Hey Mate Takes Wellbeing to the Stage Queensland Technical Managers Conference
At Hey Mate, we’re passionate about supporting creatives across all facets of the arts, and that includes those working behind the scenes to bring productions to life. That’s why we were thrilled to head up to North Queensland for Stage Queensland’s Technical Managers Conference, where our Founder and Managing Director, Aimee Davies, delivered a workshop on Wellbeing and Self-Care in the Tech Space.
This conference brought together some of the most dedicated technical professionals from performing arts venues across Queensland. These are the people who make the magic happen—lighting designers, sound engineers, stage managers, and technical directors—often working long hours under high-pressure conditions to ensure seamless productions. It was an honour to hold space for them and explore how mental health and wellbeing can be integrated into their daily work.
Prioritising Wellbeing in the Technical Arts Industry
Technical roles in the creative industries come with unique challenges—irregular hours, physically demanding work, and the pressure of delivering high-quality productions night after night. Aimee’s workshop focused on practical tools and strategies to help tech teams maintain their wellbeing, including:
✅ Managing stress and fatigue in a high-pressure environment
✅ Recognising burnout before it impacts performance and health
✅ Developing sustainable self-care practices within the demands of live production
✅ Fostering a culture of mental health awareness in tech teams
The session wasn’t just about theory—it was about real-world, practical steps that tech teams can implement right away. Through interactive discussions, we explored the realities of mental health in technical spaces and worked together to find solutions that work for the industry.
The Impact of Conversations Like These
The response to the workshop was overwhelmingly positive, with participants sharing how important it was to have these conversations in an industry where mental health support is often overlooked. Technical teams are the backbone of live performance, yet they frequently work behind the scenes without the same wellbeing resources that artists or front-of-house staff might access.
By bringing these discussions to events like the Stage Queensland Technical Managers Conference, we’re working towards real cultural change—one where all creatives, including those behind the scenes, feel supported in their mental health and wellbeing.
What’s Next?
This workshop was just the beginning. Hey Mate is committed to continuing this conversation and providing ongoing support for technical professionals across the creative industries. If you’re part of a tech team, venue, or festival crew and want to explore how we can bring wellbeing support to your space, get in touch!
A huge thank you to Stage Queensland for inviting us to be part of this fantastic event and to all the incredible technical professionals who joined the workshop. We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re here to support you.
For more on how Hey Mate supports creatives, visit www.theheymateproject.com or follow us on our socials!
