Author: Lori Rubinstein

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Learn More About Alcohol and Substance Use

Resources for Alcohol and Substance Use and Abuse

In a 2019 survey of entertainment industry workers, over 40% of respondents said they had experienced alcohol or substance misuse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the anxiety, fear, uncertainty, stress, and isolation experienced by so many in our industry significantly increased those numbers. Many of us saw ourselves or colleagues, friends, or family members turn to substances as a way to cope with the disruption in our lives. Many found recovery difficult to sustain.

Along with significantly increased usage comes increased overdoses. Deaths due to overdoses have spiked during the pandemic, primarily driven by opioids. Over 93.000 drug overdose deaths were reported in 2020 – the highest on record and nearly a 30% increase over 2019.

  The Behind the Scenes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative announces the launch of a website to provide resources for industry professionals to answer questions about alcohol and substance use. It offers information about how to spot the signs of misuse in yourself or others and the potential long term effects. There is practical guidance on getting help for yourself as well as how you can respond if you are concerned about a co-worker or friend. It also addresses situations where you may be concerned about someone you report to or someone who reports to you. There are also links to a variety of resources.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, you don’t have to feel alone. Just as an industry we work collaboratively to create our magic, we are all in this fight together. There are many people standing by to help you personally or assist you in helping someone else. We must all work to combat the stigma of asking for help. This website is a first step because education is essential and knowledge gives you power. With alcohol and substance misuse as prevalent as they are, now more than ever we need to get the message out that help is readily available. Visit btshelp.org/substanceuse to learn more.

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Inaugural Ghostlight Group

Behind the Scenes Announces Inaugural Ghostlight Group

Behind the Scenes proudly announces the launch of its new affinity fundraising initiative, Ghostlight Groups. The program, created in effort to raise awareness and funds to benefit the charity, seeks to honor the importance of community and volunteerism in our industry.

Ghostlight groups are volunteer led groups that gather to raise money for Behind the Scenes through an event or activity of shared interest. Groups may choose an activity like skiing, golfing, or quilting. They might hold a regular meeting of a book club, or monthly movie nights. Ghostlight Group’s events or activities can be anything people do in their precious spare time. The decision of what is left to those organizing the group, but more important is that those volunteers have a why; an affinity for the BTS mission, and a desire to create community.

The Rocky Mountain Ghostlight Riders (RMGR) became the charity’s first Ghostlight Group with their inaugural “Deadwood Run” motorcycle ride earlier this month. The ride, which took off from the Denver Performing Arts Complex rode nearly 400 miles to the town of Deadwood, South Dakota for which the ride was named. Heavy rains kept the group from their initial destination of Badlands National Park, but the RMGR enjoyed visiting the many attractions in the town before heading back to Denver. RMGR traversed over 700 miles of scenic beauty for the weekend in support of Behind the Scenes. RMGR Group Organizer Mark Heiser noted, “To me there’s nothing better than getting out on the motorcycle, rain or shine. It’s a bonus to be raising money for a good cause. My hope for the Ghostlight Groups is that others can gather up their friends and colleagues and do what they love to do, while raising money and awareness for Behind the Scenes.”

The Rocky Mountain Ghostlight Riders would like to thank their ride sponsors, ASM Global and IATSE Local 7. With the support of these sponsors and their many generous donors RMGR was able to raise $7,575 to benefit Behind the Scenes. These funds assist in the charity’s work, which provides financial assistance to entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured and tools and resources for mental health and wellness. IATSE Local 7 President Max Peterson detailed the Local’s motivation for sponsoring the ride, “IATSE Local 7 is grateful for the help BTS has given to our members and the thousands of members throughout the IATSE who qualify for support. The services that BTS provides extend far beyond financial, and our members are pleased to support the continuation of these vital and necessary programs.”

If you are interested in forming your own Ghostlight Group learn more here or email [email protected]

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ETC Giving Reaches Major Milestone

ETC’s Donations to BTS Reach a Major Milestone

In June of 2009 ETC launched a new app that would revolutionize lighting control by turning people’s Apple handhelds into miniature lighting controllers. From the very beginning, ETC decided that all profits from sales of the iRFR (Radio Focus Remote) and later the aRFR for Android apps would be donated to charity. On Friday at the 2023 USITT Show, ETC presented Behind the Scenes with a check for $39,599 bringing the total donated to the charity to over half a million dollars.

The iRFR and aRFR mobile apps enable convenient, touchscreen-based remote control for Eos family consoles and controllers. You can learn more about the apps from the ETC website and download them from the iTunes or Google Play stores. 

