Podcast
Stage Combat The Podcast
Hosted by Haywood Productions, LLC · EN
Stage Combat the Podcast is a powerful and eye-opening exploration of the dark side of the entertainment industry which also asks the question: how can we make our workplaces better for everyone? Hosted by attorney/advocate/actor Sean Hayden.
In Seasons 1 and 2, Sean Hayden took the listeners into his own harrowing workplace nightmare in the style of a "true crime podcast." Now, Stage Combat the Podcast is a riveting platform for entertainment workers from everywhere to come together, to share their own stories and to advocate for themselves and for change.
Claim Your Story today. Season 4 premieres April 27, 2026!
46episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
"Heated Rivalry and How Do Actors Portray S-x Scenes"
1w ago00:40:37Summary readySeason 4, Episode 3. With Heated Rivalry, the steamy Canadian TV show about gay hockey players, still on everyone's minds, Sean and intimacy director Nicole Perry are answering your questions about how actors perform sex scenes on stage and in tv and film.Contains adult content.Nicole Perry, MFA, CLMA, CID/C is an award-winning movement professional, working as an intimacy director, an intimacy coordinator on the SAG registry, and a dance choreographer. She was the intimacy coordinator for the new series, “M.I.A.”, now streaming on Peacock. Career highlights include 3 Broward County Artist Investment Grants for KINesphere (site-inspired dance), intimacy coordination for God Forbid (Hulu), and a Carbonell nomination for the intimacy direction of To Fall in Love (Theatre Lab). She is the author of the book Care-full Creativity in Theatre and Dance Education: Consent-Forward, Trauma-Informed, Psychologically Safe Movement Pedagogy. Hear more of Sean's conversation with Nicole Perry plus our "Sean Off Script" mini episode about the making of this episode at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcastHosted by Sean HaydenEditing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing by Justin Gerrish. Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter atLanding Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)Follow up and Contact us with a DM at Instagram: @stagecombatthepodcastig or email us at Stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.comDon't forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform!Grateful acknowledgement for fair use news clips from CBS Morning; them; Abigail Jenses/Rat Girls Podcast.Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Summary"The Queen of Versailles on Broadway: What The Hell Did We Learn?"
2w ago00:39:18Summary readySeason 4, Episode 2. Synopsis: Now that the construction dust has settled, can we learn anything from Broadway’s 23M flop, The Queen of Versailles starring Kristen Chenoweth? Sean and Matt Koplik, host of Broadway Breakdown, have thoughts about the controversies and the social phenomenon surrounding The Queen of Versailles.Contains strong language.Special thanks to Matt Koplik. Be sure to listen to Matt's podcast, Broadway Breakdown:Broadway Breakdown - Podcast - Apple PodcastsSupport this podcast and listen to our extended interview with Matt Koplik (plus our "Sean Goes Off Script" segment where Sean dives deeper into the episode) at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcastHosted by Sean HaydenEditing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing by Justin Gerrish. Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter atLanding Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)Follow us and DM us at Instagram @StagecombathepodcastIGor email us at Stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.comDon't forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform!Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone. Grateful acknowledgement for fair use news clips from Good Morning America, "On Stage" Spectrum NY1, Theatre Mania, Two on the Aisle, and MickeyJo Theatre.
Summary"Aaron Lazar: Healing With ALS"
3w ago00:32:19Summary readySeason 4, SEASON PREMIERE. Synopsis: Sean talks with Broadway star Andrew Lazar, a veteran of 11 Broadway shows, about his journey of “healing with ALS” and thriving through adversity.Special thanks to Aaron Lazar and The Skin Deep card game. Contains strong language. Support this podcast and listen to bonus content and insider information at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcastWatch Aaron Lazar's Impossible Dreams PodcastAaron Lazar: Impossible Dreams - YouTubeHosted by Sean HaydenEditing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing by Justin Gerrish. Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter atLanding Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com) and access mental health resources under "Mental Health."Follow us and DM us at Instagram: StagecombathepodcastIGor email us at Stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.comDon't forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform!*This podcast episode does not constitute medical or legal advice. Please consult with your own medical and legal professionals. Aaron Lazar has starred on Broadway 11 times from his debut in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera to Sting and John Logan's The Last Ship. Other highlights include: the first and only revival of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, the world premiere of Impressionism, and The Light in the Piazza at Lincoln Center. On film, Aaron has worked for legendary directors Martin Scorcese in The Wolf of Wallstreet, Clint Eastwood in J.Edgar, Shawn Levy in This is Where I Leave You, the Russo brothers in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame and the Daniels on Best Picture Academy Award Winning, Everything, Everywhere All at Once. Aaron received the Essey Spotlight Award from The ALS Network for his commitment to raise global awareness of ALS which he continues to do today. Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
SummaryBONUS: "5 Eye Opening Stage Combat The Podcast Moments"
Apr 1200:34:33Summary readySEASON 3 BONUS: While we're preparing the premiere of Season 4 of Stage Combat the Podcast, Sean's looking back on 5 Eye Opening Moments from Season 3. Listen and let us know what was our most impactful moment of the podcast for you!This episode is dedicated in loving memory of actor Bret Shuford. Special thanks to McKey Carpenter, Jessica Webb, Bobby Steggert and "Laura" for sharing their stories with us.Support this podcast and listen to bonus content and insider information at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcastHosted by Sean HaydenEditing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing by Justin Gerrish. Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter atLanding Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)Contact us with a DM at our instagram:Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videosor email us at Stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.comDon't forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform!Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
SummaryBONUS: "The Thanksgiving Catch-Up Episode"
Nov 2400:28:19Summary readySEASON 3 BONUS: Sean's back with an all-new Thanksgiving Catch Up Bonus Episode! We're catching you up on all things Stage Combat the Podcast (BIG news about Season 4?). PLUS Sean's got some choice words about Actors' Equity Association and what it did (or didn't do) with the recently ratified Broadway contract which averted a strike! And he's not holding back!Hear more of Sean's conversation at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON and his thoughts about whether Equity President Brooke Shield is the right leader for the union during these difficult times.patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcastHosted by Sean HaydenEditing and mixing by Alex Griffitt. Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter atLanding Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)Contact us with a DM at our instagram:Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videosor email us at Stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.comDon't forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform!Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Summary"Walking Away From Broadway"
