skip to main content

PiPA Launch Survey on Work-Life Balance For Those Working in the Arts

The Balancing Act Survey is aimed at all workers in music, opera, dance and theatre. It is open to all genders, parents and carers, as well as those who do not currently have caring responsibilities.

Published: 14 July 2023 | 1:00 PM
Three rocks balanced on top of each other on the beach, concept of balance and harmony.
Help PiPA advocate for better work-life balance for all. Image credit: Shutterstock.

PiPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts) are conducting research in collaboration with Birbeck University of London. They are interested in hearing from all workers in music, opera, dance and theatre, and both those with caring responsibilities and those currently without.

The industry has changed beyond recognition since PiPA’s previous Balancing Act survey in 2018, through Covid and the cost-of-living crisis. Regardless of whether people have caring responsibilities or not, life can’t be an afterthought and the data from this survey will help PiPA talk to government, employers, industry bodies and advocate for better resources and work-life balance for all.

Take the survey.

About the survey

PiPA will ask a list of questions about you and your work, such as where and how you typically work or perform, who supports you and how you feel about your work; the survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. The survey will analyse broad data trends, so your individual data will not be identifiable from any analysis.

The data will be presented at a PiPA conference, summarised in a practitioner report and also provide the basis for an academic publication so that they can help put focus on the concerns and needs of those working in the arts.

Find out more and complete the survey.

Get advice and support on mental health and physical wellbeing

Discover a wealth of advice and resources to help musicians to look after their mental health and physical wellbeing.

MU member services

Explore wellbeing for musicians

Get advice and support on mental health and physical wellbeing

Continue reading

View from behind a person on stage against smoke and lighting, their arms are raised as they explain something, holding a pen and paper.

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

The MU is pleased to launch two practical guides for Musical Directors (MDs) and Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs) working in theatre, covering key responsibilities, standard terms and conditions, and practical advice.

Published: 10 April 2026

Read more about MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre
Two parents holding their new born baby at home.

Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales

Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) is hosting two in-person roundtables in Wales this May and June, inviting freelancers and organisations to share their experiences of balancing touring with caring responsibilities and help develop practical solutions for a more inclusive sector.

Published: 10 April 2026

Read more about Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales
Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers