How We Support Stage Management
Actors’ Trust may be able to support those in stage management who:
- Have a long-term, degenerative, or terminal illness or disability
- Are unable to work due to a short-term injury or health issue (Note: we define ‘short-term’ as impacting an applicant for up to one year)
- In some circumstancesFor example, if the NHS waiting list is too long or the medical treatment you need is not available at your primary NHS service provider, we may be able to help with medical or health costs where this is impacting the ability to work.
- In certain circumstancesFor example, if the NHS waiting list is too long or the medical treatment you need is not available at your primary NHS service provider, we may be able to help with therapy costs.
- Are currently homeless or are at imminent risk of homelessness
- Are of retirement age, unable to work and require support to maintain a good quality of life
- Need help with care home feesIn certain circumstances. Please contact us to discuss further.
- Whose career has been impacted by a recent bereavement, unexpected caring responsibilities, or another major, unexpected life event.
Click here to find out more information about our financial grants, including Actors’ Trust’s eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Webinars
Join our free online sessions in partnership with BAPAM, where you can learn practical techniques, connect with fellow stage management professionals, and gain insights from industry professionals.
Find out more
Mind & Wellbeing
We know this industry can be tough on your mental health. So, we offer resources and support to help you stay grounded and thrive.
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Resources
We can provide information and tools to help you navigate the challenges of your career.
Find out moreResources and Further Support for Stage Management
Here’s a list of external services and support networks that can provide valuable assistance:
This UK charity provides financial and wellbeing support to technical industry professionals, including stage management.
The SMA advocates for and supports stage management in all aspects of live events and theatre work in the UK. They offer resources, information, and training opportunities.
A fund that provides aid to members who have worked at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and are facing hardship due to age, ill-health, or accident.
This fund provides financial assistance to people who have worked in the theatrical profession and are in need because of illness, accident, or old age.
The Royal Variety Charity supports people who have worked professionally in the entertainment industry, providing financial assistance to those who are ‘sick, elderly, or impoverished’.
The Theatrical Guild supports backstage and front-of-house staff, offering financial aid, training grants, and access to counselling.
Kindly funded by Jonathan Caldicot and designed to support members of the Stage Management community with their continuing professional development, The Theatrical Guild will work in partnership with The Stage Management Association to offer hardship grant funding for a range of up-skills training opportunities.
Please contact the SMA for course details & eligibility criteria. T&Cs Apply.
It's a lot to stage manage. Speak to us.
We’re here to help and want to make sure that everyone can easily access the support they need. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us in whatever way is most convenient for you.
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Useful articles
Read how research, member feedback, and the Boards vision informed our repositioning in our Chair and CEO's letter.
Today, were lifting the curtain on a new chapter of support - with new mental health and wellbeing resources, preventative initiatives to help with finances, career, and health on their way, plus an expanded grants programme.
Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya? WE do!Were thrilled to welcome Paul Chahidi, Celia Imrie and Danny Sapani as our new ambassadors.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our survey to better understand the community and challenges of actors and stage management in the current climate.
Actors' Trust and BAPAM are delighted to bring you a series of free webinars with therapist Heather Turkington to help you support your wellbeing.
We're excited to announce Maxine Peake as our newest Ambassador, joining Christopher Eccleston and Ruth Jones. Together, they will help us to raise awareness and help many more actors and stage managers." - Alison Wyman (CEO)
Obituary of the esteemed actor, Brian Murphy, who served as a Trustee of Actors' Trust (formerly known as the Actors' Benevolent Fund) for over 30 years. This obituary was written by Amanda Holt, an actor and member of Actors' Trust.
Our CEO's brief round up of 2024 highlights a significant increase in support and exciting developments.
We're thrilled to announce Christopher Eccleston & Ruth Jones as our new ambassadors for Actors' Trust.
The trustees and staff are excited to unveil the charity's new strategy, Acting for Impact,'. Acting for Impact aims to help more actors and stage managers in more ways to achieve meaningful and sustainable change. Drawing from research and industry expertise, we have developed an evidence-driven plan to address the needs of our community and maximise the charity's impact.
We are very pleased that in May 2024 the Charity Commission concluded and closed the regulatory compliance case into the Actors' Benevolent Fund (now known as Actors' Trust).
"It has always been difficult for actors and stage managers to earn a full-time living from their craft, and a cost-of-living crisis has made that even tougher. We support people who are unable to work and it would be a tragedy if AI is another factor contributing to that."