Performing arts work asks people to be visible, expressive and emotionally open. Whether on stage, in rehearsal rooms, studios, classrooms or backstage, creative professionals often bring a great deal of themselves into their work.

For performers to thrive creatively and sustain healthy careers, they need environments where they feel safe, respected and able to work authentically. This 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (), we are spotlighting why it’s so crucial that creative spaces are supportive for healthier performance practices.

 

Marking IDAHOBIT in the Performing Arts

 

IDAHOBIT offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of inclusion, wellbeing and belonging across the performing arts sector. The day highlights ongoing inequalities faced by LGBTQIA+ people globally. Within the performing arts industry, we can affirm the importance of creating spaces where everyone can participate fully and safely.

The arts are shaped and strengthened by LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, educators and creative professionals. However, many professionals continue to experience discrimination or pressures around identity that can affect both well-being and professional confidence. These experiences can compound in freelance, touring, or high-pressure environments where support structures are not always consistent or accessible, which is why inclusion is so critical.

 

Inclusion as a Foundation for Wellbeing

 

Inclusive creative spaces are an important part of supporting healthier performers and sustainable careers, not just a tick box in modern workspace culture.

When people feel unable to be themselves at work, it can contribute to stress, isolation and reduced confidence, all of which can impact both physical and mental health.

For many working in the arts, identity and profession are closely connected. The ability to participate authentically in rehearsals, performances, auditions, and collaborations is closely linked to — the shared belief that a team or environment is safe for interpersonal risk-taking. Environments that prioritise respect, representation and belonging allow performers to focus on their craft without unnecessary barriers or strain.

Supportive working cultures, compassionate leadership and equitable access to creative professional health services and wellbeing resources all play a role in helping people sustain long-term creative careers

In practice, this can be understood through a few key pillars of inclusion:

• Psychological safety – Feeling able to express identity and ideas without fear of judgement or harm.
• Respectful environments – Clear boundaries and everyday behaviours that support dignity.
• Representation and visibility – Diverse identities reflected across teams and creative spaces.
• Access to support – Easy access to inclusive, affirming healthcare and wellbeing services when needed.
• Belonging – Being able to participate fully without hiding identity.

 

�����ʴ���’s Commitment to Inclusive Care

 

At BAPAM, we believe inclusive support from healthcare professionals is essential to healthy creative practice. We strive to provide welcoming, respectful and person-centred care for everyone working in the performing arts, recognising that individual needs and experiences vary.

Our clinical services support a wide range of physical and psychological health concerns. We know that feeling listened to is central to effective care, particularly for those who may have faced barriers to accessing support. Alongside clinical work, we advocate for healthier working cultures across the sector, where diversity is valued and everyone can thrive safely and sustainably.

This International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the BAPAM team reaffirms its commitment to supporting the wellbeing of all performing arts professionals. Thank you for joining us in the important work of creating inclusive spaces for all.

Return to the BAPAM news page.

Performing arts professionals face unique physical and mental demands that can, unfortunately, increase their risk of injury while working. The good news is that many of these risks can be mitigated with simple evidence-backed strategies.

Performing arts medicine clinicians and professionals focus on preventing these injuries before they happen, helping performers maintain their health and sustain their careers. These strategies often include healthy performance training techniques and addressing the causes of musculoskeletal strain, repetitive stress, vocal tension, and other performance-related conditions.

Overall, prevention and early action ensure artists can perform at their best while reducing long-term health risks. Here’s everything you need to know as a performing artist.

 

Understanding the Importance of Injury Prevention

Preventive care is central to performing arts medicine, especially when it reduces the possibility of injuries.

One part of injury prevention is early assessment. Timely intervention and monitoring allow performers to identify and manage potential problems before they become serious, which is essential in careers that rely on the body.

Likewise, performers can create tailored prevention strategies to help manage their workload and reduce strain and the risk of burnout. This helps you maintain professional longevity, but it’s always best to work with a professional when creating a strategy, as what works best for your body and schedule might not be the same as what works best for another performer.

Many performers use the Performing Arts Health Greatest Hits to inform their routine. These are five ways to reset and refocus for the best version of yourself.

