Stage Combat The Podcast

Episode: BONUS: "The Thanksgiving Catch-Up Episode"
Host: Sean Hayden
Date: November 24, 2025

Episode Overview

This bonus episode marks the return of Sean Hayden and “Stage Combat The Podcast” after a ten-month hiatus. Just before Thanksgiving, Sean provides personal and show updates, reflects on the past year, and dives deep into recent controversies surrounding the Actors Equity Association’s new Broadway contract. Sean passionately addresses ongoing mental health concerns within the theater industry, evaluates the union’s response, and gives a preview of topics and episodes for the upcoming Season 4.

1. Where Has Sean Been?

[00:00–08:46]

• Personal Hiatus & Self-Care:

  • Sean explains his absence—both from the podcast and social media—as a much-needed break after three intense years of creating the podcast, participating in a lawsuit, and producing 18 episodes in Season 3.
  • He highlights the emotional toll of chronicling so many traumatic stories:

    “It was a lot personally to process a lot of the stories of trauma that we told in season three. I’m sure you felt it as well as a listener. And I needed to practice some self care.” (03:15)

  • Shares his journey with therapy, yoga (“…I had a fear of yoga. And now it’s actually part of my weekly self care practice…”), and returning to acting class for community and artistry.

• Casting Call for Sister Podcast:

  • [05:25] Announces a new project looking for stories of workplace betrayal across industries (not just theater). Interested listeners can reach out via email.

2. Actors Equity Association & the Broadway Contract

[08:47–29:18]

• Actors Equity in the Podcast’s History:

  • Equity has been a “supporting character” throughout the podcast—sometimes acting in members' interests, sometimes not.
  • Notably, Sean worked with Equity for a mental health panel, collaborating with professionals who have appeared on the show before.

• Recent Contract Negotiations:

  • Background:

    • Broadway’s principal contract (Production Contract) was up for re-negotiation, nearly going to strike before settlement (12:04).
    • Only 3,268 out of 51,000 Equity members were eligible to vote; only 45% of those did, so the contract was approved by just 1,032 people.

  • What Changed in the Contract:

    • 3% pay raise (criticized as not covering inflation)
    • Health insurance contributions kept at status quo (avoiding a deficit)
    • Limits on successive days performers can work
    • More access to physical therapy
    • Playbill lead replacement inserts replaced with QR codes for digital updates

  • Member Frustration & Social Media Outcry:

    • Many members publicly criticized Equity’s messaging and perceived lack of meaningful change:

      “Despite the fact Equity is trying to gaslight its members into believing this is a win, it’s unfortunately not.” (17:35) (Anonymous Equity Member, quoted)

      “Instead of stepping into your power, you gave it away and bent the knee. Meanwhile, your union members are going to continue to suffer for years to come. New leadership is needed.” (18:35) (Anonymous Equity Member, quoted)

3. The Mental Health Battle: Equity’s Missed Opportunities

[19:00–32:00]

• No Mental Health Progress in New Contract:

  • Sean documents a history of advocating for on-the-job mental health resources and contract improvements, with specific stories highlighting the severe consequences of workplace mistreatment.
  • When Sean reached out to Equity's communications department for an interview or comment:

    “We are not discussing the details of the contract with the media.” (22:45)

  • Further emails to leadership (including Executive Director Al Vincent and President Brooke Shields) were ignored.

• Insider Information on Negotiations:

  • An anonymous negotiating team member told Sean:

    “Do you know how many mental health proposals were put on the table to the Broadway League during negotiations? Zero. Not one.” (25:05)

  • Internal proposals for mental health support were voted down by the negotiating committee:

    “The reason that was given was, we will never get it. How do you get something if you never ask for it?” (25:50)

  • Sean’s Assessment:

    “For this union, the mental health of its members is not a priority. And that for the leadership of this union, the mental health of its members is not a priority.” (27:03)

  • Equity has a mental health resource toolkit from the diversity/inclusion department, but no formal committee or task force focused on mental health—a stark contrast to numerous other committees (including one on preserving the history of the union).

• Sean’s Proposed Solution:

  • Calls for artists, health care professionals, and producers to form a “coalition” going directly to the industry to set mental health precedents without waiting for union action.

