The Behind the Scenes Foundation has added a number of new Board Members over the last six months intended to broaden industry representation and ensure continuity for future generations of entertainment technology professionals.
Chairperson Rick Rudolph states, “The Foundation has evolved and expanded its scope since forming in 2005. Our mission now includes a Mental Health initiative along with the core of multiple Needs Grants. With increased programs and the desire for more outreach and expertise, we have invited additional members to join the Board of Directors bringing fresh ideas and knowledge. I am extremely pleased to welcome them and grateful to our current and past members. The work we do is important, impacting our colleagues by providing help, hope and awareness.”
Joining the Board are Liz Campos, Executive Director of the IATSE Training Trust Fund; Caroline Chauvet, Global Brand Manager for Chauvet; Kate Foster, Marketing Communication Specialist for ETC; Paul Royalty, Senior Vice President of Sales for LiteGear; Brad Schiller, lighting industry veteran; Jeff Siegel, Director of Eastern Region Systems for Barbizon Lighting; Court Watson, USA 829 costume and scenic designer; and Pat White, President of IATSE Local 764 and Director of Education and Training, IATSE.
Court Watson, whose design credits include theatre, opera and dance around the world, has created several popular BTS holiday cards over the years. It was his focus though, on making our workplaces safer and healthier for all that led the Board to invite him to join its ranks. When asked, Court commented, “Behind the Scenes is so much more than holiday cards, but that is how I first engaged with the organization. While our industry is changing for the better, technical stage and motion picture workers face intense stress and pressure in our workplaces. Providing grants, mental health tools and resources, including Mental Health First Aid training and access to entertainment-literate counseling, has never been more important. As we continue to work for healthy, safe, respectful, inclusive, sustainable, diverse spaces in our industry, we are stronger when we are better informed how to take care of ourselves and our colleagues.”
Behind the Scenes is the industry charity serving entertainment technology professionals in the US and Canada with basic needs grants for serious illness or injury, counseling grants for therapy or rehabilitation, and mental health and suicide prevention tools and resources. For additional information about Behind the Scenes, visit www.behindthescenescharity.org.