If you’re not already adding injury prevention into your toolkit, this is your sign to begin! Fewer injuries lead to a healthier lifestyle and support more sustainable creative practice.

�����ʴ���’s Healthy Practice Diary can help you set achievable health goals and embed injury prevention into your daily routine. ��

See more of �����ʴ���’s factsheets and resources here.

 

Upcoming Training and Workshops for Performing Artists

BAPAM is committed to giving performers practical tools to stay healthy.

Our free training events this spring focus on preventing injuries and supporting wellbeing:

 

1. Vocal Health for Singers and Professional Voice Users

Singers and professional voice users are at particular risk of vocal overload, especially in high-demand environments.

This workshop explores techniques to protect the voice, identify common risk scenarios, and make workplace adjustments, helping performers prevent vocal strain and long-term injury.

The workshop will be led by Lucie Rayner, a vocal health expert Chartered Physiotherapist and BAPAM assessing clinician, with Besfort Williams, an industry expert coach and teacher on the musical theatre BA Hons course at Arts Educational.

When: February 25th, 10:30 am to 11:45 am.

 

2.�� The Wellbeing Series for Actors and Stage Management

This online series of six workshops covers mental health and sustainable practice, with sessions on coping with rejection, depression, ADHD and neurodiversity, body image, bullying, and vocal health. Each session provides practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing in demanding creative environments.

The first session is hosted by Heather Turkington, a Dramatherapist working with performers through the BAPAM Directory, and with the NHS as a Psychological Trauma Therapist, and it will cover coping with rejection.

When: March 2nd, 06:00 pm to 07:15 pm.

 

Join a BAPAM Workshop

All these workshops are free to attend, thanks to �����ʴ���’s partnerships with organisations such as the Actors’ Trust, Royal Society of Musicians, and others across the UK. The workshops offer performers, creators, and stage professionals the knowledge and support they need to enjoy healthy, sustainable careers with as few injuries as possible!

Learn more about healthy practice training and see more BAPAM events here.

 

Preventing Injuries in the Performing Arts

�����ʴ���’s approach combines clinical expertise with practical training to prevent injuries before they occur.

From expert-led workshops to accessing �����ʴ���’s online resources, performing artists and industry professionals can take an active role in safeguarding their health, ensuring they can continue to create and inspire for years to come.

See more of �����ʴ���’s online resources here.

Return to the BAPAM news page.

When you hear ‘the Greatest Hits,’ you might think of your favourite musician or the chart topping songs. However, as we enter 2026, the BAPAM team is here to introduce you to a new set of Greatest Hits – ones that help you reset and refocus for the best year yet.

Healthy practice and routines are critical as a performing artist, and these hits and tips are designed to help you manage the pressures of auditions, rehearsals, and performances while caring for your physical and mental health.

 

1. Managing Performance Anxiety

Performance anxiety can appear at any stage of a career and ranges from mild excitement to overwhelming fear. It can affect any performer: musicians, actors, dancers, and singers alike.

Developing a routine for managing anxiety can improve confidence and focus, leaving you feeling better on and off the stage. Quick strategies include:

• Practising a breathing technique
• Creating a consistent pre-performance routine
• Using positive self-talk

Alongside these quick tips, BAPAM offers a Performance Anxiety Healthy Practice Training session on January 22 that provides evidence-backed techniques and practical guidance.

The session is hosted by Berenice Beverley Zammit, a Psychologist, Performance Coach, Researcher, Senior Lecturer and professional Violinist. She is also an Associate of the Royal College of Music, London.

Find out more about the event.

 

2. Protecting Vocal Health

Vocal strain is common for performing arts professionals, particularly during winter when dry air and noisy environments can increase the risk of overload.

Simple habits can protect your voice, such as warming up before speaking or singing, using vocal cool-downs, and finding quiet spaces when possible.

On February 25th, BAPAM and the Royal Society of Musicians will run a Vocal Overload and the Workplace session to help performers learn practical strategies for healthy voice use in rehearsals and performances.

