Worker's rights | Theatre workers report being 'pushed to breaking point'

Backstage theatre workers are reportedly being ‘pushed to breaking point’ due to a lack of work-life balance, according to reports released by workers unions BECTU and Equity.

The reports state that backstage specialists are facing ‘regular expectations to work 15-hour days’, which is leading to an epidemic of ‘burnout and serious mental health issues.’

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The unions, which were founded to cater to stage, lighting and sound managers, are pushing for a key change in the culture of the live theatre industry, with a greater onus on the welfare of employees.

In a discussion with The Stage, Association of Lighting Designers Chair Johanna Town stated that the expectation of professionals to work for intense 15 to 18-hour periods, six days a week is a standard practice.