Reviews
“If you care about theatre and mental health, then this is the podcast for you! I binged the entire first season over a few days while I was sick and it’s very engaging. The events described in season one and two are truly terrible, but Sean does a great job of bringing them to life and keeping...”Read full review »
urbanscribe19 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/15/24
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“STAGE COMBAT is a riveting, life-changing listen for anyone who’s ever been involved in theatre, and eye-opening for anyone curious about the lives of performers and the institutions they were for. The first season is compulsively listenable, as host Sean Hayden investigates the events that led...”Read full review »
singingcynic via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/26/24
“If you’re in the theatre industry, the first two seasons are straight TEA with a little dessert too. I would listen to this podcast and then record summaries to send to my friends, reporting to them live from Snapchat and urging them to listen for the tea, too.
The dessert? Solidarity. Theatre...”Read full review »
ituneswtf via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/25/24
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“A captivating dive into the ugly inner workings and mismanagement of personnel at a renowned Tony Award-winning theatre, its dangerous effects on employees’ mental health — and what happens when the abused dared to speak up or fight back.
While a theatre audience usually only gets to see the...”Read full review »
AdAstraPA via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/13/24
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“It’s really sad that this podcast was VERY overproduced and WAY overdramatized. Congrats on getting your “clicks” though. I sense that’s what you were really going for here anyway. It’s really hard to take these events and anything Sean says seriously, which should be a very important topic. ...”Read full review »
ChuckyB12 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/28/24
“I was sent this show by a colleague. I have been employed by the Goodspeed Opera House. I worked closely with the SM BRADLEY G SPACHMAN. He was the reason I had to quit. This story made me feel less insane.
Even if you don’t have as strong connection to the story - this story will hit you in the...”Read full review »
Anonymous7563 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/23/24
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“I came to the podcast just when I needed it. An actor friend shared it on Instagram. I finally felt that I was not so alone listening to this podcast. I loved acting, it was my life’s work and passion which slowly became complicated by the lack of power actors have in any interaction in their...”Read full review »
Byron48 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/19/24
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“Stage Combat: The Podcast is a creative, educational, and well-produced series. Sean Hayden is such a wonderful advocate for mental health in the theater and he inspires necessary conversation in the industry. When production teams prioritize profits over people the cost is human suffering. Sean...”Read full review »
musiclover2785 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/14/24
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“Just finished Seasons 1 & 2 of this extraordinary podcast. 😊❤️🎙️🎭
Stagecombatthepodcast follows the journey of Sean Hayden and how the dream gig of being in Billy Elliot The Musical became a nightmare, with a psychotic, narcissistic & manipulative co-actor, as well as the company being...”Read full review »
Bohemian_Boy via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/12/24
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“Did I download Apple Podcasts just to review this amazing podcast? Yes I did! I can’t sing the praises of this podcast enough. The out of the blue follow on Instagram led to one of my favourite podcasts.
This podcast really does shine a much needed light on just how damaging the performing arts...”Read full review »
Thom_Why via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
04/21/24
“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.”
Mike So Serious via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/26/24
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“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...”Read full review »
mjwadd via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/29/23
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“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...”Read full review »
Hears_who via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/09/23
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“This podcast felt so raw and universal. While my heart was heavy from everything going on, I had to go on this journey. I felt it was so appropriate to highlight the mental heath aspect and really make that conversation a focus.”
ComicKev via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/24/23
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“This was a well told and riveting story about one actor's experience with a true bully AND the a****holes who enabled the situation.
I recommend it to anyone in the theater, anyone who struggles with mental health issues, and anyone who has felt helpless in a bullying situation.”Read full review »
Rollercoastercub via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/22/23
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“Great look at the darker side of the entertainment industry and why it’s so hard for employees to speak up.”
Productionkat via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/21/23
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“Thank you Sean and team for sharing this haunting, true experience. Everyday actors and performers face backlash for speaking up about our basic human safety and rights, so brave stories like Sean’s are crucial to make change in this industry.
The storytelling and theatrical nature of this...”Read full review »
Chrismichx via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/10/23
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“As someone in the performing arts across the pond, I can’t express just how vital this podcast is. As an industry there is a serious issue worldwide in the treatment of performers and in how companies deal with mental health crises. Sean is doing invaluable work with this podcast and I hope some...”Read full review »
Moxocube457 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
09/08/23
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“Helpful, relatable an amazing podcast”
widad999 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/07/23
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“This podcast hit home for me and it has changed the way I operate as a theatre artist. My primary concern— above all— is safety in the theater and making sure that everyone’s voice can be heard.”
Logan the Awesome! via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/30/23
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“This is a witty, fun and deeply moving mental health story that is a must-listen for everyone, but especially those working in the entertainment industry. It’s personal, powerful and empowering.”
GTinNYC via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/28/23
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“I wanted to leave off a star rating because I don’t know what to think about this one. The story being told is actually riveting, familiar, heartbreaking. But the propensity of production choices piled on top of that story are genuinely suspicious. A relatively short tale is brutally stretched...”Read full review »
yr bro Shane via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/28/23
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“Mental health can still be such a hard topic to discuss. Performers are asked to do so many things and the mental toll is not often addressed. This is a must listen in my opinion!”
CMY✨ via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/23/23
“This show is a must listen for everyone in the industry. Not only are these kinds of things rampant, but they have been pushed under the rug for far too long.
Sean and the team have crafted an appealing and honest narrative, one that is at the same time hopeful and revealing. You are left...”Read full review »
B.Edwards via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/16/23
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“I think every actor has at some point felt unsafe, unheard, unprotected and obligated to keep quiet and “just be grateful for the opportunity,” at every level, from student films to Broadway and beyond.
