Introducing the Performer Resilience Programme
Build the resilience you need to sustain your career.
We're committed to supporting and empowering you throughout the casting process because when you feel well, you perform well.
This industry can be tough and resilience is a key part of being able to confidently navigate the challenges of life as a performer. Our Performer Resilience Programme has been designed to help you build the resilience you need to sustain your career. You will gain self-awareness about the blocks that might be holding you back and create actionable targets that you can start working towards, leaving you with a feeling of empowerment and positivity.
Over the next ten months we’ll be exploring the 5 Pillars of Resilience: Energy, Future Focus, Inner Drive, Flexible Thinking and Strong Relationships. There are lots of different ways to get involved from webinars and discussions to podcasts, articles and meditations sessions. We've marked each event in the programme with its own key purpose:
LEARN: Get all the essentials in a wellbeing webinar
CONNECT: Share your experiences with other members
GROW: Dive deeper into an aspect of the module in a workshop
BREATHE: Live meditation sessions and access to our Meditation Library
There's more!
Keep your eyes peeled for more opportunities coming later this year.
Please ensure you're opted in to receive email updates from us as we will notify you when these events are available to book.
This programme has been curated by our Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager Bea Grist in consultation with Spotlight performer members and a team of experts in neuroscience, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and psychology. It is part of our Wellbeing Series, launched in 2020 to empower and support our members to navigate the mental and physical health challenges of the acting profession and the uncertain times that we're living through.
April - May 2022: Energy
Taking care of your body is as important as your audition technique.
In this module we'll explore the competing demands on your energy, and how stay true to what is important to you in an industry which, when it tells you to jump, expects you to ask 'how high?' We'll also give you lots of tools and tips, including how to fuel and nourish your body, and boost your energy levels.
In this module you will:
- Discover how to claim your space in the audition room
- Realign with your creative vision by tapping into your energy
- Discover the importance of self-care
- Explore quick, healthy and nutritious options for performers on the go
- Learn techniques to help you to switch off and disconnect from auditions, rehearsal and performances
June - July 2022: Future Focus
Allow yourself to dream, but have a plan to get there.
In this module we’ll focus on what you want and how to get there. There are many factors outside of a performer’s control, however having a plan and taking responsibility for the things you can influence helps you to stay on track towards your goals. This module will support you to feel more empowered, motivated, in control and at peace with where you are and excited for where you’re going.
In this module you will:
- Move towards your goals with a positive and healthy mindset
- Learn audition prep to feel positive and confident stepping into the room or in front of the camera
- Learn how to let go and accept what is outside of your control
- Get clear on what to do when you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated
- Create an action plan to help you get back on track
August - September 2022: Inner Drive
The fuel of every performer.
As a performer, you are the product. When you audition or perform, it can feel like you’re putting yourself on the line to be ‘judged’. Over time this can have a negative impact on the human-being within you, as well as the performer. We’ll be exploring how you can sustain confidence in your abilities despite the rejections, disappointments and setbacks. You’ll learn how to detach yourself from the exhausting post-audition loop of feeling you’ve ‘failed’ by reconnecting with the true essence of who you are. When you relieve yourself from the expectations and pressures of acting you can focus on enjoying the thing you love - performing.
In this module you will:
- Learn how to stop overthinking by managing self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome
- Build confidence and self esteem and learn how to apply it in high pressure, stressful situations
- Explore healthy and empowering beliefs and perspectives about the audition process
October - November 2022: Flexible Thinking
Reframe your thinking for success.
Learning to think flexibly is a performer’s superpower. The ability to adapt and flex your thinking patterns means you’re more likely to see the bigger picture and be able to reframe feedback and setbacks to progress your career.
In this module you will:
- Learn how thoughts affect your mood
- Explore the performer thinking traps which can get in the way of success
- Boost your optimism and learn how to embrace setbacks and disappointments as an opportunity to learn and grow
- Learn how to stop comparisons between yourself and others in the industry
December 2022 - January 2023: Strong Relationships
It’s a common myth that resilient performers are lone performers.
Science has proven that the most resilient people enjoy strong relationships and have good support networks both at home and at work. There is a direct correlation between the quality of our relationships and the quality of the results. In this module we’ll explore how to harness good working relationships with industry professionals to help you succeed.
In this module you will:
- Learn how to strengthen relationships with agents and industry professionals
- Build a strong and healthy relationship with yourself and your career
- Identify your support network
- Make a plan to build a key relationship which will benefit your career
- Learn how to stop 'people pleasing' and communicate assertively
