The FIA Live Performance Webinars are an ongoing series of online events exploring key issues affecting the live performance sector. Originally launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, the series reflects the Federation’s strong commitment to supporting performing arts professionals and addressing the sector’s unique challenges. These webinars also serve a valuable platform for unions representing live performance workers to connect, share experiences, and exchange best practices.
The most recent webinar, held on 22 May 2025, focused on a critical topic: Health, Safety, and Mental Health in Live Performance.
Health and safety have always been central to the work of trade unions. Since its inception, FIA has worked tirelessly to improve performers’ working conditions and safeguard their safety, both on and off stage. As the live performance industry evolves, new risks continue to emerge – particularly regarding mental health and psychosocial stressors.
It is therefore essential that trade unions remain proactive, vigilant, and innovative in addressing these challenges. The webinar highlighted several forward-thinking initiatives led by FIA members, all aimed at protecting the physical and mental health of performers worldwide.
The panel featured an outstanding lineup of speakers:
• Adam Adnyana, Assistant General Secretary, Equity UK
• Yohann Floch, Director of Operations, On the Move
• Elina Kuusikko, Executive Director, Finnish Actors’ Union
• Arden Ryshpan, Executive Director, CAEA (Canada)
The discussion was skilfully moderated by Danee Conley, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the American Actors’ Equity Association (USA).
The session began with a presentation by Adam Adnyana, who outlined Equity UK’s recent work on mental health in the performing arts. He shared key findings from a 2022 scoping review commissioned by Equity, which examined the root causes of poor mental health in the sector. Contributing factors included unstable employment, antisocial working hours, extended time away from home, and financial insecurity.
In response, Equity launched a Mental Health Charter and partnered with the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) to provide tailored mental health services for members.
Next, Yohann Floch presented On The Move’s recent publication,Cultural Mobility Flows: Mental Health, Well-being and International Cultural Mobility. An international network dedicated to promoting cross-border artistic exchange, On The Move has increasingly focused on mental health implications of international mobility. The publication shed light on stressors such as visa complications and high administrative or access costs, which can significantly impact artists’ well-being.
Elina Kuusikko then introduced OiRA – Online interactive Risk Assessment – a European web platform that enables the creation of sectoral risk assessment tools in various languages. She showcased how the tool was adapted to the Finnish context and how this project evolved into a broader initiative focused specifically on mental health.
Finally, Arden Ryshpan discussed the Canadian Actors Equity Association’s (CAEA) efforts in integrating Intimacy Directors into live performance productions in Canada. These professionals play a vital role in guiding performers through emotionally vulnerable scenes and in supporting psychological recovery afterward. Arden also shared results from CAEA’s recent membership survey on mental health, which identified major stressors including job insecurity, lack of resources, fatigue, and limited time. The survey further revealed the impact of work-related stress on relationships, a high prevalence of mental health issues, and a significant reliance on substances as coping mechanisms.
The webinar concluded with a lively discussion moderated by Danee Conley.
You can watch (or rewatch) the full webinar on our YouTube channel.
FIA remains committed to addressing critical issues in the live performance sector and will continue to host these important webinars. Stay tuned for future sessions.
