Category: News & Events

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BTS Wellness Lounge at LDI 2025

The BTS Wellness Lounge Returns to LDI 2025

See the full schedule

Attendees at this year’s LDI Conference and Tradeshow, happening December 7-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will once again find the Behind the Scenes Wellness Lounge. Located at Booth #510 on the show floor, the Wellness Lounge returns this year with an expanded program of presentations, consultations, and trainings focused on mental and physical well-being.

Throughout the day, attendees are invited to stop by for one-on-one conversations with the BTS team or browse resources from the organization’s Mental Health Initiative. From suicide prevention tools to anti bullying and harassment strategies, the initiative has developed a comprehensive library of free materials designed specifically for those working in the industry.

Each morning, the Wellness Lounge opens with Cup of Coffee Yoga, led by lighting designer and educator Deanna Fitzgerald, requires no mats or special clothing, just 15 minutes of gentle breathing and movement. It has quickly become a daily ritual for many who want to center themselves before hitting the busy show floor.

The Wellness Lounge will again offer NARCAN® Overdose Prevention Training, presented by the Las Vegas based organization, There is No Hero In Heroin Foundation. In just 20 minutes, participants learn the basics of harm reduction, how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan®. Each attendee receives a certificate of completion and an Overdose Response kit while supplies last. For an industry where substance use challenges are all too common, this training offers life-saving knowledge.

New for 2025 is Flash Career Coaching, a program of free 30-minute one-on-one sessions with entertainment career coach Mark Heiser. The sessions are designed to help participants navigate career transitions, explore new opportunities, or gain perspective on professional challenges. Space is limited, and advance sign-up is recommended, sign up by emailing careers@btshelp.org in advance of the show. You can also sign up at the Wellness Lounge Booth #510 if slots are still available.  

In addition to daily yoga, NARCAN® Overdose Prevention Training, and career coaching, the Wellness Lounge will host a rotating schedule of short, focused talks by industry leaders. Among the topics are; Career Expansions/Transitions, Fueling Your Body, Movement, Stress, & Mental Health, Staying Grounded in Live Events, Staying Sober at the Bar and Dealing with Substance Misuse in the Workplace, The Biology of Sleep and The Effects of Sleep Deprivation in the Entertainment Industry, and Bystander Intervention in the workplace.

On Sunday, December 7 from 6:30-7:30am LDI is hosting the Rise and Shine 5K to benefit Behind the Scenes. 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. Join the campaign by contacting shinealight@btshelp.org. 

The BTS Wellness Lounge runs December 7-9 at Booth #510 on the show floor. For the complete schedule, visit the link above.

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Fall 2025 Virtual Trainings

Fall 2025 Virtual Trainings from the BTS Mental Health Initiative

BTS MHI Trainings for BTS Website Post

Behind the Scenes is offering a variety of upcoming virtual trainings to help provide you with the information and skills to identify and assist when your colleagues are struggling with a mental health or substance use issue or are the target of bullying and harassment.

These trainings are part of the BTS Mental Health Initiative which seeks to create healthier, safer workplaces and decrease the stigma surrounding mental health in the entertainment industry.

Bystander Intervention in the Entertainment Workplace

Bullying, harassment and intimidation are common workplace stressors throughout all sectors of the entertainment industry. These behaviors create unsafe and unhealthy workplaces for everyone. In just 90 minutes you can learn five easily accessible tools to safely intervene when you see a co-worker being bullied or harassed. This interactive webinar uses entertainment industry scenarios to help you understand how to choose tools to fit the situation and your comfort level.

The webinar on Friday, October 17th is free but advance registration at btshelp.org/bystander is required in order to receive the zoom login. This webinar, which is open to all entertainment industry workers, is presented by Right To Be and sponsored by the IATSE International.

Dealing with Alcohol and Substance Use Issues in the Workplace: Why and How we Help

Substance misuse has reached epidemic proportions in our society and in our industry. It’s very likely you have, or will, encounter someone with this problem in your workplace – it could be anyone: a co-worker, a manager, or someone who reports to you.

In this interactive webinar, developed by industry professionals with lived experience and an addiction specialist, you will learn tips and tools to assist you in responding to this type of situation including how to recognize the signs and symptoms of addiction, how to start a conversation with someone you are concerned about, what if they don’t want to stop, and treatment options and industry resources. The webinar covers situations where you may work with the person regularly and those where you may see them for just a day or two on a job, as well as addressing union obligations and employer obligations.

The webinar on Monday, November 17th at 7pm ET is free but advance registration at btshelp.org/workplace is required in order to receive the login.

