Staying On Track

Inspirational stories from people within the performing arts industry - talking about their highs, lows, struggles, rejections and most importantly how they overcame it all and got to where they are today. These stories have been written to help others cope with the negative impact the industry can have on us so that you realise you are not alone and others have also been there. Together we can empower each other and have the futures we deserve. All profits from the sales of this publication will also be donated to MIND and PAPYRUS. With a powerful foreword written by rising star in the acting community, Joseph Gilgun, opens up about his bipolar disorder diagnosis whilst filming Misfits series three in this frank and honest collaboration of members of the performing arts industry. "Having mental health issues in our industry, especially as a creative, despite being bloody awful to deal with for the individual, isn't a bad thing; if anything it probably means you're f****** good at your job," writes Gilgun (creator and star of Sky One's Brassic)."Suicide in the performing arts industry has been at an all time high for a couple of years now. I wanted to do something to give back, to share the love and show that there is a light at the end of the tunnel", says Lauren Johnson of LaVolta Events Ltd., who put this project together in order to raise awareness, help those struggling with mental health and to raise money for Mind and Papyrus, two mental health charities. By sharing their experiences of how they have come through their mental health issues and conquer the challenges of the performing arts industry, the contributors (including comedian Colin Manford) will inspire those struggling to seek help and to not give up fighting for their dream job,"Writing my experience as an actor has made me look back at the struggles I have had to face in order to get to my goal and develop my career as a performer." Luke Richards, Actor and Author.