David Lincecum, ETC’s Vice President of Marketing, commented, “Many of us are drawn to work in the entertainment technology industry because of its strong sense of community. Behind the Scenes has long been at the heart of this community, providing important financial support and mental health resources for our friends and colleagues. ETC employee owners are proud to contribute to this meaningful work.”

Rick Rudolph, Chair of Behind the Scenes accepted the check along with other members of the Board of Directors. Rick commented, “This milestone is truly remarkable. When ETC first told us about this initiative we never dreamed it would reach half a million dollars. That money has allowed us to help so many of our colleagues in need: keeping a roof over their heads, heat and lights turned on, food on their table, prescriptions filled, and doctor’s appointments kept. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the employee owners of ETC and to all those who have downloaded the app over the years. Your generosity has brought help and hope to so many during some of their darkest times.”

Learn more about joining the Pledge-of-Support Program by naming a product or service to support the charity or contact Emily Drew at [email protected].

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BTS Welcomes New Board Members

Behind the Scenes Welcomes New Board Members

The Behind the Scenes Foundation has added a number of new Board Members over the last six months intended to broaden industry representation and ensure continuity for future generations of entertainment technology professionals.

Chairperson Rick Rudolph states, “The Foundation has evolved and expanded its scope since forming in2005. Our mission now includes a Mental Health initiative along with the core of multiple Needs Grants. With increased programs and the desire for more outreach and expertise, we have invited additional members to join the Board of Directors bringing fresh ideas and knowledge. I am extremely pleased to welcome them and grateful to our current and past members. The work we do is important, impacting our colleagues by providing help, hope and awareness.”

Joining the Board are Liz Campos, Executive Director of the IATSE Training Trust Fund; Caroline Chauvet, Global Brand Manager for Chauvet; Kate Foster, Marketing Communication Specialist for ETC; Paul Royalty, Senior Vice President of Sales for LiteGear; Brad Schiller, lighting industry veteran; Jeff Siegel, Director of Eastern Region Systems for Barbizon Lighting; Court Watson, USA 829 costume and scenic designer; and Pat White, President of IATSE Local 764 and Director of Education and Training, IATSE.

Court Watson, whose design credits include theatre, opera and dance around the world, has created several popular BTS holiday cards over the years. It was his focus though, on making our workplaces safer and healthier for all that led the Board to invite him to join its ranks. When asked, Court commented, “Behind the Scenes is so much more than holiday cards, but that is how I first engaged with the organization. While our industry is changing for the better, technical stage and motion picture workers face intense stress and pressure in our workplaces. Providing grants, mental health tools and resources, including Mental Health First Aid training and access to entertainment-literate counseling, has never been more important. As we continue to work for healthy, safe, respectful, inclusive, sustainable, diverse spaces in our industry, we are stronger when we are better informed how to take care of ourselves and our colleagues.”

Click here to see bios of our full Board of Directors.

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Quarterly Bystander Intervention Webinars

Learn How to Safely Intervene to Stop Workplace Bullying

Bystander Intervention in the Entertainment Industry Webinars 

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 90 minutes you will learn five easily accessible tools, illustrated by relevant scenarios, for use in any workplace to safely intervene without the worry of retaliation. The Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative will present a free webinar “Bystander Intervention in the Entertainment Workplace” once a quarter over the next year.

These webinars follow on the success of last spring’s trainings, with previous attendees commenting, “This is the type of training that will help us transform both our working and personal lives for the better,” “This workshop was so helpful in concisely identifying issues and strategies to deal with them. I feel empowered to address awkward situations in my future,” “This training is engaging, good for participation and interaction, and is full of great examples and a variety of methods to use to help others who may need help,” and “The best part of the Bystander Intervention training for me was the many different ways of approaching a situation which I’d never thought of. We all have our own set of mechanisms, but this helped me think outside of my box.”

Behind the Scenes is partnering with Right To Be, a social justice organization that specializes in education around bullying and harassment, to present this free quarterly webinar on October 18, 2022 and January 30, April 30 and July 17 2023. Principal Right To Be trainer, Dax Valdes, an experienced entertainment industry professional, will lead these interactive sessions that ensure attendee anonymity.

The webinars are free but advance registration is required in order to receive the zoom login. Please visit btshelp.org/bystander to select a registration link for the date of your choice.

BTS’ 2019 survey strongly indicated that bullying, harassment and intimidation is a common workplace stressor throughout all sectors of the entertainment industry. These behaviors create a physically and psychologically unsafe workplace for everyone. This training will teach you how to safely intervene and help to make a difference.

