Freelancers make theatre work
Menopause & Perimenopause Resources
The menopause is a normal stage of life, but for many freelancers in the arts, it arrives with no HR support, no workplace adjustments, and no one to talk to.
We want to change that.
Many freelancers in the arts go through menopause or perimenopause without HR support, workplace adjustments, or anyone to ask. If that is you, you are not alone. This hub exists to name the silence, share practical ideas, and make it easier to keep working well.
Menopause needs can sit alongside disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence, or long COVID. You can ask for adjustments without sharing medical details. Say what helps you work well.
Freelance life brings unique pressures, irregular hours, long days, touring, and financial precarity. Symptoms like sleep changes, brain fog, or anxiety can make that harder. Here you will find plain language guidance, lived experience, and steps you can take with collaborators and employers.
This is a supportive, inclusive space. However you identify, you are welcome, as are partners, colleagues, and employers who want to help.
This hub offers information and peer support. It is not medical advice. Menopause can overlap with disability or other health conditions and adjustments can cover both. For clinical guidance speak to a GP or trusted clinician.
If you need immediate emotional support in the UK, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123. For urgent medical help, use NHS 111.
At a glance
In this section we break down what Menopause and Perimenopause is in simple terms as well as the stages, symptoms and treatment.
Freelancing and Menopause
We explore why Menopause hits freelancers differently, looking into common pinch points and some simple tips designed for arts freelancers by arts freelancers who have experience.
Singers and Menopause
Menopause can shift range, stamina, dryness, and pitch stability. This page shares care tips, on the job adjustments, copy-paste scripts, and trusted support for singers and voice artists.
Self advocacy and your rights
This section helps you ask for what you need at work, and points you to trusted places for legal guidance. It is information and signposting, not legal advice.
For organisations and employers
This page is for producers, venues, organisations and anyone who hires or works with freelancers. The aim is simple, help people work well, keep them safe, and keep great talent in the industry.
Menopause Advice for Performing Artists - BAPAM
This resource from BAPAM provides information for people working in the performing arts, who have menopause-associated symptoms or who will experience menopause in the future.
Useful websites, organisations and networks
From NHS links to useful apps and peer support groups.
Always seek clinical advice for medical questions.
Know a great resource we should add? Send it to us and we will review.
Reading, podcasts and further learning
Podcasts, reports, and books by and about Menopause and Perimenopause with a focus on the arts or freelancers and also for those insufficiently represented in mainstream discussion.
Inclusive Menopause Resources
Menopause is not a single story. Experiences vary by race, gender identity, disability, class, faith, and caring roles. This growing page gathers inclusive resources so freelancers can find support that feels relevant to their lives.