Mental Health First Aid

Almost 1800 entertainment industry professionals are making a difference in their workplaces as certified Mental Health First Aiders. MHFA has taken the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations, taught how to listen non-judgmentally and give reassurance, and how to refer to appropriate professional support. Join them in knowing how to provide peer support to colleagues during difficult times. You’ll also find you can use what you learn every day in your interactions with others.

Upcoming trainings are September 21, October 5, and November 16. Learn more and register 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.

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Tools to Help Explore Career Changes

BTS Launches Tools to Help Explore Career Changes

The Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative announces a new program to assist entertainment industry workers in exploring career expansion or transitions to new careers when work is not plentiful enough or its simply time to make a change.

The entertainment industry has been evolving and experiencing changes that many didn’t foresee – new viewing methods, a global pandemic, weather related catastrophes, strikes and work slow-downs.

People who work in the creative fields are by their very nature industrious and willing to explore the new. Typically, they are flexible and ready to change direction as needed when the unexpected happens. 

The newly launched web pages at btshelp.org/career take users on a journey of exploration to discover possibilities they may not have previously considered. They are guided through a series of questions to help them articulate their reasons for making a change, what’s most important to them, what they are looking for, what they don’t like or limitations they may have, as well as identifying their soft skills. It also encourages users to translate their job title into skill sets and to find new ways to apply them in order to pay the bills and thrive.

The site looks at options both within and outside the entertainment industry; offers short, mid and long range strategies; addresses the fear and uncertainty of change; and provides a variety of tools and resources for taking the next steps. These include tips for writing a resume and cover letter that will get noticed, links to personality tests to aid in self-discovery, links to industry career support offered by other organizations, links to entertainment job boards, and more.

The task group is seeking the stories of people who have transitioned into other sectors of the entertainment industry or other industries. Please visit btshelp.org-share-your-story to complete a very short form if you are willing to share yours.

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Monkey Wrench Pro Joins Pledge-of-Support Program

Monkey Wrench Pro Joins Pledge-of-Support Program

Behind the Scenes is pleased to announce that Monkey Wrench Pro has joined the BTS Pledge-of-Support Program, pledging to contribute a portion of the profits from Batch #2 of their flagship product, The Monkey Wrench, to the charity.

Monkey Wrench Pro is a passionate, community-driven company that designs tools for the entertainment technology and production industries. With a background in the field and a deep understanding of the real-world needs of technicians, the team at Monkey Wrench Pro is committed to producing durable, smartly designed tools that make work safer and more efficient. Learn more about their story here.

The Monkey Wrench is engineered with the working professional in mind. Designed to simplify everyday tasks, it features a ratcheting tri-layered socket head including a 1/2″ square socket, 3/4″ square socket, and 12-point star socket. Integrated slots accommodate various yokes, wingnuts, T-handles, and case latches—making it a highly versatile tool. Learn more or purchase at store.monkeywrenchpro.com, or check them out on YouTube.

When discussing the company’s involvement with Behind the Scenes, Seth Scott, founder of Monkey Wrench Pro, said, “We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support Behind the Scenes. At Monkey Wrench, we support the community that supports us, and what better way to extend our reach than to give to BTS?  We believe in the BTS mission and are honored to be part of the Pledge-of-Support Program.”

Rick Rudolph, Chair of the BTS Foundation, also commented, “We’re proud to welcome a dedicated and innovative company like Monkey Wrench Pro to the Pledge-of-Support Program. Their contribution will help sustain our mission and directly support the entertainment technology workforce.”

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Take Our 2025 Mental Health Survey

BTS Requests Your Participation in Online Survey

to Explore Mental Health Needs in a Changing Industry

The BTS Mental Health Initiative was launched in 2019 with an industry-wide survey the results of which guided the development of the tools and resources currently available. The entertainment industry has experienced major changes over the ensuing years including a global pandemic, weather related catastrophes, strikes and work slow-downs, and changing business models, so it’s time to once again ask you what initiatives would support your mental health and wellbeing.

The BTS Mental Health Initiative has done extensive work in the areas of suicide prevention, bullying and harassment, alcohol and substance misuse, finding qualified therapists, providing easy to navigate resources, Mental Health First Aid training, and reducing stigma.

Work has recently been started on initiatives to help people improve their communication skills and to assist them in exploring career expansion or transitions to new careers when work is not plentiful enough.

Your response to the 2025 survey (btslink.org/survey) will guide the development of new tools and resources to meet your needs as you navigate a rapidly changing industry.

We seek to reach a wide and diverse group of respondents with this survey. Please help us reach as many people as possible by forwarding this survey to your co-workers and colleagues. All information will be reviewed and published only in aggregate and will not include any information that identifies any individual participant. All responses will be kept private and confidential to the extent permitted by law.

