Jana Návratová prepared a research report on the mental and physical health of actors and actresses in the Czech Republic

After more than half a century, the research report represents the first scholarly attempt to comprehensively map issues related to the health of actors in the Czech Republic. The aim of the research was to determine whether the acting profession affects the physical and mental condition of artists, what the nature of these effects is, and how they are perceived and evaluated by the actors themselves.

The research report Physical and Mental Health of Actors in the Czech Republic provides an overview of key issues related to the health of Czech actors. The aim of the research was to determine whether the acting profession affects the physical and mental condition of artists, what the nature of these effects is, and how they are perceived and evaluated by the actors themselves. The research probe demonstrates differing perceptions of the impact of acting on artists’ physical and psychological well-being. While acting work is not assessed negatively in terms of physical health—on the contrary, according to some statements it motivates artists and encourages them to maintain physical fitness—the psychological dimension proves to be considerably more complex. Maintaining mental well-being in this profession is particularly demanding due to job and income insecurity, the unpredictability and irregularity of opportunities, and consequently of life rhythms; a further negative aspect mentioned is the misalignment with the circadian rhythm. The professional practice in which actors operate is shaped by long-term development and is globally standardized (theatre performances take place in the evening, filming follows shooting schedules and can exceed 12 hours per day, etc.), which makes change very difficult to implement. Nevertheless, many aspects of professional conditions can be improved, thereby mitigating social impacts and the stress arising from economic insecurity. Fair remuneration, balanced contracts, ethical relationships within creative teams, increased awareness of labour-law issues, and the support or development of agency representation are among the possible pathways to improving actors’ conditions on the labour market.

Another significant aspect is the very nature of acting work, which consists in psychophysical artistic transformation and the embodiment of a role. The demanding character of this (long-term and repeated) process lies in working with emotions, inner energy, imagination, and concentration. This “migration of identities” can have a very negative impact on one’s real self-concept, behaviour, and professional, personal, and family relationships. One of the conclusions of our investigation is the need to devote greater attention to actors’ mental hygiene and to make it part of the educational process already at schools. Another recommendation is to ensure the availability of specialised therapeutic or psychological support within the creative process.

A further aspect concerns the protection of personal boundaries, privacy, dignity, and integrity of artists. This includes the topic of intimacy coordination, which is gradually being developed and standardized within the Czech artistic environment. Safe boundaries must be established within the creative process so that it is not harmful or even traumatic for its participants. There are numerous case studies in which the behaviour of a superior (a director or artistic director) crossed the boundaries of professionalism and ethical conduct towards bullying, bossing, or psychological abuse. This also includes less conspicuous, yet equally problematic, forms of “people management” in auditions or in the planning of artistic projects, where it is taken for granted that artists are constantly available, as if their time and capacities had no value. These “soft injuries” are strongly reflected in artists’ self-concept, as they often experience a lack of validation and respect. A subjectively perceived lack of respect as a key problem faced by Czech artists was already described by previous research conducted by the Institute of Arts (IDU) mapping artistic careers across disciplines (Návratová et al., 2024).

From the perspective of organizations, creative teams, and productions, the question arises of capacities for caring for the health and overall well-being of artistic teams, including their leadership. There is a need to raise awareness of respecting personal boundaries, open communication, ethical professional relationships, and fair remuneration. Increased attention to these issues may represent a first step towards strengthening the stability of institutions and individuals alike, and thus of the cultural sector as a whole. State- and municipally funded theatres should negotiate financial and structural support for well-being, for example through the establishment of an ombudsperson, psychological support, or mediation services. More generally, the field of performing arts should map this issue in greater detail and respond to the findings of this research. Finally, it is worth noting the medical specialization focused on performing arts, which is developing abroad and addresses the specific health needs of professional artists in the field of performing arts, including audiovisual media.

The research report is an output of the project Comprehensive Research and Support for the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries in the Olomouc Agglomeration.