Theatre Digs and Mental Health: How Affordable Accommodation Can Help Entertainment Professionals
The world of theatre, film and TV is captivating and exhilarating, but behind the scenes, professionals often face challenges that can take a toll on their mental health. From demanding schedules and intense pressure to financial uncertainty, the arts can be both rewarding and gruelling. In this blog post, we will explore the connection between theatre digs and mental health, highlighting how affordable accommodation plays an important role in supporting the wellbeing of theatre, film, and TV professionals.
The Mental Health Challenges in the Theatre, Film, and TV Industry
Theatre, film, and TV professionals face high levels of stress resulting from arduous schedules, constant auditions, the nature of freelancing and the high-pressure environments of many productions. These demands can lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and burnout. Mental health issues are prevalent within the arts, often exacerbated by the competitive nature of the field. It is essential to address these challenges and prioritise mental wellbeing in the industry. Wellbeing in the Arts, an organisation who provide low-cost mental health and wellbeing support to productions and organisations in the entertainment industry state that “There is a mental health crisis in the Arts, a workforce at its lowest ever point psychologically”. This is especially true since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and the continuing struggles faced in the sector as a result.
The Role of Affordable Accommodation
One significant source of stress for theatre, film and TV professionals is the financial strain associated with accommodation, particularly during tours or extended stints on location. Affordable accommodation becomes an important factor in supporting mental health. Theatre digs, which provide affordable accommodation options specifically tailored for entertainment professionals, can significantly ease that financial strain. By offering affordable rates and flexible arrangements, theatre digs hosts help create a stable foundation for workers, allowing them to focus on their craft without the added burden of financial strain, especially as most workers will already have financial responsibilities associated with their own permanent residence.
Benefits of Theatre Digs for Mental Health
Theatre digs offer more than just affordable accommodation. They create a sense of community and support, fostering a nurturing environment for theatre, film, and TV professionals. Sharing living spaces with like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges of the industry can be incredibly comforting. Stable and affordable housing not only reduces financial anxiety but also contributes to a positive mental state, promoting overall wellbeing.
Creating Supportive Theatre Digs Environments
To fully harness the mental health benefits of theatre digs, it is crucial to create supportive environments within these accommodations. Open communication, respect, and inclusivity should be encouraged. Theatre, film, and TV companies, along with other industry organisations also play a vital role in promoting mental health awareness by providing resources and support networks for their workers and freelancers. By prioritising mental wellbeing, theatre digs can become not just a place to rest, but a sanctuary for entertainment professionals to rejuvenate.
Testimonials and Personal Stories
Real-life experiences demonstrate the profound impact of theatre digs on mental health. Joanne (Showdigs’ Managing Director) sees the world of theatre digs as more than just affordable accommodation and likens it more to a social transaction. “Digs guests are working professionals and can be working away from their homes and families for several weeks or months at a time, which can be quite gruelling. A worker needs to feel welcome and comfortable in the space. When I’m touring, I’m attracted to theatre digs accommodation because it feels more like home. I’m more likely to look at booking theatre digs, over, say a budget hotel, for my accommodation needs. Working long hours and coming back tired, I don’t just need a place to sleep or a base for visiting tourist attractions, I need access to normal living conditions and facilities, a sense of normality in what can be a very transient lifestyle. I feel that most theatre digs hosts understand this. Also, the working experience in this industry can sometimes be quite isolating, and so to be able to chat with a host over a cuppa is often quite a pleasant part of the experience too!”
Promoting Accessible and Affordable Accommodation
Efforts to expand and improve affordable accommodation options for theatre, film and TV professionals are important going forward. Various organisations are working to ensure safe, accessible, and affordable housing options exist, and by collaborating with industry stakeholders, the accommodation challenges faced by entertainment professionals can be addressed, and a sustainable and supportive environment can be created for all.
Conclusion
Theatre digs accommodation offers more than just a place to stay; they provide a lifeline for arts professionals’ mental health. By offering affordable and stable accommodation, theatre digs alleviate financial stress and contribute to a supportive community. As we continue to prioritise mental wellbeing in the arts, let us strive to create an environment where affordable accommodation is accessible to all, ensuring that industry professionals can pursue their passion with peace of mind and a thriving spirit.
By Showdigs
For more information or to access support from Wellbeing in the Arts (mentioned earlier in our post), here is their info!
WELLBEING IN THE ARTS
Mental health and wellbeing support for the Arts industry
www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk
For more about the history of theatre digs, check out our blog post telling you all about it!
The History of Theatre Digs: Unique and Time Honoured Accommodation
Ready to become a theatre digs host yourself? You can join our fabulous Showdigs family and create an account here!