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Whether you’re a dancer, an actor, a stage manager, or dresser, your body is your business. Injuries are, unfortunately, part of the gig. Here are some resources that offer information on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and pain management for the performing arts community. From acupuncturists to lawyers, here’s a partial list of organizations and health care specialists that can get you back on stage and behind the scenes. Special thanks to Andy Lucien for providing recommendations.
GENERAL RESOURCE HUBS
Actors Equity Association
For Actors Equity members, AEA representatives offer performers information on health benefits, workers’ compensation, and insurance carriers. The national headquarters are located in New York City, but the organization has outposts across the country.
165 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 869-8530
The Actors Fund
This institution provides many different kinds of resources to performing artists across the country. The facility offers workshops on injury prevention, information sessions on health insurance, and licensed clinicians for mental health services.
New York City: (800) 221-7303
Chicago: (312) 372-0989
Los Angeles: (888) 825-0911
The Dancers’ Resource
A subsect of the Actors Fund, the Dancers’ Resource provides emotional support, group counseling, and financial resources to professional dancers recovering from an injury. The program was founded by Bebe Neuwirth, vice chair of the Actors Fund, after she sustained a hip injury.
New York City: (212) 221-7300
The Samuel J. Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts
In partnership with the Actors Fund and Mount Sinai Doctors, the Friedman Health Center offers primary and specialty care for the performing arts community in Times Square.
729 Seventh Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10019
(212) 489-1939
Performing Arts Medical Association
This organization promotes the improvement of health care for performing artists. Founded in 1989, PAMA is made up of medical professionals, educators, administrators, and artists. PAMA hosts symposiums for medical professionals, and publishes information on health care studies for the performing arts.
PO Box 117
Englewood, CO 80151 USA
(303) 808-5643
Episcopal Actors’ Guild
Performing artists who sustain injuries are often out of work during the recovery period. The Episcopal Actors’ Guild, founded in 1923, provides emergency financial help through its Emergency Aid and Relief Program to support performers in financial crisis.
1 East 29th Street
New York, NY 10016
(212) 685-2927
The Voice Foundation
Established in 1969, the Voice Foundation aims to share knowledge about the care and training of the voice through education programs and funds voice research. The organization also publishes medical information for voice care professionals and vocalists. The annual symposium on voice care health will be held in Philadelphia this spring.
219 N. Broad St. 10th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-7999
RESOURCES FOR DANCERS
The Dance Resource Center
Located in Los Angeles, this nonprofit service organization promotes advocacy for dancers nationwide, and provides services and resources to the Los Angeles area dance community. DRC presents workshops and special events, including upcoming webinars on emergency preparedness and safety and security for performing artists. DRC will also host a convening on Nov. 9 for Day of Dancer Health at the Music Center in Los Angeles.
3520 Overland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 425-3463
Dance/USA
Based in Washington, D.C., this national service organization has a Task Force of health care professionals that provide standardized health care screenings and preventive health screenings to dance communities across the U.S.
1029 Vermont Ave NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 833-1717
PHYSICAL THERAPY
All Sports Physical Therapy
Many physical therapy practices offer services for performing artists, but this New York City office comes recommended by Andy Lucien. “Cecilia is the best!!!,” raves Lucien.
West Side Dance Physical Therapy
This New York-based facility offers physical therapy and wellness services to both injured performers and those in need of preventative care. Check out the organization’s extensive list of resources for dancers.
53 Columbus Ave #4
New York, NY 10023
(212) 541-8450
ACUPUNCTURE
American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help with pain management and combat fatigue and performance-related anxiety. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture offers a directory of licensed acupuncturists across the U.S.
Lucien recommends New York City-based acupuncturists Stephen Simeon and Parnia Ayari.
Stephen Simeon, L.Ac.
928 Broadway Suite 303
spireacuwellness@gmail.com
Parnia Ayari, L. Ac.
NYC Chiropractic, Physical Therapy & Acupuncture
150 Broadway, Ste 1115
New York, NY, 10038
(843) 633-3533
LEGAL SERVICES
Monday Night Law
This community service organization provides free consultations with volunteer lawyers.
New York City Bar Legal Referral Service
42 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036
(917) 722-0126
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
VLA is a non-profit legal organization that offers free or low fee legal assistance to cultural organizations and artists in New York City.
1 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
(212) 319-2787 ext. 1
vlany@vlany.org
Grey & Grey, LLP
This law practice, recommended by Lucien, has experience working with performing dealing with workers’ compensation cases.
111 Broadway Suite 809
New York, NY 10006
(212) 964-1342
