Staying Safe and Confident: Practical Safety Tips for Arts and Entertainment Workers
This resource is part of De-escalation Strategies for BC’s Arts & Entertainment Sector for those who work in arts and entertainment. Download the De-escalation quick reference guide as a handy resource or watch the video.
Working in the arts and entertainment industry can be exciting and rewarding. No two days are the same, and you get to interact with people from all walks of life. But this dynamic environment also presents unique challenges, from managing tense situations in front-of-house to ensuring your own safety during long shifts or late-night loadouts.
Live events often involve complex power dynamics between touring and local crew—whether it’s navigating cultural differences with international teams, managing conflicting expectations under tight deadlines, and high stress, and sleep deprivation, or addressing instances where touring crew may direct frustration toward local technicians.
In festival environments, crew members wearing identification badges can become targets for public complaints and demands, while the sheer volume of simultaneous issues can leave individual concerns unaddressed.
Additionally, the people you work with have different worldviews, political beliefs, life experiences and lived experiences that also contribute to the crew dynamic.
In this article, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies to help you navigate these challenges confidently while maintaining a safe and enjoyable workplace.
Recognizing Workplace Risks
Whether you’re a local crew member working with an international touring group, a festival worker juggling multiple emergencies at once, or a technician in a small venue with no backup available, safety starts with recognizing potential risks. In arts and entertainment, we constantly adapt – working with new people under tight deadlines, navigating cultural differences and power dynamics, and managing stress.
Risk assessments, like those recommended by WorkSafe BC, are key to identifying hazards and implementing preventative measures, which can assist in creating safer work environments when working under time constraints and deadlines.
Try to find out about your production company’s or event’s safety protocols by reviewing the policies in your start pack, talking to your department head, crew chief, manager, technical director, or shop steward, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear. Advocating for yourself and your crew is essential to creating truly safe work environments.
A safe workplace is a right, not a luxury.
Mastering De-escalation Techniques
Challenging interactions can arise in any production, but they don’t have to escalate into unsafe situations. Here are a few tips to handle tense moments effectively:
Use a calm, lower tone of voice to convey control and reassure the individual.
Let the person know they’ve been heard. Simple phrases like, “I understand this is frustrating for you” can diffuse tension.
Rather than jumping in with solutions or observations, ask first: “Can I share what I’m seeing?” or “Would it help if I explained what’s happening on my end?” This shows respect and can prevent the person from feeling talked over or dismissed.
Never initiate physical contact without consent, even if your intention is supportive. If you feel physical contact might help (like a hand on the shoulder), ask first: “Is it okay if I…?” Consent goes a long way in de-escalation.
Communicate your next steps clearly. For example, you could say, “Let me bring my crew chief to assist you.”
Keep your posture open and avoid crossing your arms or making sudden movements.
If necessary, redirect the situation by saying, “Let’s step aside to figure this out,” or involve someone else by saying, “I’ll be right back with someone who can help.” Know your support network—this could be your crew chief, stage manager, department head, or hired security if available. If a situation feels unsafe or is escalating beyond verbal de-escalation, don’t hesitate to radio for security backup.
These small actions can prevent situations from spiralling out of control, making both you and the other person feel more at ease – whether they’re another crew member, an audience member, a visiting crew or contractor.
Prioritizing Personal Safety
Your safety should always come first. Here are some practical steps to protect yourself:
- Position Yourself Wisely:
Whenever possible, keep a barrier, such as equipment cases, craft services tables, a sound booth, stage barriers, or merchandise tables, between you and the individual. In many A&E settings without physical barriers available, focus on maintaining 2-3 arm’s lengths of distance and always ensure you have clear access to an exit.
- Encourage Calm Behaviour and Redirect when Needed:
Suggest that the individual sit down to help reduce tension. When someone is in fight, flight, or freeze mode, they can’t think clearly. Recognize and validate their stress response: “I notice you’re really frustrated right now—what would be helpful for you in this moment?” or “Maybe let’s talk about this after we take a break.” You can also redirect to a different task or timeframe. Let them know you’re on their side: “Look, you’re safe with me in this conversation. I want to understand.” Helping someone feel they have someone in their corner can be one of the most effective ways to calm a situation.
- Know When to Involve Security:
If your production, event, or venue has hired security, don’t hesitate to radio for their support if a situation is escalating or you feel unsafe. Security personnel are trained to handle these situations.
- Stay Safe When Working Alone:
If you’re closing a venue or working late, check in regularly with another crew member. Consider using safety apps or check-in systems for added security.
- Know When to Walk Away:
If a situation feels unsafe, prioritize your well-being and leave the area if necessary. Your safety is always more important than resolving a conflict in the moment.
Making the Most of Workplace Resources
Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe environment, including resources like safety training and briefings, incident reporting processes, skills-based training on de-escalation and conflict management. Take advantage of these tools to stay informed and prepared.
Participating in training sessions can equip you with additional skills, such as:
- Redirecting focus during challenging interactions.
- Using distractions to de-escalate tension.
- Knowing when and how to involve management or external support.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help or suggest additional training if you feel your team could benefit from it.
Safety First, Always
By recognizing risks, mastering de-escalation techniques, and prioritizing your personal safety, you can create a more secure and enjoyable workplace. Remember, your safety matters for making a better workplace for everyone involved in the arts and entertainment community.
Safety also enables good creativity. People can produce their best work if they feel comfortable and supported.
Let’s work together to build a culture of safety and respect. Because when workers feel safe and supported, productions thrive.