This is not unique to actors, and while we can especially relate to that element of it,...”Read full review »
Bartender in the Gig Life via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/15/23
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“Really fascinating dove into the world of regional theater in America.
This story is, unfortunately, no unlike other stories I’ve heard at other theaters. And the overall topic of mental health being discussed is handled with incredible care with the professionals that are brought on to speak at...”Read full review »
Shaunnyboy via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/13/23
“As a recovering actor myself, this podcast helped me feel seen - in its honesty and candor and a truthful retelling of the abuse Sean felt in the very place he was tasked to be his most vulnerable.
His story of a show biz culture of perpetuated workplace trauma — and the fear of speaking out, or...”Read full review »
C Joseph S via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/13/23
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“It’s appalling how Goodspeed and the creative team handled this. I hope this gets lots of attention. There should be more widespread conversation around this. They should offer a statement.”
noahhhhh937472927 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/11/23
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“All theatre professionals should listen.”
bvkplmd via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/11/23
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“I am on the edge of my seat waiting for each episode. Mr. Haywood’s narration feels like I’m there with him. His honest discussion of his mental health crisis is groundbreaking. It is another step to normalizing mental health and addressing it without shame. I must admit that I’m desperate for...”Read full review »
Katiethibby via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/11/23
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“I’ve discovered this podcast while listening to DRAMA with Connor & Dylan MacDowell—and I’m so glad I did. The storytelling is fantastic. I am completely intrigued. I am only a few episodes into season 1 but I can’t wait to listen to more. It’s good on so many levels.”
Pete from Princeton via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/11/23
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“This podcast is incredibly addictive and deals with some heavy themes in a very entertaining and digestible way. Sean bares his heart and soul, while also finding the humor in moments. He then goes one step further by hosting mental health talkbacks at the end of every episode with a licensed...”Read full review »
siradamjames via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/02/23
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“Sean tells his powerful story in the most compelling way. It’s a theatre story told with the intensity of your favorite true crime documentary. I binged the whole thing immediately upon learning about it. The professional theatre industry is most certainly full of similar stories and I hope...”Read full review »
K. Ham Adams via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/02/23
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“Intriguing and sincere.
So glad we are finally opening up to the demands of theater and a toll the business can take on one’s mental health.
Thanks Sean and to the whole team behind this necessary unveiling of theater’s behind-the-scene.”
The_Sleeper via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/31/23
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“Sean’s story is heart wrenching to listen to, but the way he and his team have told his story gives you a chance to breathe and digest the abuse he suffered. Each episode ends with a roughly 10 minute conversation between Sean and Dr. Alisa Hurwitz where they discuss the primary psychological...”Read full review »
jmgoul via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/25/23
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“Sean’s storytelling is compelling and heartbreakingly heartfelt. Excellent podcast, can’t wait to listen to season 2 and am trusting Sean makes it through whole on the other side of this experience!”
Dobrie🇨🇦 via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
07/25/23
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“Every performer needs to listen to this Pod. We are continually told that we need to advocate for ourselves while also being told not to be “difficult”. This shines a light on that struggle and when jobs for most actors can be few and far between our silence and compliance is built into these...”Read full review »
tapping23 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/21/23
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“Scary that the mechanisms in place didn’t spare Sean from an unhinged fellow actor. He is brave to tell this story.”
Actup1891 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/16/23
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“Thank you so much for your bravery. Luv luv. Thank you for sharing your experience.”
AmbySharp via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/15/23
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“This kind of vulnerability is where it’s at. This is what it means to be a human being and to heal others through the sharing of one’s own trauma.
Sean should never have had to go through this. And the truth cannot be silenced anymore.
Please give this podcast a listen.”
ZPaps via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/13/23
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“Wow. I was really moved by this podcast. It’s an important story and one I related deeply to. The focus on mental health and trauma is personable and honest. I recommend this podcast for so many reasons. Looking forward to season 2!”
Connordelves via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
07/10/23
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“Sean is a talented performer and this a fascinating story.”
Dpost048 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/10/23
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“As an actor and a podcaster I am very impressed by the narrative presentation of this show. I really appreciate all the honesty and thought that goes into Stage Combat.”
Jakob1033 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/10/23
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“This podcast is a must listen for anyone in the live entertainment world. It’s a courageous sharing of what happens all too often. Kudos to Sean for sharing his story. And for doing it in such an informative, elegant, authentic way. Looking forward to season two.”
kristenvang via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/09/23
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“This podcast really captures the many ups and downs of being an artistic professional. People often tell us not to take things personally in our careers, but that’s so difficult (as Sean explains in such great detail, with excellent clarity). I’m only two episodes in, and I can’t wait to keep...”Read full review »
kungpow9960 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/05/23
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“Every week you are asked what is happening at the Goodspeed! The production is amazing. The voice acting is so well done. The story has so many twists. I love the follow up after the show.”
Chipsi50 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/03/23
“Dive deep into the world of the Goodspeed opera house where the production of Billy Elliot goes awry. A vivid exploration of how negligence and “old school ways” lead to one man’s mental health breakdown despite repeated asks for help. Told like a true crime podcast, this one is perfect for...”Read full review »
KampFIRE! via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/30/23
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“I have given this 5 stars but Sean is the real star of this!
I found this podcast through an amazing friend and colleague. Sean talks bravely and openly about his experiences if such an engaging way! I have only listened to ep1 and I am HOOKED! This podcast is VITALLY important, we must discuss...”Read full review »
Cherrie Ontop via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
06/29/23
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“Definitely recommend to anyone involved in the theater and/or mental health community.”
TotesFionz via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/23/23
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