StageFit is free to access for individuals in the performing arts. Photo: Shutterstock.
Launched at PPL's Annual Performer Meeting in Edinburgh, StageFit is a new evidence-based training resource developed by BAPAM (the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) and funded by PPL.
The platform provides practical, clinically reviewed guidance to help performing arts professionals understand the impact their work can have on their physical and mental health, and how to reduce the risk of career-affecting illness and injury.
According to BAPAM, around 75% of performing arts professionals will experience a physical or psychological health issue that affects their ability to work or study at some point in their careers.
Focusing on four key areas of health
Free to access, StageFit offers foundational health training for people working across the performing arts sector, including musicians, singers, dancers, actors, educators, managers and backstage professionals.
The training focuses on four key areas of health that are commonly affected by performing arts careers:
- Hearing health
- Vocal health
- Mental health
- Musculoskeletal health
Dr Finola Ryan, BAPAM Executive Medical Director says: "Work and health go hand in hand in the performing arts and creative sectors, where highly skilled people do demanding work. It’s no surprise that three in four performing arts professionals will experience an illness or injury that affects their career. Whether they stay well depends a great deal on the task, the environment and the culture they work in, which makes reducing that number everyone’s job.
“StageFit provides clinically backed training for individuals and organisations to recognise the impact of work on health, and to reduce and prevent work-related health problems."
StageFit is free to access for individuals in the performing arts. You can register today to begin your free training at stagefit.org.uk.
About BAPAM
Founded in 1984, BAPAM is the UK's specialist healthcare charity for the performing arts. It provides free clinical services, health information and training for musicians and other performing arts professionals.
The MU works in partnership with BAPAM and is proud to support its work helping performers maintain healthy and sustainable careers.