Navigating Changes in Arts & Entertainment
This resource is part of Safety Talk: Coping with Change in Arts & Entertainment. Download the Navigating Change quick reference guide as a handy resource or watch the video.
In the dynamic world of arts and entertainment, change isn’t just inevitable—it’s built into the structure of how we work.
From project-based contracts to creative pivots and seasonal programming, our industry keeps us adapting constantly.
Change can include everything from:
- Last-minute creative direction shifts, script changes, or design revisions
- Cast, crew, or creative team changes during production
- Technical challenges and equipment failures requiring quick thinking
- Venue, location, or scheduling changes
- Opening nights, closing performances, and wrap dates
- Seasonal programming transitions across theatre seasons, festival cycles, and touring schedules
- New collaborators, directors, producers, or department heads
- Power dynamics and hierarchy shifts as projects evolve
Whether you’re wrapping a film shoot, a seasonal festival employee preparing for the off-season, a performer closing a show, or full-time staff watching your creative collaborators move to new projects, these transitions can stir up a mix of emotions—and that’s perfectly normal.
The good news? You can build your resilience toolkit using the “5 As” approach to change management. Let’s break it down in practical terms.
The 5 A’s of Change
Anticipate changes by staying one step ahead. In our industry, many changes follow predictable patterns.
Theatre seasons end, film productions wrap, festivals conclude, and tours come and go intermittently.
Create your change preparation toolkit now: build a budget for gaps between productions, maintain strong relationships with industry contacts, and set up regular catch-ups with your creative network and support system.
Accept what’s happening by focusing on what you can control.
Try this: draw two circles — one for things within your control, one for things outside it.
Can’t control when a production wraps or a show closes? True.
But you can control how you prepare: update your portfolio or reel, network with other productions in your region, join professional associations in your discipline, or use downtime between contracts to develop new skills relevant to your craft.
Remember, accepting change doesn’t mean you have to love it — it just means you’re ready to deal with it constructively.
Adapt your perspective to spot opportunities in challenges.
Maybe the gap between productions is your chance to pursue training that expands your experience.
A performer might adapt their skills to teach workshops, pursue voiceover work, or develop strong self-tape audition techniques during quieter periods.
A technician might use the time to learn new software or explore a different creative discipline.
Alter your environment and routines to make transitions smoother.
Try the “worry window” technique — set aside 15 minutes daily for processing your concerns. When worries pop up outside this time, save them for your designated window.
Feeling overwhelmed? Use the “two-minute rule”: focus on quick, actionable steps like sending one industry connection a message, updating one section of your CV or reel, or researching one training opportunity.
Avoid additional stress by strengthening your self-care.
Prioritize rest (especially crucial after intense production periods), good nutrition, physical activity, and social connections.
When anxiety creeps in, try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique: identify 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste.
Focus on Clear Communication
Additionally, clear communication is crucial during transitions.
Use the DEAR method: Describe the situation objectively, Express your feelings, Assert what you need, and Reinforce the positive outcome you expect.
When talking with producers, directors, or department heads, come prepared with specific questions and potential solutions. Be mindful of power dynamics, but advocate for your needs and boundaries.
Building Your Network
One of the most valuable assets in navigating change is your professional network. Maintain relationships in your industry — today’s film colleague might be tomorrow’s supervisor. Join professional associations, attend industry events, and stay connected with past collaborators. These connections often lead to your next opportunity.
Acknowledging the Emotional Reality
Creative work involves deep personal investment. It’s natural to feel grief when a project ends, anxiety about what comes next, or uncertainty about your place in the industry. These feelings don’t mean you’re not cut out for this work — they mean you care deeply about your craft. Remember, you’re not navigating these changes alone.
Your feelings are valid, your concerns matter, and your capacity to adapt is greater than you might realize. Take each day as it comes, concentrate on what’s within your control, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your union, professional association, or support network when you need help.
The arts and entertainment industry may be built on constant change, but together, we can build the resilience to thrive through every transition.