Posted on

BTS Seeks 2025 Holiday Card Designers

Behind the Scenes is Seeking Designers for Holiday Cards

Behind the Scenes holiday cards make a difference – and you can too! The cards have become a tradition in the industry for those who want to spread holiday cheer while supporting their colleagues who are seriously ill or injured or in need of mental health support. Each year designs have been created and donated to the charity by everyone from Tony Award winners to high school design students.

Behind the Scenes is seeking designers for their 2025 cards. The design guidelines are very simple and you can also view previous examples of the holiday cards. If you are interested in designing a card, Behind the Scenes will need your commitment no later than May 15th and your artwork by June 15th. Please contact us at [email protected] or 212-244-1421 Ext. 3.

Posted on

20th Anniversary Boutique Sale and Mental Health at USITT 25

20th Anniversary Boutique Sale and
Mental Health Presentations at USITT

Join Behind the Scenes at the 2025 USITT Conference and Tradeshow from March 6th to March 8th in Columbus, Ohio. The charity, in booth #305A on the show floor, will offer a Buy One, Get One 50% Off promotion on all classic Behind the Scenes apparel, including jackets, fleece, hoodies, shirts, polos, t-shirts, and more. The BOGO deal also applies to BTS holiday cards, so be sure to stock up for future celebrations! Don’t miss your chance to purchase all limited-edition BTS swag.

Additionally, Behind the Scenes will offer brief presentations highlighting their Mental Health Initiative and related trainings. Presentations will include an Overview of Mental Health Tools and Resources, an Intro to Mental Health First Aid, and an Intro to Bystander Intervention in the Entertainment Industry. Each presentation will last about 15 minutes and be offered twice daily during show hours on Thursday and Friday. Descriptions of the presentations can be seen below.

Overview of Mental Health Tools and Resources
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative, outlining the tools and resources available to support mental and emotional well-being in the entertainment industry. This includes information on suicide prevention, alcohol and substance use, anxiety and depression, and bullying/harassment/intimidation. Resources include sample language to talk about mental health with crew, the Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder, and training in bystander intervention, dealing with substance use in the workplace, and Mental Health First Aid.

Intro to Mental Health First Aid
Do you know how to respond if you see someone who is depressed, having a anxiety attack, or showing signs of alcoholism or substance use? Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related issue. The presentation explains what Mental Health First Aid is, what you will learn in the training and how to register for a class.

Intro to Bystander Intervention for Bullying and Harassment
Do you know how to safely intervene if you see a friend or co-worker being bullied or intimidated? Did you know there are different ways to intervene to match your comfort level This session will introduce you to the 5Ds of Bystander Intervention developed by RightToBe and explain what you can learn in the free webinar offered quarterly by Behind the Scenes.

Take this opportunity to join BTS in booth #305A to both learn about essential mental health resources and enjoy exclusive anniversary deals, all in one place.

Posted on

Dealing with Substance Use in the Workplace Webinar

Dealing with Substance Use in the Workplace
Why and How We Should Help

The Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative announces a new webinar Dealing with Substance Use in the Workplace: Why and How We Should Help.

We have all come across a situation where someone you worked with showed clear signs of problematic use of drugs or alcohol in the workplace. Have you wondered why you might want to help – and how you could help? Have you wondered if you have obligations based on your position? This webinar, developed by our Substance Use Task Group, will provide answers to some of these questions and help prepare you to take positive action.

Substance misuse has reached epidemic proportions in our society and in our industry. If you haven’t already, it’s very likely you will encounter someone with this problem in your workplace – it could be anyone: a co-worker, a manager, someone who reports to you.

  • Do you know how to recognize the signs and symptoms?
  • Do you know why you should start a conversation with them and how to do so?
  • Do you know the resources and treatment options available?

This interactive webinar, developed by industry professionals with lived experience and an addiction specialist, offers tips and tools to assist you in responding to this situation.

Topics include:

  • Why you should help
  • What is addiction and how to recognize the signs and symptoms
  • Having a conversation with the person you are concerned about
  • Following up with treatment options and industry resources
  • What if the person doesn’t want to stop?
  • Brief overview of union and employer obligations

The webinar will be held on Monday, February 10th at 7pm EST. Please register in advance to be sent the login link at btshelp.org/workplace.

Posted on

BTS Seeks Therapist Recommendations

BTS Seeks Therapist Recommendations for the
Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder

EITF Call for Therapists 700

In Fall 2019, the Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative conducted an online survey to better gauge the mental health needs of entertainment industry members. BTS received an unprecedented response highlighting their experience and a common complaint was how difficult it is to find a therapist who knows anything about the entertainment industry’s unique culture, rigors and stressors.

In response, BTS created the Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder (EITF) specifically for our community of industry colleagues. The Finder only includes mental health professionals who have personal experience in our industry and/or have worked with entertainment industry professionals and are familiar with their unique pressures.

To make this program an even more valuable resource for the industry, we need your help. If you or a family member know of a mental health professional you think will add value to the Finder, please send their name and email to [email protected] and BTS will provide them with information and sign-up details.