Take the survey today!
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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 mh@btshelp.org 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.

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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 mhfa@btshelp.org for information.

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

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ETC’s iRFR and aRFR Apps – Continuing to Care for the Industry

ETC’s iRFR and aRFR Apps – Continuing to Care for the Industry

ETC presented Behind the Scenes with a check during USITT for $40,316.27
representing the 2020-21 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 $440,000 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, “ETC is honored to play a role in Behind the Scenes, but we are just the vehicle. The money we give comes entirely from the buyers of our iRFR and aRFR apps. The real thank you goes to the many Eos family users for their continued participation and support.”

Tracey Cosgrove, accepted the check along with other members of the Behind the Scenes Board of Directors. Tracey commented, “We continue to be astonished by, and extremely grateful for, the popularity of these apps and the generosity of ETC. From providing funding for grants for our colleagues in need to supporting the work of the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative, ETC has been fundamental to our ability to carry out our mission.”

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

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Cable Munkey Becomes BTS Pledge-a-Product Partner

Cable Munkey Becomes Pledge-a-Product Partner

Behind the Scenes is very pleased to announce that Cable Munkey LLC has become a Pledge-a-Product partner by pledging a percentage of sales from its Cable Munkey® cable management product. Cable Munkey® easily slips onto battens or truss giving the user a quick and easy way to attach cable. Data and power cables each run in their own separate hook for easy access, troubleshooting, and reduced electrical interference. With integrated mousing points, cable can be secured for temporary use, permanent installations, or tours.  Place a Cable Munkey™ every four feet and you’re ready to go.

Cable Munkey LLC is a small business founded to bring innovative products and solutions to the theatre and live event market, like Cable Munkey®. Founder Jonathan  Allender-Zivic says he decided to support Behind the Scenes with his product because “I am a lifelong theatre artist and practitioner who wants to give back to those in need within our industry.”

BTS Foundation Chair Rick Rudolph commented, “We’re delighted to welcome Jonathan and his unique product as Pledge-a-Product Partners. He’s a wonderful example that you don’t have to be a large company to want to give back and support your industry. Every commitment makes a difference in what we are able to do to help our colleagues in need.”

For more information about joining the Pledge-of-Support Program by naming a product or service to support the charity, please visit https://wp.behindthescenescharity.org/pledge-of-support-program/ or email info@behindthescenescharity.org.

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LRLR Attempt Record Setting Ride to Benefit BTS

LRLR Attempt Record Setting Ride

Two of the Long Reach Long Rider founding members, Greg Williams and Wayne Rasmussen, recently attempted a wildly ambitious charity motorcycle ride dubbed “Autumn Extravaganza.”  The plan was to ride in all 48 contiguous states within 10 consecutive days.  

They almost did it.

Greg Williams, lead rider for this adventure explained what happened, “We were so very close, but Mother Nature thought otherwise. There was snow in Maine and New Hampshire at the beginning of the ride. In the Midwest we encountered cold temperatures and high winds, which wasn’t fun. But it was the ice on I-90 in Montana that convinced me it was time to call it quits.”  Greg’s motorcycle, Ice Dancer,put it this way: “I was on my side bouncing off the median and Greg was sliding down the highway on his back. It wasn’t like we had a choice or anything.”

The ride began in Kittery Maine on October 17th and ended 10 days later in Montana on October 26th, just 1 state shy of #48. In between the two intrepid, and very cold, riders experienced:

  • 7,000+ miles riding on the route
  • 4,000+ miles riding to/from the route
  • 15.5 days – riding
  • 1 snow day – not riding
  • 2 ice days  – also not riding

Autumn Extravaganza was conceived to help raise awareness and funds for Behind the Scenes, an industry based charity that not only provides financial assistance to entertainment technology professionals in need due to serious illness or injury, but also makes available mental health tools and resources through its Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative. 

Lori Rubinstein, Executive Director of Behind the Scenes noted, “We are so grateful to Greg and Wayne for their valiant attempt to complete the 48-state/10-day challenge. The Long Riders are an amazing group of people with a longstanding commitment to caring for those less fortunate than themselves. Please show your support by making a donation at behindthescenescharity.org/lrlr.”

Greg and Wayne are safely home (all protective gear and bike guards worked as designed!) and thinking about when to try this ride again. Ice Dancermay have the last word on that, “I’d be happy to try that route again, but let’s wait till summer.”

Greg has posted a full account of the journey here  http://lrlr.org/

It’s not too late to support the LRLR 2020 Autumn Extravaganza!