PERFORMERS’ HEALTH

Research states (and I’m sure you might agree) that a person performing in the world of musical theatre is considered an "athlete of the arts”, who requires excellent physical and vocal stamina to complete intense rehearsals and meet performance expectations (Alshaikh, et al., 2019). Despite the performing arts having a long standing relationship with occupational health, research in the area of musical theatre particularly, is sparse, with only four papers published since 1996. Charlie-Jade’s PhD research sits within the worlds of Performing Arts Medicine, Occupational Health and Psychology, and The Practice will be the home of her research and findings. In the BLOG you’ll find a range of practical tips and information designed especially for musical theatre performers. Having trained in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music, having worked as a performer and now teaching across Drama Schools and Conservatories as well as professional performers, Charlie-Jade is uniquely positioned and experienced to conduct research in this field and develop practical suggestions for health promotion in this unique performance context. 

Below you will find some practical suggestions to support your health as a performing artists as well as links to organisations to support your health and wellbeing as performing artists. The Practice Directory will give you access to details for accredited health professionals who are all experienced in working with performing artists.

AT THE PRACTICE

What determines our health?

Before we think about improving our health, it’s often helpful to know what the factors are in life which determine our health. Based on The Dahlgren-Whitehead Rainbow Model of Health Determinants, the below illustrates the factors contributing to our health experience. Some of which we have control over, so can adopt some health promoting behaviours. These could include eating well, prioritising sleep, engaging in movement every day, finding ways to reduce stress and boost well-being such as having meaningful relationships and setting achievable goals for accomplishment.

  • CULTURE

    Our social structures, cultural norms, beliefs and values shape our behaviour, development and interactions.

  • CONDITIONS

    The conditions in which we live and work (a big reason for researching Occupational Health in the Performing Arts).

  • SUPPORT

    Support from family and friends is a component determining our health experience, and well-being research suggests that fostering meaningful relationships plays a huge role in our overall wellbeing.

  • LIFESTYLE FACTORS

    Actions made on a daily basis by us including our nutrition, movement, sleep and stress reduction. As performing artists, it is important to ensure that you’re eating enough.

  • CONSTITUTIONAL FACTORS

    Factors such as your age or genetic make-up.

“My session with Charlie-Jade helped me completely reevaluate how I approach my training and my relationship with myself as a performer. As somebody who has read countless books to help with this, I was shocked at how much I learned about myself in just one session. This has given me tools to move forward in my journey not only as a performer, but also as a person in everyday life who has perfectionistic tendencies.”

— MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMER

ORGANISATIONS

For immediate free support for your mental health, contact the Samaritans 24-Hour Support Line on 08457 90 90 90.