Mental health professionals who register with the EITF will complete a questionnaire that includes areas of specialty, payment/fees (sliding scale and insurance), and virtual or in-person sessions. This ensures those seeking counseling find the best possible match for their needs.

To access the Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder go to btshelp.org/findatherapist. Visit btshelp.org/mentalhealth to see all the available tools and resources in our Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative.

Posted on

Become a Certified Mental Health First Aider

Make a Difference in 2025
Become a Certified Mental Health First Aider!

Mental Health First Aid Training Classes are posted monthly on the Behind the Scenes website at btshelp.org/mhfa. Do you know how to respond if you see someone who is deeply depressed, having a anxiety attack, or showing signs of alcoholism? Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis.

Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations with someone you are worried about by teaching you how to recognize the signs and symptoms, how to listen non judgmentally and give reassurance, and how to refer that person to appropriate professional support and services.

The course is delivered in two parts. The first is a 2 hour self-paced online course that must be completed prior to the second part which is a 6 hour virtual live instructor led session. Go to btshelp.org/mhfa to learn more and to select the date and time you wish to attend the virtual live session. Upon completing the course you will become a certified Mental Health First Aider which is valid for three years.

The registration fee is $125. IATSE Members and those working under IATSE agreements may be eligible for Training Trust Fund reimbursement upon proof of successful completion of the course. A limited number of partial and full scholarships are available to individuals not eligible for reimbursement. Private group classes of 10 -25 are available – contact [email protected] for information. Training for Canadians is available through the AFC at https://afchelps.ca/mhfa.

You’ll learn about the risk factors and warning signs of mental health and substance use problems including information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis and substance use; the 5-step ALGEE action plan to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or is in crisis, and the available evidence-based professional, peer and self-help resources.

Make 2025 the year you took an active role in helping to care for those you work with. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your skill sets by learning how to identify, understand and respond to signs of distress in your colleagues and help make our workplaces healthier and safer spaces for all. Visit btshelp.org/mentalhealth to see all the available tools and resources.

Posted on

Quarterly Bystander Intervention Webinars

Learn How to Safely Intervene to Stop Workplace Bullying

Behind the Scenes_ BYSTANDER INTERVENTION_ IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

The Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative is partnering with the social justice organization Right to Be in offering free, virtual webinars training entertainment industry professionals to safely intervene during instances of bullying or harassment in the workplace. The 2024-2025 Bystander Intervention in the Entertainment Industry webinars will be held on October 20th, January 27th, April 27th and July 28th. The webinars, sponsored by the IATSE, are free but pre-registration is required at btshelp.org/bystander.

Do you know how to safely intervene if you see a co-worker being bullied or intimidated? Did you know there are different ways to intervene to match your comfort level? In just ninety minutes you can learn about five easily accessible tools and get real life examples to use in any workplace to safely intervene without worrying about retaliation.

Bystander Intervention in the Entertainment Industry is offered through the Mental Health Initiative’s Stop Bullying campaign. The campaign was launched 2021 in response to bullying, harassment, and intimidation being common workplace stressors throughout the entertainment industry. Attendees of the webinars leave the trainings equipped to safely intervene using the tools they have learned if they witness disrespect or harassment at work.

The Stop Bullying campaign also provides additional resources to assist industry professionals in reducing harassment and intimidation in the workplace. These resources include a poster to raise awareness of words, actions and behaviors that constitute bullying; information for those who are targets of, or bystanders to bullying behavior; information to empower individuals to Be Informed, Be Aware, Show Support, and Take Action; and a sample policy and procedures to identify, investigate and resolve instances of bullying, harassment or intimidation and to provide support to those who experience these behaviors.

Posted on

Spread Cheer with BTS Holiday Cards

Spread Cheer and Help with BTS Holiday Cards

The 2024 Behind the Scenes Holiday Cards are now available for purchase online at the BTS Boutique. This year’s collection features six different designs created especially for the charity by Ola Kraszpulska, Rick Martin, Robert Mendoza, and Court Watson. From designs highlighting the BTS ghostlight to magical winter scenes and everything in between, you’re sure to find a design that’s right for you.

BTS Holiday Cards are available in a variety of options: card packs of 10 with a standard greeting, personalized cards with a company logo and custom message, and electronic cards in multiple file formats and an array of price points starting at just $20.

By purchasing and sending BTS holiday cards you can help to spread the word about the charity and let your recipients know you support the vital work Behind the Scenes is doing in the Entertainment Technology industry.

Orders for printed cards will only be taken until September 26, 2024 so don’t wait! All orders will arrive by late November. Electronic card orders will be taken until December 13th. View and order cards at www.behindthescenescharity.org/holidaycards.

While you’re shopping, be sure to check out our industry-themed holiday decorations, from LED ghostlight Christmas trees and Hanukah menorahs to nightlights and tree ornaments.

Click here to order your cards

Posted on

BTS Wellness Lounge at LDI 2024

The BTS Wellness Lounge Returns to LDI 2024

Following on the intense interest shown last year, Behind the Scenes and LDI are pleased to bring back the Wellness Lounge which offers attendees a safe space to learn about mental and physical health through daily presentations, activities, and one-on-one consultations. From picking up tips on self-care to learning about ways to make your work places mentally and emotionally healthier, your industry colleagues will offer short presentations throughout the three day show as well as be available to speak privately.

