It can all seem so effortless. Such fun. A dream come true. For audiences, the lives of those working in the creative and performing arts can seem idyllic. Self-expression, admiration … getting up late in ther morning, maybe. 

From the other side of the footlights, however, the reality can look very different: insecure work; relentless competition; punishing schedules; identity and feelings of self-worth wrapped tightly to career success, and workplaces that don’t always have the scaffolding available to help employees manage psychological risk.

Which is where Support Act comes in.

Ensemble rehearals for Opera Australia’s Guys and Dolls on Sydney Harbour, 2025. Photo © Carlita Sari

Founded in 1997 as a crisis-relief charity for the music industry, the organisation has evolved into one of the most significant mental health support providers for Australia’s broader creative sector. 

Once focused primarily on musicians and music workers, it now offers wellbeing services across the performing arts and wider creative industries, from orchestras and opera companies to crew, arts administrators and independent artists.

For chief executive Clive Miller, the transformation reflects both need and opportunity. “We are probably at one of the most exciting...