Why Mental Health Coordinating for theatre?

“Actors experience significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress than the general population, University of Sydney research shows.”

What does a Mental Health Coordinator do?

The mental health coordinator’s role is to take responsibility off of the director and production team to be the emotional support for the actors and creative team. With a background in acting training, informed by drama therapy, and clinical mental health experience, I am equipped to provide this support with an understanding of the experience of the theatre artist. I do this by:

  • giving the actors tools for approaching sensitive material and to do this more sustainably.

  • guiding the actors in movement work and mindfulness activities to deepen their character work and help them separate themself from the material.

  • being a constant resource for the actors and creative team to ask questions or problem solve anything that comes up throughout the rehearsal process and production.

  • being a liaison and voice for proper inclusive language and addressing any issues that may arise.

  • "Parker is a competent and sensitive mental health coordinator who understands the journey of an actor due to her own theatrical experience. She created a safe and comfortable space to think and discuss the psychological components of the characters/script and how to navigate the potentially emotionally stretching and challenging content in a healthy manner as an actor. Her approachable demeanor and willingness to be available to process the feelings that those in the production may be experiencing during the rehearsal and performance process was a gift!"

    Stuart Hepler, Cast member of The Longest Night

  • "I have only good things to say about my experience working with Parker on The Longest Night. From our conversations about creating a physical score and endowing the space to creating a pre- and post-show ritual, the strategies she shared with us were so helpful. The role I played came very close to some of my own personal experiences and using the techniques Parker shared with us helped me create a consistent and emotionally effective performance. I wish I had access to Parker and the wisdom she brings in previous productions. I highly recommend Parker - she’ll be an incredibly valuable of part of your creative team."

    Kat Hickey, Cast member of The Longest Night