Category: News & Events

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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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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!

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LRLR 2020 Autumn Extravaganza

The 2020 LRLR Autumn Extravaganza

Greg "Chrome" Williams and Wayne "Razz" Rasmussen

The Long Reach Long Riders (LRLR) and Behind the Scenes announce the LRLR 2020 Autumn Extravaganza – a bonus ride to help those who need it most. 

The Autumn Extravaganza is a one-time event and will feature 2 members of the original LRLR, Greg “Chrome” Williams and Wayne “Razz” Rasmussen, riding in all 48 contiguous states over 10 consecutive days.  The ride, which will be “Iron Butt” certified, begins in Kittery, Maine on October 17th and ends in Missoula, Montana on October 26th. Along the way the intrepid duo will be joined by other veteran members of the LRLR.  To date over a dozen riders have signed up to ride for at least part of the route.

Lori Rubinstein, BTS Executive Director, noted, “Rather than sponsor a particular rider, we’re asking supporters to make a pledge per mile.  It can be a penny, a quarter or any amount you wish.  The Autumn Extravaganza will cover 7,170 miles.”

Autumn Extravaganza organizer Greg Williams commented, “These are extraordinary times and we felt an extraordinary ride was needed.  This ride will continue to support the Behind the Scenes charity and help it carry out its mission, ‘To provide financial assistance to entertainment technology professionals, or their immediate dependent family, in need due to serious illness or injury’.  The ride will also support the BTS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative.” 

As it is with the traditional LRLR rides, the riders will pay all of their expenses.  100% of your donation will go to the Behind the Scenes charity.

For more information on the Autumn Extravaganza, please visit  http://lrlr.org

Click here to support the LRLR 2020 Autumn Extravaganza

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Neal Preston’s Iconic Rock’n’Roll Photography to Benefit BTS at USITT

Neal Preston's Iconic Rock'n'Roll Photography to Benefit BTS at USITT

Behind the Scenes is thrilled to announce that the work of famed Rock‘n’Roll photographer and author Neal Preston is coming to the USITT show, March 21-23 in Louisville, KY courtesy of The Lightpower Collection. Neal’s iconic pictures will be displayed in the BTS booth #1253 and his books Exhilarated & Exhausted andIn the Eye of the Hurricanewill be available for sale. Posters, including his famous images of Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant, will also be available for just $10 each. Sales of books, posters and prints will benefit the Behind the Scenes charity. Behind the Scenes would like to thank The Lightpower Collection, Shepard, TMB, and USITT for making this exhibition possible.

Neal will be present in the Behind the Scenes booth to sign books and posters on Thursday and Friday from 12-1pm and 4-5pm. He’ll be available throughout those two days to talk about his work and for press interviews. To schedule an interview, contact info@behindthescenescharity.org or call 212-244-1421.

Neal Preston is one of the most highly respected photographers in the history of the music business and his legendary images include some of the most memorable ever made of rock’s most iconic stars. His career in photography, which started in high school and continues to the present, has spanned well over four decades. His photographs have appeared in every conceivable media outlet: on the covers and pages of world-class magazines and newspapers, to books, television shows, feature films, Broadway show programs and billboards, vinyl, CD and DVD packages … literally everywhere. Through his body of work Neal has made a significant contribution to the pop culture histories of multiple generations.

Neal’s client list is a virtual who’s-who of rock royalty and his archive is regarded as one of the music industry’s most extensive and significant photo collections. Rock fans know him best as the photographer who has toured with Led Zeppelin, The Who, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, and countless others. In 1985, Preston was chosen as one of the official photographers for Bob Geldof’s “Live Aid” concert at London’s Wembley Stadium. In 1988 his association with Bruce Springsteen helped land him the job as official tour photographer for Amnesty International’s landmark “Conspiracy of Hope” tour.

Neal is also a gifted sports photographer, the most-assigned photojournalist in the history of People Magazine, with almost 700 shoot days to his credit, and a member of the International Cinematographers Guild, for which he worked as the unit and special photographer for feature films like “Almost Famous” and “Vanilla Sky.”

Lightpower was founded in 1978 in Germany as a lighting rental company. Since then Lightpower has grown to be an internationally established distributor for stage and studio lighting equipment. The Lightpower Collectionwas born out of a company culture that has grown over several years with a passion for collecting Rock’n’Roll art. The collection 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. 

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Gray Matter Visual Becomes Behind the Scenes Pledge-a-Service Partner

Gray Matter Visual Becomes BTS Pledge-a-Service Partner

Behind the Scenes is pleased to announce that Gray Matter Visual has become a Pledge-a-Service Partner by pledging to donate a percentage of their design fees to the charity. Gray Matter Visual is a lighting and production design firm working on corporate and special events, concerts, television, benefits, and more. Founded in 2010 by Brendan Gray and based in Brooklyn, New York, GMV works with clients all over the US and beyond to realize their visions.

Upon announcing the pledge, Brendan Gray, Principal Designer and President, stated, “I became aware of the Pledge-a-Service program through fellow designer (and friend) Herrick Goldman’s involvement. Joining sounded like a great idea, but one that sat on the back burner for a while. The recent sudden loss of a friend and colleague prompted me to take action. I hope that other designers and business owners will follow suit and support this worthy cause.”

Rick Rudolph, the Chair of Behind the Scenes, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Gray Matter Visual as a Pledge-a-Service Partner. It is so important to us to have the design community involved in our efforts. Designers, by the very nature of their work, come into contact with so many industry members that they can be enormously helpful in spreading the word that help is available to those in need. We thank Brendan and his team for their wonderful commitment.”