This session is run by Lucie Rayner, a Chartered Physiotherapist and assessing clinician for BAPAM, who specialises in treating performing artists with a wide range of practice-related health problems including vocal health concerns, and Besfort Williams, an experienced vocal coach who has taught at Arts Educational and LAMDA.

Read more about the event.

 

3. Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs

As a performing arts professional, a consistent warm-up and cool-down routine is vital for both physical and mental preparation.

Starting January with a structured routine can help prevent injury, improve focus, reduce stress, and make practice more effective. Even a short five-minute warm-up before rehearsals or performances and a gentle cool-down afterwards can make a significant difference.

If you don’t do this already, consider this your sign to add these to your practice in 2026 and beyond!

 

4. Practising Visualisation

Visualisation, or mental rehearsal, is a powerful tool for building confidence and refining technique.

It’s all about imagining a performance in detail, including sights, sounds, and any other physical sensations. Through this, performers can mentally and physically prepare, all while building trust in themselves and reducing anxiety.

Start with simple exercises such as imagining walking onto the stage or performing a short passage. Then be mindful and notice how your body and mind feel. Examine what thoughts come up.

Practising for a few minutes each morning and evening can reinforce focus and calmness. BAPAM provides a full guide to visualisation techniques. Get started with them now.

 

5. Accessing Specialist Clinical Support

Most performers will experience physical or psychological health challenges during their career, and sometimes, clinical support and creative professional health services are the best solutions.

BAPAM offers Ģ��tv clinical leadership & support in London and across the UK, including in our newest clinic in Leicester. We also provide best practice performing arts practitioner training. Getting advice about a health concern early on is important to help manage potential issues before they become serious and provide guidance on maintaining sustainable performance practices.

BAPAM clinics are open to all performing arts professionals and students, and are free thanks to the support of our industry partners and the performing arts community. Learn more about BAPAM clinics here.

 

Using The Greatest Hits in 2026

Starting the year with these five areas in mind can help you build a strong foundation for your health and career in 2026.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Remember that you don’t need to make huge changes or completely edit the way you work. Even small, consistent habits can have a lasting impact. And remember that BAPAM is here to support you. Happy New Year, and you’ve got this!

Read more on the BAPAM news feed.

Performing arts careers are fast-paced and exciting, and often, that’s one of the key attractions for performing arts professionals.

One week may feel quiet, the next can bring a rush of auditions, rehearsals, performances, workshops, and networking invitations. You never know what’s on the horizon, especially if you’re self-employed!

However, because opportunities can feel unpredictable and time-sensitive, there is often pressure to say “yes” to everything. But constantly overbooking yourself can lead to reduced performance quality and the dreaded burnout.

To avoid these issues, creating sustainable scheduling habits is essential for long-term well-being and artistic longevity. Below, we’ve detailed some trusted strategies to help you navigate the industry without overdoing it.

 

1. Understand Your Capacity

Can you do it all? Can anyone?

Performing arts work is physically and mentally demanding, and your schedule needs to reflect the energy required to do it well. Warm-ups, cool-downs, vocal care, travel, and mental preparation all take time and shouldn’t be squeezed in as an afterthought.

Equally important is the recovery that follows! Without adequate rest or proper performing arts support, the risk of fatigue and injury rises sharply.

Understanding your true capacity helps you avoid committing to more than your body and mind can safely manage. Factors you should consider before saying “yes” include:

• Sleep quality
• Injury or strain risk
• Travel time
• Personal commitments
• Upcoming professional commitments

 

2. Prioritise Opportunities Strategically

Saying “yes” with intention is a core skill for a balanced creative career.

Start by clarifying your professional goals: the roles you want, the skills you hope to develop, and the networks you aim to build.

With this clarity, you can evaluate each audition and event based on their relevance and potential impact. You’ll also then be able to perform your best at the next audition and build healthy performance training into your habits.

If you’re self-employed, you might feel the need to take every job, but not every opportunity is equally valuable. Some may align closely with your long-term development, while others may drain time and energy without offering real growth. Be picky!

 

3. Build Rest and Buffer Time into Your Schedule

Rest often seems like a luxury, but to perform well, it’s actually an essential part of the process.

