Skip to content

If you are in need of immediate assistance please dial 9-1-1 or 9-8-8. You’re not alone in this journey. Find more trusted local resources.

De-escalation Strategies for BC’s Arts & Entertainment Sector

Stage director pointing at a script and having a serious conversation with a group of actors.

Creative industries thrive on passion and urgency, but in high-stress environments — whether on set, backstage, at festivals, or during live events — conflict and emotional intensity can arise quickly. This Safety Talk package includes targeted resources to help workers across BC’s arts and entertainment sectors navigate tense moments safely and confidently. 

Workers in film and TV production, performing arts, live events, and festivals face unique de-escalation challenges, including: 

  • Long-hour burnout and creative disagreements 
  • Power dynamics and on-set tensions 
  • Emotional scenes and tight schedules 
  • Crowd management and intoxicated guests 
  • Vendor conflicts and artist demands 
  • Tech delays and time crunches 
  • Weather-related emergencies at outdoor events 

This resource package provides sector-specific strategies, peer-to-peer language, and practical techniques tailored to the diverse roles in our industry — from front-of-house staff and stage managers to technicians, performers, producers, and festival volunteers. By learning to stay grounded, validate without escalating, and know when to seek support, you can protect everyone’s well-being while maintaining the creative energy that makes our work meaningful. 

Read our tips for De-escalation Strategies for Leaders and De-escalation Strategies for Workers, also available as printable handouts, and watch the video below to help you prepare for the conversation. You can watch the video together to help start the discussion.