The entertainment industry depends on people looking out for one another. This July, Behind the Scenes is offering two opportunities to help industry professionals do exactly that by building confidence, communication skills, and the ability to support coworkers through challenging situations.
The first is Mental Health First Aid, an internationally recognized course taking place Sunday, July 12 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Put through the lens of the entertainment industry and lead by industry professionals, the course teaches participants how to recognize the signs of developing mental health or substance use challenges, respond effectively, and connect colleagues with appropriate professional resources.
The course includes a self-paced online component followed by a live, instructor-led virtual session that, when completed, will result in a 3 year MHFA certification. While there is a registration fee, IATSE members may be eligible for reimbursement through the IATSE Training Trust Fund. Behind the Scenes also has a limited number of partial and full scholarships available through its website to help make the training accessible. Space is limited, so register today at btshelp.org/mhfa_reg
No matter what part of the industry you work in, Mental Health First Aid provides practical skills that can make a meaningful difference both on and off the job and continue to help shift the mental health culture for workers.
The following evening, Monday, July 13 at 6:00 p.m. ET, Behind the Scenes will host Bystander Intervention in the Entertainment Workplace, a free live webinar sponsored by the IATSE International and open to all entertainment industry workers
This interactive, 90 minutes session equips participants with practical tools for safely responding to bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and other concerning behaviors. Attendees will learn effective intervention strategies, understand common barriers to speaking up, and explore ways to help foster safer, more respectful workplaces all through the lens of entertainment industry examples. Learn how you can safely and confidently stand up and register today at btshelp.org/bystander
Behind the Scenes provides financial assistance and mental health support to entertainment technology professionals in need. Through grants, training, education, and industry partnerships, the organization works to foster a healthier, more resilient entertainment community where no one has to face life's challenges alone. Visit btshelp.org/mentalhealth to see all the available tools and resources in our Mental Health Initiative. Email mh@btshelp.org for more information on bringing private trainings offered by BTS to your organization.
More News
Support USITT
For many 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, USITT included, donations are a lifeline. We are able to continue to expand our online offerings to our Members and to our industry thanks to Membership dollars and the generosity of our donors.