Right To Be’s goal is to reduce instances of workplace disrespect and harassment by giving individuals the tools they need to disrupt those perpetrating it. You will learn the 5Ds of bystander intervention methodology – distract, delegate, document, delay, and direct. 98% of attendees leave these trainings committed to intervening if they witness disrespect or harassment at work.

This webinar is offered as part of an ongoing “Stop Bullying” campaign launched by the Mental Health Initiative in 2021. Available resources include a set of posters to raise awareness of words, actions and behaviors that constitute bullying, harassment or intimidation; 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.

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Understanding Alcohol and Substance Use Webinar

BTS Offers Webinar on Understanding Substance Use and Abuse

Most of us know someone who is affected by substance use and abuse. This can include concerns about our own use – or the usage of a coworker, family member or friend. Join Behind the Scenes for an online webinar as they introduce new resources for recognizing and discussing substance use and abuse in the workplace and beyond. Members of the BTS task group introduce these new tools and share personal experiences in this concise online event.

View the webinar

Substance use and abuse in the workplace affects everyone in our industry.

Learn more about recognizing the signs and how to help yourself or a colleague. Taking just one hour to learn more can save lives by allowing you to say the right thing – or point someone to the right resources.

In a 2019 survey of entertainment industry workers, over 40% of respondents said they had experienced alcohol or substance misuse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the anxiety, fear, uncertainty, stress, and isolation experienced by so many in our industry significantly increased those numbers. Many of us saw ourselves or colleagues, friends, or family members turn to substances as a way to cope with the disruption in our lives. Many found recovery could be difficult to sustain.

Behind the Scenes recently announced the launch of a website to provide resources for industry professionals to answer questions about alcohol and substance use and abuse. It offers information about how to spot the signs of misuse in yourself or others and the potential long term effects. There is practical guidance on getting help for yourself as well as how you can respond if you are concerned about a co-worker or friend. It also addresses situations where you may be concerned about someone you report to or someone who reports to you. Tips are provided on how to have a conversation with someone you are concerned about as well as on coping and self-care. Visit btshelp.org/substanceuse to learn more.

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The LRLR Raffle and BTS Mental Health Initiative at USITT 2023

The LRLR Raffle and BTS Mental Health Initiative at USITT 2023

The Long Reach Long Riders and Behind the Scenes will host their annual fundraising raffle at the USITT Conference March 16-18 in St. Louis, MO. This year’s raffle will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Long Reach Long Riders annual charity motorcycle ride. The Riders, who have raised over $1,000,000 for charity in their years of touring, will be riding June 3-9 in sunny Southern California.

The Behind the Scenes Boutique will also be open for business during the show featuring an assortment of industry-themed holiday decorations and the famous Long Reach Long Rider T-shirts and kazoos.

The booth will feature the Behind the Scenes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative which provides tools and resources to support entertainment industry workers and promote mental health and psychological safety. Posters with information on suicide prevention, bullying and harassment, alcohol and substance abuse, and more will be available.

Tickets for the raffle are an affordable $5 each or 5 for $20 and can be purchased at the Behind the Scenes booth #821 throughout the show. Winning tickets for nine regular prizes and one grand prize will be drawn at 1pm on Saturday, the final day of Stage Expo.

The prizes, provided by our generous donors, are: Grand Prize, Spotlight with Renderworks from Vectorworks; Ghostlight from Altman Lighting; American Express Gift Card from Barbizon; Event Safety Summit 2023 Registration from the Event Safety Alliance; Nespresso CitiZ Espresso Machine with Aeroccino Milk Frother from IA Stage; ETCNomad Education Edition with Gadget II from Musson Theatrical; $250 Gift Certificate from Sapsis Rigging; Online CM-ET Basic Motor Course from Showtech Australia; USITT 2024 Full Conference Registration from USITT and a $250 Gift Voucher to Production Advantage Powered by VLS from Vincent Lighting Systems.

 For more information about the Long Reach Long Riders, visit www.lrlr.org.

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ETC’s iRFR and aRFR Apps – Caring for Your Colleagues

ETC’s iRFR and aRFR Apps – Caring for Your Colleagues

ETC presented Behind the Scenes with a check during LDI for $26,493 representing proceeds from sales of the company’s iRFR and aRFR (Radio Focus Remote) applications. Since the launch of the iRFR in 2009, ETC’s mobile app sales have now generated over $465,000 in donations.

The iRFR and aRFR mobile apps enable convenient, touchscreen-based remote control for Eos family consoles and controllers. You can learn more about the apps from the ETC website and download them from the iTunes or Google Play stores. 

