We’re On Your Side
Life has its ups and downs, and the pressures of working in the entertainment industry can make difficult periods feel harder.
As your agents, we are here to support you when difficulties in your personal life or with your mental health affect self-tapes, auditions, your work or how you feel about your career. You can talk to us about what you are going through.
This guide offers support and signposting, not medical advice. Tales is not a crisis service or a substitute for professional care.
Urgent Help
If someone’s life is at risk, or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E.
In England, if you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or ask for an urgent GP appointment. Outside England, use your local urgent mental health service.
You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 to talk. If you are under 19, Childline is available on 0800 1111.
Read the NHS guidance on urgent mental health help (opens in a new tab).
Please do not wait for a reply from Tales if you need urgent help.
Talking About Difficult Times
There is no shame in feeling stressed, anxious or low. Talking to someone you trust can be a first step towards getting support.
If you are a Tales client and something is affecting your work, please let us know. You do not need to wait until an audition or deadline becomes difficult before starting that conversation.
For concerns about your mental health, a GP or qualified mental health professional can help you explore appropriate support.
Auditions & Feedback
It can be difficult to stay positive after putting time and care into a meeting or self-tape, especially when you receive no feedback.
When we hear back from a production, we will share the feedback with you. Sometimes casting teams are unable to provide a response; a lack of feedback does not define your abilities or your worth.
Where possible, give yourself space after an audition, then turn your attention to the next opportunity rather than repeatedly revisiting the outcome.
Keeping Perspective
Our mantra is: It is a marathon, not a sprint. If it isn’t a meeting for now, it’s a meeting for the future.
Casting is about bringing together a cast that fits a production’s creative needs. Not being chosen for a role is not a verdict on your talent, and the reasons behind a decision may be outside your control.
Every career develops differently. If you are feeling doubtful or deflated, talk to us about your ambitions and how you are feeling.
Industry Resources
The following organisations offer information or services relevant to performers and creative professionals. These are independent of Tales; check eligibility, availability, costs and practitioner credentials directly before using a service. Links open in a new tab.
- BAPAM — performing arts health resources, clinics and a directory of healthcare practitioners.
- Industry Minds — counselling, resources and wellbeing services for the creative arts.
- Get Into Theatre — an overview of mental health support organisations for people working in theatre.
- Spotlight News & Advice — practical career advice, industry articles and wellbeing resources.
Talk To Tales
For a conversation about how you are feeling and how it is affecting your work, contact Sam at sam@talestalentmanagement.com or on +44 (0) 7791 890934.
For immediate or urgent support, use the services listed under Urgent Help rather than waiting for a response.