Scheduling regular downtime helps protect your body from overuse and allows your voice, muscles, mind, and even nervous system to recover.

Benefits of rest:

• Reduces stress and improved mental health
• Improves focus and decision-making
• Supports muscle repair and injury prevention
• Strengthens vocal and physical stamina

For example, leaving buffer periods around auditions and performances also helps you respond to delays or unexpected demands without them derailing your day. Avoid booking strenuous jobs back-to-back, giving your mind and body time to cool off after demanding projects.

Experienced professionals treat rest as a non-negotiable part of their calendar, and you should too!

 

4. Manage Your Calendar

A visible, organised schedule can make overbooking far easier to spot! Digital calendars and scheduling apps allow you to map out rehearsals, travel and touring, rest blocks, and personal time. This is your sign to get organised.

Similarly, setting limits, such as a maximum number of auditions per week or a no-booking window before major performances, helps prevent accidental overload.

 

5. Stay Connected Without Overcommitting Socially

Networking can be vital in the performing arts industry, but attending every industry event isn’t necessary, and it can actually do you more harm than good.

When it comes to networking, choose gatherings that align with your goals or offer genuine connection, and skip those that add stress rather than value. If it’s not directly linked with your industry, you can permit yourself to skip the event and rest. Meaningful professional relationships often grow from more intentional interactions.

 

Last Thoughts

Whether you’re looking at a calendar that’s full to the brim or considering whether to go for the next audition, hopefully, this blog has given you insight into how to avoid overbooking yourself in the future.

Remember, you can’t perform at your best without a little rest!

Read more on the BAPAM news page.

As the year draws to a close, the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, but there’s no rest for performing arts professionals.

Whether a dancer, singer, musician or performing arts practitioner, life gets busier as the end of the year progresses. For many, autumn and winter mean rehearsals and performances ramping up as celebratory shows approach. It can be easy to feel pulled between social events and professional demands.

Luckily, mindfulness and strategic self-care routines can get you to 2026 without extra stress. Here’s how to stay grounded as the busy period approaches!

 

Navigating the End-of-Year Rush

For performers, the last months of the year are often the most demanding.

Rehearsals intensify, performance schedules tighten, and colder weather brings an increased risk of seasonal illnesses. On top of that, festive gatherings and social commitments can pile on. There’s always an excuse to celebrate, from festive after work drinks to December get-togethers.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to get stuck in this space. Simple strategies can make this period more manageable, such as:

• Prioritise rest and recovery
• Plan rehearsals and tasks realistically
• Take short breaks during long days to stay focused
• Eat well and get enough sleep
• Be mindful of alcohol consumption
• Guidance from organisations providing clinical leadership in the creative sector and support for performing arts practitioners around the UK (that’s where BAPAM can help)

Jump to the BAPAM health resources and fact sheets now.

 

Mindfulness for Self-Compassion and Emotional Awareness

What better time to look back at your progress than the end of the year?

Reflection at the year’s end can bring both pride and self-criticism, so practising self-compassion is key. Acknowledge your accomplishments and challenges without judging yourself. Remember that your career journey is unique, and comparing it to others only adds pressure.

It’s helpful to check in with your feelings regularly and notice how stress shows up in your body.

Organisations like BAPAM help with supporting performance arts in the UK, and provide performers with access to resources and wellbeing programmes designed to help manage these emotional demands.

 

Staying Grounded and Injury-Free

Stress and fatigue increase the risk of injury, making mindfulness essential for physical health, no matter the season!

However, end of year time-crunches can make injuries more likely if you’re in a physical role, so it’s good practice to remember the following points:

• Gentle warm-ups and stretching before rehearsals or performances
• Conscious breathing exercises to maintain focus
• Short mindfulness breaks during the day (deep breathing or body scanning)
• Taking breaks if you feel overwhelmed or overexerted

Learn more about healthy performance training in the winter here.

 

Looking to the Future

How’s your calendar looking for the end of 2025?

No matter how busy you’ll be, taking time to pause and reflect is essential as the year ends. While you reassess, make sure you build in some healthy practices to get you through the busy season without stress or injury.

