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BTS Wellness Lounge at LDI

Behind the Scenes Wellness Lounge and
Shine a Light Campaign to Debut at LDI 2023

See the full schedule

As part of the Behind the Scenes (BTS) Mental Health Initiative, BTS and LDI are bringing the Wellness Lounge to LDI 2023, December 3-5 in Las Vegas. The Wellness Lounge offers attendees a safe space to learn about mental and physical health through daily presentations, activities, and one-on-one consultations. 

All attendees are welcome to join Cup of Coffee Yoga each morning just after the show floor opens, where no experience, equipment, or special attire is required for a brief yoga practice with ETC’s VP of Marketing, David Lincecum. Immediately following, participants can enjoy Breathing and Meditation with University of Tennessee Lighting Professor and licensed meditation instructor Kenton Yeager.

In the afternoons, 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, integrating meditation into the workday, physical wellness and pain management, proper stretching techniques, mental health tools and resources, Mental Health First Aid, and strategies for overcoming stigma. All day, attendees can take advantage of the one-on-one consultations with presenters on sleep, nutrition, mindfulness, and mental health. Presenters include Luther Bell, David Lincecum, Mickey Mazurowski, Molly Michelman, Steven Michelman, Eddie Raymond, Lori Rubinstein, and Kenton Yeager. Attendees are encouraged to check out the Wellness Lounge schedule and add these special events to their calendars.

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. 

In addition, BTS is offering three Overdose Prevention Training classes on December 3 and 4 through the There is No Hero In Heroin Foundation (tinhih.org). 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.

On Tuesday, December 5, 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 3 from 7:30-8:30am 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. Join these leading exhibitors who have made early pledges to support the campaign: ACT Entertainment, Chauvet, ETC, GLP,  IATSE, iWeiss, and Texas Scenic Company by contacting BTS Executive Director Lori Rubinstein at [email protected].

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GLP’s Creative Light Products Support BTS

Creative Light Products from GLP German Light Products
Support Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes is pleased to announce that GLP German Light Products, manufacturer of high-quality intelligent lighting fixtures for the professional lighting market, has joined our Pledge-of-Support Program. The company will contribute a portion of the profits from their new Creative Light products to Behind the Scenes.

GLP German Light products provides designers around the globe with environmentally friendly and energy-optimized lighting solutions that are both uncompromisingly creative and powerful. Creative Light products are the first battery-powered and completely wireless creative LED systems for maximum flexibility in an almost unlimited range of applications. Learn more about Creative Light products.

Upon entry into the Pledge-of-Support Program, Director of Sales and Marketing for GLP German Light Products Tyler Wise stated, “Partnering with the Behind the Scenes Pledge-of-Support Program is important to GLP because we believe so much in the organization and its value to the industry. BTS provides direct positive impact to colleagues and friends we work with every day all across the country so this opportunity to contribute in collaboration with our clients is really beneficial for everyone.”

Behind the Scenes is pleased to announce that GLP German Light Products, manufacturer of high-quality intelligent lighting fixtures for the professional lighting market, has joined our Pledge-of-Support Program. The company will contribute a portion of the profits from their new Creative Light products to Behind the Scenes.

 Rick Rudolph, BTS Foundation Chair, commented, “Behind the Scenes is thrilled to have GLP as a part of our Pledge-of-Support Program. GLP German Light Products values the impact Behind the Scenes has had on the industry and we know that they are dedicated to sustaining our mission.”

 

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Make a Difference in 2023

Make a Difference in 2023
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 2023 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.

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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.