  • Urges innovative approaches such as team mental health literacy, specific consultant hires for emotionally demanding productions, and publicizing progressive theaters as models.

    “You can’t depend on our union…We need to come up with a coalition…and finally, finally, the industry will catch up. Maybe Actors Equity will catch up and actually be more in tune with what corporate America has been doing for some time with mental health…” (30:45)

• Comparison to Other Industries:

  • Outlines how the Major League Baseball Players Association provides both physical and mental health support, unlike the actors’ union.

4. Looking Ahead: Season 4 and Calls for Stories

[33:00–41:24]

• Season 4 Is Coming:

  • Though initially unsure, Sean commits to a new season after public encouragement and ongoing issues:

    “Is there a season four? Hell yeah, there’s going to be a season four. Because I’ve got a few more things to say.” (36:25)

• Topics in Development & Call for Participants:

  • Disney Parks: Poor pay, workplace conditions
  • Cruise ships: Employee mistreatment, mental health in isolation
  • Producer Scott Rudin’s return after workplace abuse allegations
  • Sunset Boulevard & Nicole Scherzinger controversy
  • Queen of Versailles: Backstage stories/concerns
  • Hollywood: Stories from those affected by the 2023 strikes
  • Successful mental health initiatives on sets or theaters
  • Desire to have Laura Benanti as a guest after her injury/advocacy story

• Opportunities for Anonymity and Diversity of Voices:

  • Encourages guest and behind-the-scenes participation—even anonymously, as in past episodes such as “You’re Under Investigation: Laura’s Story.”

5. How to Support Stage Combat

[41:25–44:17]

• Ways Listeners Can Help:

  • Follow on Instagram: @stagecombatthepodcast.ig
  • Rate and review, especially on Apple Podcasts
  • Support via Patreon ($5/month grants access to bonus content: Just Acting, The Mental Health Pod, Season 4 production updates)
  • Underwrite an episode (starting at $500) as an individual or business—optionally anonymous

• Contact:

  • Email: stagecombatthepodcastmail.com

6. Reflections & Closing

[44:18–End]

• Sean’s Gratitude and Thanksgiving Message:

  “I believe that I’m most thankful for the fact that I haven’t let the chaos and the trauma that this administration is inflicting upon all of us on a daily basis…I haven’t let that change me...And I’m not going to let it stop me from advocating for change. I’m not going to stop working for workplaces that are safe, dignified, and respectful.” (45:18)

  • Expresses deep gratitude for the podcast’s community and encourages everyone to “claim your story.”

• Credits:

  • Episode edited and mixed by Alex Griffith. Additional conversation and bonus content (including more thoughts on President Brooke Shields’ role) are available for Patreon supporters.

Notable Quotes

• “We were ready for a revolution and you gave us the same old BS we always get, which we’re used to. But don’t lie to our faces and say you’re really going to fight this time.” (Equity member, 17:35)
• “We are not discussing the details of the contract with the media.” (Actors Equity Communications Department, 22:45)
• “Do you know how many mental health proposals were put on the table to the Broadway League during negotiations? Zero. Not one.” (Anonymous negotiating team member, 25:05)
• “If you never ask for it…you’re not going to get it…So now we’re talking six years down the line for the next kid on Broadway to have some sort of protection…” (Sean, 25:37)
• “For this union, the mental health of its members is not a priority.” (Sean, 27:03)
• “You cannot depend on our union…We need to come up with a coalition…Because right now I have no confidence that our union is going to do anything for us on our behalf.” (Sean, 30:31)
• “Is there a season four? Hell yeah, there’s going to be a season four.” (Sean, 36:25)
• “I haven’t let [the world’s chaos] change my values and what I believe in. And I’m not going to let it stop me from advocating for change.” (Sean, 45:18)
• “I hope today and every day brings you an opportunity to claim your story.” (Sean, 46:05)

Summary in a Nutshell

This catch-up episode returns with personal reflections, a candid assessment of Actors Equity’s controversial new Broadway contract, and a frank call for mental health advocacy within the industry—now, Sean argues, best pursued outside the union. The episode closes with gratitude, listener engagement, and excitement for a renewed Season 4 built on community storytelling and continued activism.