Even small, consistent self-care practices can make a significant difference, and you’ll start 2026 feeling like your best self!

See �����ʴ���’s Healthy Practice Training resources now.

Jump back to the BAPAM blog.

Working through the night is part of life for many in the performing arts. From late gigs and rehearsals to long venue shifts and travelling between shows, late-night irregular hours can take a toll on health and well-being, particularly when not managed properly.

Not everyone is a night owl. But you can still take steps to improve your health when working late! Adapting your routines to suit night work can make a real difference, helping you to stay well and perform at your best, even when the sun goes down.

In this article, you’ll find some practical tips around sleep and routine. If you’d like to learn more, BAPAM also invites you to explore these themes further at our upcoming Check Your Levels: Staying Well Working Nights workshop.

 

The Best Sleep Habits if You Work Nights

It’s no secret that sleep is essential for recovery and creativity, yet late finishes or long sessions often disrupt it.

You don’t have to put up with poor-quality sleep, though. Good sleep hygiene is the first area to tackle. Try to keep to a regular sleep routine, even if your routine isn’t in sync with the standard 9 to 5 workday. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time.

You should also limit caffeine after the start of your day and avoid using alcohol to help you fall asleep, as it reduces sleep quality. And when it’s time to snooze, go the extra mile for restfulness. Make your sleep environment dark and quiet with blackout blinds or a sleep mask.

If you’re not feeling good or have had a night of broken sleep, a short nap before a late shift or during the day can also help restore energy. Don’t push through if you feel unwell!

Read more about getting good rest here.

Songwriters, composers and music creators can , including sleep tips, using the new interactive InTune resource from PRS Members’ Fund and BAPAM.

 

Maintaining Routine and Self-Care

When your working hours are unpredictable, maintaining small points of routine can support stability. And let’s face it, sometimes, as a performing artist professional, late-night work can be all over the place.

You can counteract the chaos by:

• Eating at regular times
• Taking short breaks for stretching or mindfulness
• Prioritising nutritious foods
• Building in daily moments of relaxation to signal transitions between work and rest
• Avoiding alcohol or drug misuse

These small rituals might seem mundane, but they help protect well-being and prevent fatigue from building up.

Discover more self-care tips for creatives, now from Denise Devenish, a counsellor, registered member of BACP, and BAPAM-registered practitioner.

 

Taking Care Of You – Balancing Eating, Stimulant & Sedative Use

Nutrition plays a vital role in managing energy when working nights, yet it often goes forgotten as most associate eating with sunlight hours.

The BAPAM factsheet on dietary advice for performance professionals suggests aiming for balanced meals with a mix of protein, wholegrains, fruit and vegetables. When you’re in the thick of it, finding healthy food can be hard. So, where possible, plan ahead to avoid relying on ultra-processed convenience foods.

Pro Tip: Healthy snacks such as nuts, oatcakes, or fresh fruit can be easier on digestion than heavy late-night meals.

In addition to a balanced diet, staying hydrated will also support concentration and stamina. But be mindful of caffeine and alcohol, which can disrupt sleep long after consumption. For some, even a coffee early in the afternoon can still affect the quality of rest hours later, so timing is essential.

Likewise, alcohol may make it easier to fall asleep, but it fragments sleep and reduces its restorative value, leaving you more tired the following day. Learn more about healthy alcohol consumption in �����ʴ���’s The Drinks Are On Me factsheet.

 

Music Minds Matter’s Upcoming Check Your Levels Workshop

On 25 September, Music Minds Matter will explore these themes in more detail in the Check Your Levels: Staying Well Working Nights workshop, led by BAPAM trainer and tour manager, Suzi Green.

Join us to learn more about sleep, self-care, nutrition and connection when working nights. Whether you’re running a venue, playing late gigs, or pulling all-nighters to meet deadlines, our professionals are here to give you actionable advice to feel better while working late.

Register or learn more about the event here.

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Jump back to the BAPAM blog.

Performing arts professionals push their minds and bodies to the limits in pursuit of their craft. This extraordinary commitment brings immense rewards, but it can also lead to physical strain and emotional stress.

