Mental Health Coordination for Stage and Screen : Working at the Intersection of Mental Health and Creative Storytelling

Mental Health Coordination for Stage and Screen explores and defines the role of the Mental Health Coordinator in theatre, film, and television, offering trauma-informed, evidence-based frameworks that strengthen safety, connection, and well-being throughout the creative process.

Mental Health Coordination for Stage and Screen explores and defines the role ofthe mental health coordinator in theatre, film, and television, offering traumainformed,evidence-based frameworks that strengthen safety, connection, andwell-being throughout the creative process. This book blends neuroscience, polyvagal theory, and trauma-informedpractice to unpack how safety, and the lack of it, shapes creative workspaces. By illuminating the biology of connection, it helps readers understand whycertain industry norms have caused harm and how new, healing-forwardpractices can transform the way stories are made. Featuring case studies,protocols, assessment tools, coordination scripts, and restorative practices, itoffers practical, field-tested methods for integrating mental health supportinto every phase of production. Readers gain clear guidance for navigatinghigh-intensity material, supporting performers and crew, addressing systemicinequities, and building resilient, collaborative environments. These tools aredesigned for immediate application, helping creative professionals not onlyunderstand the theory behind the work but also begin doing the work ofmental health coordination. Written for professionals and students across the entertainment industry,including aspiring mental health coordinators, intimacy professionals,directors, producers, stage managers, educators, dramaturgs, and counselorsentering creative settings, this book also supports classrooms teachingtheatre pedagogy, film production, arts leadership, social justice, and appliedperformance. It is equally valuable for researchers and creative teams seekinga structured, accessible, and ethically grounded approach to mental health andsafety in artistic environments. Companion tools, including worksheets, reporting forms, safety protocols,assessment templates, dramaturgical collaboration guides, concern navigationcharts, restorative practice resources, and a comprehensive portrayal toolkit,are available as downloadable supplements to support direct implementationin rehearsals, classrooms, and on-set workflows.