Feb 24, 202500:34:44Summary readySEASON 3 Season Finale! Episode Eighteen. "Walking Away From Broadway"Synopsis: At the end of a season of incredible stories, Sean looks to the future and finds inspiration chatting with Bobby Steggert: an actor who experienced a life-changing epiphany while working on a Broadway stage.Content warning: Strong language.Thank you to Bobby Steggert. And thank you to YOU for your support for this Season 3 of the podcast! We could not have done it without you. Hear more of Sean's conversation with Bobby Steggert at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON.patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcastAnd experience at Patreon our chat podcast series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.Hosted by Sean HaydenEditing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter atLanding Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)Contact us with a DM at our instagram:Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videosor email us at Stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.comDon't forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform!Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Summary"The Court Watson Story Part Two"
Feb 11, 202500:38:36Summary readySEASON 3 Episode Seventeen. "The Court Watson Story Part Two"(Be sure to Listen to Ep 16 First: The Court Watson Story Part One")Synopsis: Court Watson sets out to tell his story to the media and to hold his former employer accountable for what happened to him on Roanoke Island.Thank you to Court Watson. Content warning: Content dealing with sexual harassment and sexual assault.If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available by contacting the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. Help is also available at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988. Hear more of Sean's conversation with Court Watson at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON.patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcastIt's the companion to Season 3.And experience at Patreon our chat podcast series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.Hosted by Sean HaydenEditing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter atLanding Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)Contact us with a DM at our instagram:Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videosor email us at Stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.comDon't forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform!Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Summary"The Court Watson Story Part One"
Feb 10, 202500:34:16Summary readySEASON 3 Episode Sixteen. "The Court Watson Story Part One"Synopsis: Sean investigates what happened between Tony award-winning Broadway costume designer, William Ivey Long, and college student, Court Watson, on Roanoke Island some twenty years ago. Thank you to Court Watson and Adam Stocker. Content warning: Content dealing with sexual harassment and sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available by contacting the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. Help is also available at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988. Hear more of Sean's conversation with Court Watson at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON.patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcastIt's the companion to Season 3.And experience at Patreon our chat podcast series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.Hosted by Sean HaydenEditing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter atLanding Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)Contact us with a DM at our instagram:Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videosor email us at Stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.comDon't forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform!Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Summary"Franki Takes A Bow"
Jan 28, 202500:47:37Summary readySEASON 3 Episode Fifteen. "Franki Take A Bow"Synopsis: Sean investigates whether the unsafe practices of a college theatre program contributed to a young woman's tragic mental health spiral.Special Guests: Franki Mastrone, Jessica Webb, Professor at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Content warning: Content dealing with sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available by contacting the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. Help is also available at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988. That’s 988. Coming up in 2 weeks: "The Court Watson Story." In a special two-part episode, costumer Court Watson, in his first podcast interview, details his explosive allegations against Tony award winning costume designer William Ivey Long. Hear more of Sean's conversation with Franki at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON.patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcastIt's the companion to Season 3.And experience at Patreon our all-new chat podcast series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.Hosted by Sean HaydenEditing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter atLanding Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)Contact us with a DM at our instagram:Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videosor email us at Stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.comDon't forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform!Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Summary"Sean Has Questions for the Union"
Jan 14, 202500:48:30Summary readySEASON 3 Episode Fourteen. "Sean Has Questions For The Union."Synopsis: After hearing the frustrations of listeners about the lack of action by the actors' union in many of the season's workplace stories, Sean goes looking for answers from the union.Special Guest: Abbey Crowley, Business Representative for the Division for Harassment and Discrimination.Special thank you to Abbey Crowley and Gabriela Geselowitz of Actors' Equity Association. Additional thanks to Eddie Pendergraft, Brass Bass and Bret Shuford. If you're being bullied, harassed or you're facing discrimination in a union theatrical production, contact the Actors' Equity Lighthouse hotline 1-833-550-0030. You can also report anonymously www.lighthouse-services.com/actorsequity or download the "Anonymous Reporting" App by Lighthouse Services. You can contact Abbey Crowley directly by email at acrowley@actorsequity.orgComing up in 2 weeks: "Franki Takes A Bow" Did the unsafe practices of a college theatre program contribute to a young artist's tragic mental health spiral?Hear more of Sean's conversation with Abbey Crowley at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON.patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcastIt's the companion to Season 3.And experience at Patreon our all-new chat podcast series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.Hosted by Sean HaydenEditing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter atLanding Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)Contact us with a DM at our instagram:Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videosor email us at Stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.comDon't forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform!Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Summary