Recognising the early signs that you may need support is vital to sustaining a healthy, long-term career. BAPAM’s free health service offers confidential, Ģ��tv help explicitly designed for performers and creative professionals.

In this article, we’ll explore the signs that may suggest you’d benefit from performing arts support, alongside ways BAPAM can help with upcoming courses and consultations.

 

Signs You Might Need Performing Arts Support

Everyone experiences challenging periods, but certain warning signs should not be ignored.

Caring for your mental and physical health is key to any performing arts career journey. That includes healthy practice routines but it also goes for reaching out for help! BAPAM provides Ģ��tv clinical support for performing arts professionals and we can support you in a number of ways:

You may benefit from professional advice if you notice:

• Pain or injuries that return despite rest or self-care
• Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or burnt out before or after performances
• Difficulty focusing, remembering material, or managing rehearsal demands
• Ongoing voice strain or persistent fatigue
• Sleep problems that interfere with your ability to work or practise

Acknowledging these signs is not a weakness. In reality, it’s a positive step towards protecting your health and sustaining your career.

 

How BAPAM Can Help Performing Arts Professionals

�����ʴ���’s free health service is tailored to the unique needs of performers. Our clinicians understand the physical, psychological, and emotional demands of creative work.

We offer Ģ��tv health assessments to identify problems early, whether they are physical injuries, vocal issues, or mental health concerns. These appointments are FREE, confidential and provided by practitioners with expertise in performing arts medicine.

Find a Ģ��tv performing healthcare clinic now.

Not sure where to start? Find the BAPAM Welcome Pack here to see how we can help.

In addition to the above resources, BAPAM runs a range of workshops and training courses focused on prevention and wellbeing. These are hosted by qualified clinicians and experts with performing arts industry experience.

Recent topics include injury prevention, managing performance anxiety, and maintaining vocal health. These free sessions give performers practical skills to stay healthy and resilient throughout their careers. To join, all you need to do is register for free via EventBrite.

Upcoming Healthy Practice Training for Creative Professionals events include:

• August 26th – ADHD & Neurodiversity (For actors and stage managers)
• August 28th – Staying Well on the Road (For musicians and people working in music)
• September 2nd – Mental Health and Physical Health (For actors and stage managers)
• September 9th – Nutrition & Healthy Eating (For actors and stage managers) (For actors and stage managers)

 

Taking the First Step

If you notice any of these signs, taking action early can help you feel better and perform at your best. With the right support, many challenges can be overcome quickly and effectively.

�����ʴ���’s services are confidential and easy to access, whether you are a student, a seasoned professional, or anywhere in between.

Learn more about �����ʴ���’s clinical leadership in the performing arts sector here.

Or head back to the BAPAM news page.

From Glastonbury to the Edinburgh Fringe, festivals are a highlight of the year for many performers, technicians, creatives, and other performing arts professionals. With the energy of live audiences, exciting collaborations and the chance to connect with your community in person, it’s an incredibly fulfilling time.

However, it can also be exhausting. Long days, unpredictable conditions, late nights and last-minute changes can take a serious toll on your physical and mental health while working.

At BAPAM, we’re here to help you look after yourself through the busiest parts of the year. Whether you’re performing, touring, crewing, or managing, here are a few ways to stay well this festival season, along with details on where to go for additional support.

 

1. Follow A Routine (Where Possible)

Festivals can throw everything out of sync. Your usual habits around food, warm-ups, rest or exercise often go out of the window.

While this can be exciting at first, it can leave you feeling worse for wear over time. However, keeping just one or two daily rituals can help your body and mind stay grounded.

That might be a morning stretch, taking a proper lunch break, checking in with a bandmate, or setting aside 10 minutes to rest after a set. Small, consistent actions support recovery and focus. Shared meal times on��festival��sites can be a great time to fuel up and check in with each other.

A clear itinerary that identifies what needs doing, by who, and when, can help prevent overwhelm.

The from PRS Members’ Fund and BAPAM,��provides quick and accessible tools and resources to support this. It’s a great pocket companion for busy touring creatives.

