33 episodes
Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story Haywood Productions, LLC
-
- Arts
-
-
4.5 • 183 Ratings
-
Welcome to the groundbreaking podcast series about a leading actor who experiences a mental health crisis at one of the most powerful theatres in the country: The Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut. All told like a true crime podcast.In 2019, Sean Hayden thought he had booked the role of his dreams at the prestigious Goodspeed in its production of "Billy Elliot, The Musical." As he drove over the Connecticut river and laid his eyes on the fairy tale Opera House for the first time, Sean had no idea what would be looming behind its doors. "Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story" takes the listener into the insular world of the theatre industry in which the unspoken rule is, “You are not supposed to speak up. Or there will be consequences.” If you thought all the drama happens on stage, wait until you hear what happens after the curtain closes in this immersive listening experience. In a unique format, each episode is followed by a short “post-show talk back” with Sean and a mental health professional. Together they unpack the issues presented in the episode in provocative conversations about mental health and the theatre industry.Binge two seasons now!Coming in 2024: Stage Combat moves away from the Goodspeed Opera House to showcase YOUR stories in Season 3!
-
"Silence"
SEASON TWO PREMIERE! Season Two, Episode 1.
Synopsis: Following his collapse on the Opera House stage, Sean returns to work for the press performance of Billy Elliot.
Content warning: contains strong language; depiction of panic attack.
Post Show Talk Back: Clinical psychologist Dr. Alisa Hurwitz discusses with Sean the effect that silence can have on one’s mental health.
Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in two Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. His op-ed on “Men and Mental Health” appeared in The Economic Times. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.
Dr. Alisa Hurwitz: Dr. Alisa Hurwitz is a clinical psychologist in group private practice in New Hampshire, specializing in the Autism spectrum and gender identity. Dr. Hurwitz also applies her professional knowledge to consult with theater companies, conduct post-show talkbacks and interview Broadway actors. You can follow her at drdrama.com and on Instagram @thedrdrama.
Follow us:
Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.
If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988. -
"The Memo" / "File: S. Hayden"
Season Two, Episode 2.
SPECIAL DOUBLE EPISODE!
Synopsis: A flurry of memos may threaten Sean’s future at the Goodspeed / There’s a file with Sean’s name on it.
Content warning: contains strong language.
Post Show Talk Back: Clinical psychologist Dr. Alisa Hurwitz chats with Sean about “depersonalization.”
Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in two Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. His op-ed on “Men and Mental Health” appeared in The Economic Times. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.
Dr. Alisa Hurwitz: Dr. Alisa Hurwitz is a clinical psychologist in group private practice in New Hampshire, specializing in the Autism spectrum and gender identity. Dr. Hurwitz also applies her professional knowledge to consult with theater companies, conduct post-show talkbacks and interview Broadway actors. You can follow her at drdrama.com and on Instagram @thedrdrama.
Follow us:
Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.
If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988. -
"The Whistleblower"
Season Two, Episode 3.
Synopsis: Things come to a head during the Friday night performance of Billy Elliot at the Goodspeed.
Content warning: contains strong language.
Post Show Talk Back: Clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Sherman and Sean talk about actions theatres can take NOW to support the mental health of their performing artists.
Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in two Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. His op-ed on “Men and Mental Health” appeared in The Economic Times. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.
Dr. Michelle Sherman earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and is in private practice in Minneapolis. Dr. Sherman is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and is Board Certified in Couple and Family Psychology. She is also the Editor in Chief of the APA Division 43 (Society of Couple and Family Psychology) journal, Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice. She was recently named the Family Psychologist of the Year by the Society of Couples and Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association. She has published over 75 articles in peer-reviewed journals, has received over $3.2 million in grant funding, and has given several hundred workshops nationally and internationally.
Follow us:
Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.
If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988. -
"Rebuttal Is Irrelevant"
Season Two, Episode 4.
Synposis: Sean experiences the fallout of Chad’s latest allegation.
Content warning: contains strong language.
Post Show Talk Back: Clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Sherman talks about the ripple effect of a mental health crisis.
Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in two Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. His op-ed on “Men and Mental Health” appeared in The Economic Times. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.
Dr. Michelle Sherman earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and is in private practice in Minneapolis. Dr. Sherman is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and is Board Certified in Couple and Family Psychology. She is also the Editor in Chief of the APA Division 43 (Society of Couple and Family Psychology) journal, Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice. She was recently named the Family Psychologist of the Year by the Society of Couples and Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association. She has published over 75 articles in peer-reviewed journals, has received over $3.2 million in grant funding, and has given several hundred workshops nationally and internationally.
Follow us:
Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.
If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988. -
"Subway"
Season Two, Episode 5.
Synopsis: The aftershocks of the events at the Goodspeed hit Sean in a hard way.
Content warning: contains strong language.
Post Show Talk Back: Mental health counselor Imari Hardon (and star of the Tony award winning Broadway production of Avenue Q for five years) chats with Sean about therapy.
Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in two Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. His op-ed on “Men and Mental Health” appeared in The Economic Times. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.
Imari H****n is a mental health counselor in New York City. After closing the Off-Broadway production of the Tony award winning musical, Avenue Q, Imari earned her master's in mental health counseling and wellness and her certification as a psychodramatist. When she can't be on the stage, Imari is committed to giving back to her communities by advocating for mental health and providing services where there is a need for support.
Follow us:
Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.
If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988. -
"Union"
Season Two, Episode 6.
Synopsis: The Goodspeed responds to the claim. Sean’s panic and anxiety symptoms start multiplying.
Post Show Talk Back: Mental health counselor and trauma therapist Courtney Loving helps us to better understand trauma.
Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in two Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. His op-ed on “Men and Mental Health” appeared in The Economic Times. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.
Courtney Loving is a licensed clinical professional counsel based in Sun Valley, Idaho. Her practice focuses on trauma, somatic experiencing, psychosensory healing modalities and psychedelic assisted therapy integration. She has the unique perspective of having worked as a professional actor.
Follow us:
Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.
If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.
Customer Reviews
Putting the spotlight on an under-discussed issue.
This podcast is riveting! Episodes are clearly defined and never too long .. perfectly lean storytelling! The accompanying followup discussions with experts are just as interesting as the main story being told.
A Spotlight on Mental Health
Stage Combat is a brilliantly crafted podcast, and what I think should be required listening for any theatre professional or dedicated theatre-goer.
The fear of speaking up or out can label an actor as difficult, ungrateful or worse yet, replaceable. Sean Hayden’s journey as a lead actor at a highly regarded theatre is a true account to what many actors have experienced. Sean’s story of his own mental health crisis during a performance seems unbelievable. I applaud his courage to not be silenced, but to shine light and solutions on how we can collectively change attitudes and practices towards mental health at all theatres.
Absolutely transfixed
This podcast is every actor’s worst nightmare and shows how “the show must go on” affects actors, production staff and the health of self and relationships.
I both love and hate listening to it. Sometimes it’s a bit too real as this gaslighting could happen to anyone. I commend Sean for this courage to share this story, and I hope other actors will find inspiration to stand up for their needs and also find useful ways to navigate hardship by listening to this. Thank you.