage management community.
The study, which polled 3,700 actors and stage management professionals, revealed widespread and persistent challenges – with poor mental wellbeing emerging as one of the most prominent issues.
The report uncovered that mental health challenges are significantly more prevalent amongst the acting and stage management community than the general UK population, with respondents reporting lower life satisfaction and notably higher levels of anxiety.
Around three quarters of actors (78 per cent) and stage management professionals (74 per cent) have experienced a problem with their mental health in the last three years, such as feeling anxious or depressed – in comparison, 20 per cent of UK adults report experiencing mental health problems.
Even more concerningly, levels of suicidal thoughts amongst the community far exceed national averages, especially among younger and emerging professionals.
Over a quarter (27 per cent) of actors have had thoughts that they would be better off dead, or thoughts of hurting themselves, in the last 12 months. In comparison, 7 per cent of UK adults have reported suicidal thoughts in the past year, and the rate of lifetime non-suicidal self-harm sits at 10 per cent.
Body image concerns and eating disorders are also highly prevalent, affecting around six in 10 (59 per cent) actors and over half (53 per cent) of stage management professionals, and disproportionately affecting younger and emerging actors.
Additionally, a quarter (24 per cent) of actors and half (51 per cent) of stage management say they have experienced abusive behaviour from someone in a position of power – with four in 10 (40 per cent) actors and nearly six in 10 (57 per cent) stage management fearing to speak up against unwanted behaviour in case it harms their chances of being hired again.
Speaking on the results of the report, Alex Macqueen, actor and Chair of Actors’ Trust, explained: “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,” concluded Macqueen.
Simon Callow CBE, actor and trustee of Actors’ Trust, said: “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.”
A spokesperson for CIISA (Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority) 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”.