 

2. Balance Socialising, Substances & Self-Care

Festival environments are sociable and celebratory. For many, it’s the one time of year to let loose and enjoy the moment.

That can be a brilliant part of the experience, but it can also become draining. Namely, because substances like alcohol or drugs are often normalised in these settings, and may negatively affect performance, sleep, recovery and mood.

Pay attention to how you feel, and don’t be afraid to set limits. You may also want to build in quiet time to decompress. Remember, you are allowed to take breaks from social spaces or decline another late-night session.

Looking after your energy is vital if you are working back-to-back events, not only for your performance but for your own long-term health and well-being.

 

3. Don’t Skip Rest

We get it. Good sleep can be hard to come by when you’re camping next to a dance tent or sharing a noisy crew house. But it plays a massive role in your well-being and performance. Lack of sleep increases the risk of physical injury, impairs concentration and affects vocal health.

Luckily, you can get better rest if you’re prepared. Pack earplugs, eye masks, layers for warmth and waterproofing. Rest whenever you can, even if it’s short. Five minutes of calm breathing before bed can help signal your body to wind down and help you catch ZZZs without interruption.

 

4. Handle Last-Minute Pressure Like a Pro

Whether you’re performing or working behind the scenes, festival work is full of late changes, tight turnarounds and unexpected challenges. This can quickly lead to overwhelm if you don’t have ways to manage it.

Make sure you break tasks down, prioritise what needs attention first, and ask for support where possible. Preparation and pacing go a long way.

So, grab a notebook or make the most of the notes app on your phone. And, yes, this is your sign to pack a portable charger!

 

5. Reach Out For Support

Navigating festival season gets easier with experience, but it’s always handy to revise your plan with help from professionals.

Look out for onsite support such as:

Learn key self-care skills at BAPAM workshops and training events.

And don’t forget to explore , your free creative health toolkit, available anytime from BAPAM and PRS Members’ Fund.

Stay safe, and take care of yourself out there.

Read more BAPAM news online now.

Carers Week takes place from the 9th to the 15th of June, and this year’s theme is .

The theme of Carers Week 2025 serves as a timely reminder of the importance of equality of access to healthcare, a key issue for carers balancing their caring responsibilities with their own careers.

At BAPAM, we recognise the vital role carers play in our communities, including those within the performing arts industry. We are here to support performing arts professionals across the UK with their health. We understand that�� juggling the demands of caring and freelancing can have a huge impact on performing arts professionals’ health and wellbeing.

In this article, we’re highlighting the challenges of caring while working in the performing arts and why equality is crucial in caring.

 

The Challenges of Caring in the Performing Arts

Carers are individuals who provide unpaid support to family members, friends or others who need help due to illness, disability, or age. Many freelance artists and performers carry these responsibilities alongside their creative work. Many do not identify themselves as carers, despite having caring commitments for a loved one.

In the performing arts, the nature of freelance and gig-based careers means schedules can be unpredictable, leaving carers under added pressure to manage both work and caring duties. This is further exacerbated as accessing healthcare and support services can also be more difficult for those who lack the stability of a regular workplace or employer.

Last year, we published a blog about strengthening your freelance career while balancing caring responsibilities, highlighting the need for flexibility and understanding within the industry. Take a look for more insights into the challenges of caring while self-employed.

 

Caring & Equality: Advocating For Carers’ Well-Being

This year’s Carers Week theme spotlights the importance of equality, particularly in terms of access to healthcare, social care provision, financial support, and fairness in the workplace.

Carers often face barriers when seeking medical advice or treatment, whether due to lack of time, financial constraints, or difficulties navigating services.

For performing arts professionals, whose health is integral to their career, these barriers can be especially damaging.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, stated, “Carers Week 2025 is a crucial opportunity to increase awareness, highlighting those who provide vital care to family members, friends or neighbours when they need it most. We want to see a future where they have the right support and the same opportunities to lead healthy and financially secure lives alongside their caring role.”

