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.

This book blends neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, and trauma-informed practice to unpack how safety, and the lack of it, shapes creative workspaces. By illuminating the biology of connection, it helps readers understand why certain industry norms have caused harm and how new, healing-forward practices can transform the way stories are made. Featuring case studies, protocols, assessment tools, coordination scripts, and restorative practices, it offers practical, field-tested methods for integrating mental health support into every phase of production. Readers gain clear guidance for navigating high-intensity material, supporting performers and crew, addressing systemic inequities, and building resilient, collaborative environments. These tools are designed for immediate application, helping creative professionals not only understand the theory behind the work, but begin doing the work of Mental 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 counselors entering creative settings, this book also supports classrooms teaching theatre pedagogy, film production, arts leadership, social justice, and applied performance. It is equally valuable for researchers and creative teams seeking a structured, accessible, and ethically grounded approach to mental health and safety in artistic environments.

Companion tools, including worksheets, reporting forms, safety protocols, assessment templates, dramaturgical collaboration guides, concern navigation charts, restorative practice resources, and a comprehensive portrayal toolkit, are available as downloadable supplements to support direct implementation in rehearsals, classrooms, and on-set workflows.