Upon presenting the check, David Lincecum, Vice President of Marketing for ETC, stated, “Taking care of each other has always been part of ETC’s culture. Having this corporate value so closely aligned with Behind the Scenes is a big reason why ETC employee owners are honored to be able to support their peers in this way. This is a true investment in our industry, our family, our friends and our future.”

Tobin Neis accepted the check along with other members of the Behind the Scenes Board of Directors. Tobin commented, “It’s hard to find the words to convey how grateful we are to the employee owners of ETC for their incredible support of the charity over the years. Their care and concern for both the physical and mental well-being of their industry colleagues speaks volumes about the people they are and the culture of the company. Recognizing the human toll this industry takes and actively doing something about it sets an example for companies of every size to follow.”

Learn more about joining the Pledge-of-Support Program by naming a product or service to support the charity.

 

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The LRLR Reach $1,000,000 Raised

The Long Reach Long Riders Reach $1,000,000 Raised

Just as their 19th annual ride is starting, the Long Reach Long Riders are thrilled to announce the achievement of a major milestone. Thanks to literally thousands of individual and corporate sponsors over the years, the LRLR has been able to raise, and more importantly give away, over one million dollars! 

 

This milestone could not have been reached without the tireless dedication of volunteers and donors who have given of their time, talent and money to help those less fortunate. Over the years, three charities have benefitted from the LRLR fundraising: AFC (Canada), Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and (primarily) Behind the Scenes Foundation.  

 

Lori Rubinstein, Executive Director of Behind the Scenes, noted that “It’s truly amazing what can be accomplished when like-minded people come together for a common purpose. Even though a major milestone has been achieved, the need is greater than ever, especially with Behind the Scenes’ new mental health initiative. The Long Riders are setting the example of affinity-based fundraising as a way to assist others.” 

 

The Long Reach Long Riders are a group of riders from across the country who work in the entertainment industry and share both a love of motorcycles and a desire to help their colleagues in need. Since 2004 well over 100 riders and chase vehicle drivers have banded together in this common cause.

 

Not wanting to rest on their success, the Long Riders are already looking ahead to future fundraising adventures. Donations will be accepted for this year’s ride through the end of August. To learn more, go to www.lrlr.org. 

 

Click here to support a rider today!
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Neal Preston at The NAMM Show 2022

Neal Preston to Sign and Speak About New Queen Book
at The NAMM Show 2022

Behind the Scenes is thrilled to announce that famed Rock‘n’Roll photographer and author Neal Preston is returning to The NAMM Show this June in Anaheim. Neal will be signing his newest book Queen: The Neal Preston Photographs and speaking about his experiences photographing Queen over two decades.

Queen: The Neal Preston Photographs is the official book on Queen, one of the greatest ever rock bands, as photographed by one of the greatest ever rock photographers. Produced in collaboration with the band, the book features over 200 images and is an exciting ride through their years on the road together. It is the first time Preston and Queen have collated this work in one volume: glimpses of life backstage, live performances, post-performance highs and lows, and outtakes—many of which have never been seen before—are accompanied by memories and anecdotes from Neal with forwards by Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor.

Neal’s book Exhilarated & Exhausted and posters, including his famous images of Freddie Mercury, Robert Plant and Carlos Santana, will also be available for sale. Proceeds will benefit the Behind the Scenes charity. Those who purchase a book can have their picture taken with Neal on their camera or phone during the signing.

Neal will be present in the Behind the Scenes booth #11930 to sign books and posters on Friday, June 3rd at 3pm and on Saturday, June 4th at 11am and 3pm. He’ll be speaking about his experiences and showing images on Saturday, June 4th at 12pm in the NAMM Member Center in the lobby between Halls A&B.

Neal will also be available for press interviews. To schedule an interview, contact [email protected] or call 212-244-1421.

Neal Preston is one of the most prolific and highly regarded rock photographers of all time. He began working with Queen in the mid 1970s as their tour photographer. He was present on the legendary South America tour in 1981, Live Aid in 1985, and the band’s last tour with Freddie Mercury in 1986, among others. Brian May has commented, “Neal just has the knack, the skill, to always be in the right place at the right time.”

Behind the Scenes would like to thank NAMM, The Lightpower Collection, and ACT Lighting for making Neal’s appearance possible and expresses our deepest gratitude to Neal for his unwavering support of the charity.

The Lightpower Collection of Rock’n’Roll art features photography and album cover artwork from many of the world’s greatest photographers and designers. Neal Preston’s Rock’n’Roll photography represents the core of this collection and comprises over seventy large-format original fine art prints.