 

How BAPAM Supports Carers in the Performing Arts

At BAPAM, we understand the delicate balance between caring responsibilities and a career in the performing arts. That’s why our clinics are designed to be accessible to professionals across the UK, offering expert healthcare tailored to the unique needs of performers.

Our services are flexible and consider the challenges carers face, making it easier to find the support you need without adding to your stress. We provide clinics online so if you cannot come to our in-person clinic because you are balancing caring responsibilities with work and life, we can still support you.

Whether you’re dealing with a physical injury, vocal strain, or mental health concerns, we’re here to help you stay healthy for your art and your caring commitments.

We also want to highlight the fantastic support offered by our partners and other support organisations in the performing arts.

• are working to create a more inclusive performing arts sector for parents and carers. They have a pack specifically created for carers for Carers Week 2025 that includes information on carers rights, a Care Inclusive Access Rider template and links to organisations who are advocating for more fair and inclusive support for carers from the government.
• has a section on their website with support specifically for parents and carers.
• is a tool created by PRS Members’ Fund and BAPAM and can help creators who are busy with caring responsibilities to quickly access health and wellbeing resources.
• provides plenty of advice and guidance for people who find themselves with unpaid caring responsibilities. They have a Ģ��tv support line for carers that provides information and support.

 

Last Thoughts

Carers Week is a chance to recognise the incredible contribution of carers in the performing arts and to speak up about equality for carers in all industries.

If you are a carer, or know someone who is, we encourage you to explore and use the free support available across the industry to make sure that you understand your rights.

If you are a performing arts professional who has a caring responsibility and an injury, illness or health concern that is impacting your ability to work or practice, reach out to BAPAM.

Together, we can create a more inclusive, understanding, and healthy environment for all carers in the performing arts, from Carers Week and beyond!

Jump back to the BAPAM blog for more performing arts news.

Each year on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia () raises global awareness of the discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQIA+ people.

IDAHOBIT was first marked in 2005, after being established the year before. The date was chosen to mark the World Health Organisation’s 1990 decision to declassify homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.

At BAPAM, we recognise this day as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to equity, dignity, and well-being for everyone in the performing arts.

 

Solidarity and Inclusion at BAPAM

The performing arts sector is rich with LGBTQIA+ creativity, resilience, and leadership. At the same time, LGBTQIA+ professionals can still face additional challenges, from industry-specific discrimination to broader societal stigma.

BAPAM stands in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ performers, creatives, and workers, and we’re committed to helping build a sector where everyone can thrive in safety and authenticity. From Pride Month celebrations to offering actionable resources, we’re here to help.

We also know that inclusive healthcare and support are essential for all performing arts professionals. That’s why our clinical services are designed to be welcoming, sensitive, and trauma-informed.

Many of our team members, including clinicians, staff, and professional partners, are proud members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their lived experience helps ensure we offer care that genuinely understands the needs and experiences of LGBTQIA+ people in the arts.

 

Challenges for the LGBTQIA+ Community in the Performing Arts

Mental health, physical well-being, and access to appropriate support are vital for any performer. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, these needs can be shaped by unique pressures, including (but not limited to):

• Being misrepresented or marginalised
• Navigating identity in public spaces
• Working in environments where safety isn’t always guaranteed
• Mental health challenges linked to isolation or discrimination
• Barriers to affirming healthcare

Our work aims to address these realities with expert understanding, both through practical performing arts care and training for healthcare practitioners.

 

Services & Resources

BAPAM offers free, Ģ��tv health services supporting everyone working in the performing arts that are inclusive, welcoming and understanding of the specific challenges that can impact the LGBTQIA+ Community.

From help with physical and psychological concerns, vocal health to injury prevention, our clinicians are here to support you throughout your career. Whether you’re looking for resources, clinical help, or just someone who understands what you’re going through, we’re only a call or click away.

You can also explore our growing collection of factsheets and health resources and we welcome collaboration with organisations working to improve inclusion and care across the creative industries.

 

Celebrating May 17th Together

This year, we invite you to reflect, support, and advocate on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) and beyond.

Let’s continue the important work of making the performing arts medicine world a safe space for everyone, whether onstage or offstage.

 

Keep reading on the BAPAM news page.