All attendees are invited to experience short presentations by industry colleagues. These insightful presenters will speak about the biology of sleep, the impacts of sleep deprivation, eating healthier on the road, staying sober at the bar, dealing with substance misuse in the workplace, agency and power in the workplace, taking the cost out of improving mental health, bystander intervention, mind body balance, mental health guides and standards, and mental health tools and resources. All day, attendees can take advantage of the one-on-one consultations with the presenters which include include Jillian Bartells, Luther Bell, David Lincecum, Steven Michelman, Eddie Raymond, Lori Rubinstein, and Kayleigh Truman. Attendees are encouraged to check out the Wellness Lounge schedule and add these special events to their calendars.

Overdose prevention training provided by There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation will be offered through the show. The training covers basic harm reduction principles, basic harm reduction techniques for those with active use, how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan®. At the end of each free training, certificates of completion and an Overdose Response kit with 2 Nasal Narcan® doses will be provided to all participants.

Attendees can stop by the lounge anytime and visit the Behind the Scenes team to learn about the Mental Health Initiative’s extensive tools and resources and receive valuable information participants can share with their companies, on the jobsite, or at their union hall. 

On Tuesday, December 10, Steven Michelman will offer a Mental Health First Aid training. This day-long class teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance misuse. It gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support by taking the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations, teaching you how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support. Upon completing the course you will become a certified Mental Health First Aider, valid for three years. You will need to register for this class in advance. IATSE members may be eligible for reimbursement from the Training Trust Fund.

On Sunday, December 8th at 7:00am LDI is hosting the Rise and Shine 5K to benefit the Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative. Join your colleagues for a meaningful stride towards positive mental health and substance use support at the annual 5K Rise and Shine Walk/Run. Lace up your running shoes and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference. Run with purpose, run with heart – every step counts as you come together to support a worthy cause.

BTS and LDI invite all exhibitors and attendees to join our “We’re Shining a Light on Mental Health” campaign to help reduce the stigma and encourage people to speak openly about mental health and substance use issues. The booth staff of exhibitors supporting the campaign will be wearing a “We’re Shining a Light on Mental Health” button and attendees can pick up their own at the Wellness Lounge. Exhibitors please contact BTS Executive Director Lori Rubinstein at [email protected] to join the campaign.

Posted on

Fall 2024 Mental Health First Aid Dates

September and October Virtual Trainings for Mental Health First Aid

Join the 1500 entertainment industry professionals who are making a real difference in their workplaces by becoming a certified Mental Health First Aider. Expand your skill sets by learning how to identify, understand and respond to signs of distress in your colleagues and help make our workplaces healthier and safer spaces.

Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations, teaches how to listen non-judgmentally and give reassurance, and how to refer to appropriate professional support. You will be able to use the information you learn every day in interactions with your co-workers as well as friends and family.

Mental Health First Aid virtual classes are posted for September 15th and 27th as well as October 7th and 20th at btshelp.org/mhfa. The course is delivered in two parts. The first is a 2 hour self-paced online course that must be completed prior to an interactive 6 hour virtual, live instructor-led session.

The registration fee is $125. IATSE Members and those working under IATSE agreements may be eligible for Training Trust Fund reimbursement upon proof of successful completion of the course. A limited number of partial and full scholarships are available to individuals not eligible for reimbursement.

Private group classes of 10 -25 are available – contact [email protected] for information.

Visit btshelp.org/mentalhealth to see all the available tools and resources in our Mental Health Initiative.

Posted on

Quarterly Bystander Intervention Webinars

Learn How to Safely Intervene to Stop Workplace Bullying

Behind the Scenes_ BYSTANDER INTERVENTION_ IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

The Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative is partnering with the social justice organization Right to Be in offering free, virtual webinars training entertainment industry professionals to safely intervene during instances of bullying or harassment in the workplace. The 2024 Bystander Intervention in the Entertainment Industry webinars will be held on January 22nd, April 21st and July 22nd. The webinars, sponsored by the IATSE, are free but pre-registration is required at btshelp.org/bystander.

Bystander Intervention in the Entertainment Industry is offered through the Mental Health Initiative’s Stop Bullying campaign. The campaign was launched 2021 in response to bullying, harassment, and intimidation being common workplace stressors throughout the entertainment industry. Attendees of the webinars leave the trainings equipped to safely intervene using the tools they have learned if they witness disrespect or harassment at work.

The Stop Bullying campaign also provides additional resources to assist industry professionals in reducing harassment and intimidation in the workplace. These resources include a poster to raise awareness of words, actions and behaviors that constitute bullying; information for those who are targets of, or bystanders to bullying behavior; information to empower individuals to Be Informed, Be Aware, Show Support, and Take Action; and a sample policy and procedures to identify, investigate and resolve instances of bullying, harassment or intimidation and to provide support to those who experience these behaviors.