Stage Combat The Podcast – Episode Summary: "Putting It Out There"

Release Date: October 21, 2024
Season: 3, Episode 8
Host: Sean Hayden
Guests: Jeff Roberson, Chrissy Whitehead, Director Michael Shirali

Introduction: Celebrating a Milestone and Setting the Stage

In the episode titled "Putting It Out There," host Sean Hayden marks the one-year anniversary of a pivotal social media post that launched Stage Combat The Podcast. This milestone segues into a profound exploration of mental health narratives within the performing arts community. Sean reflects on his personal journey, sharing the anxiety and fear that accompanied the decision to publicly disclose his mental health struggles related to his time at the Goodspeed Opera House.

Sean Hayden [00:01]: "This can't happen."

The episode emphasizes the importance of transparency and vulnerability, themes that resonate deeply with listeners who have felt silenced in their professional environments.

Guest Feature: Jeff Roberson – From Stage to Personal Struggles

Introducing Varla Jean Merman

Jeff Roberson, an accomplished actor known for his Broadway role as Mary Sunshine in Chicago the Musical and his legendary drag persona, Varla Jean Merman, joins Sean to discuss his journey with anxiety and how it intertwines with his performances. Jeff humorously introduces Varla Jean, a character he created in 1990, blending rich backstory elements that add depth to his performances.

Jeff Roberson [05:10]: "Varla Jean is a character I came up with about 1990... If she had had a child with Mr. Borgnine, you know, it would have reminded her too much of the marriage."

Navigating Anxiety Through Performance

Jeff delves into his anxiety crisis, triggered exacerbated by the post-COVID resurgence in the performing arts industry. He recounts a particularly intense panic attack that became the catalyst for his solo show, Ready to Blow, which humorously and poignantly examines the roots of his anxiety.

Jeff Roberson [08:04]: "It was terrifying."

Through his show, Jeff aimed to demystify anxiety, making it accessible and relatable to both those who experience it and those who don't. The dual-layered approach allowed audiences to understand and empathize, fostering a sense of community and reducing the stigma around mental health.

Jeff Roberson [13:45]: "I was making fun of it. I was making fun of my reactions."

Guest Feature: Chrissy Whitehead – A Journey Through Bipolar Disorder

Introducing Chrissy Whitehead

Chrissy Whitehead, a Broadway veteran whose auditions were featured in the documentary Every Little Step, shares her personal story in her solo show, In My Own Little: My Mom, My Moods, and Me. Her narrative intertwines her mother's death and her late diagnosis of bipolar disorder at age 38, offering a raw and honest portrayal of her mental health journey.

Chrissy Whitehead [22:24]: "Wanted to be a Rockette. I became a Rockette, and then I became an actress and a singer and now an author and a producer and just trying to be an overall okay human being."

Confronting Stigmas and Embracing Truth

Chrissy discusses the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder and the courage it took to accept her diagnosis. Through her show, she aims to normalize conversations about mental health, emphasizing the importance of facing one's truths to find clarity and freedom.

Michael Shirali [23:31]: "Bipolar was not on my radar for most of my life."

Her collaboration with director Brian Knowlton transforms her initial script into a compelling love story between mother and daughter, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and personal identity.

Chrissy Whitehead [29:15]: "It was more of a showmanship of, like, a celebration of work with lots of sprinkles of mom and her bipolar."

Creating and Performing Solo Shows: Insights and Advice

Both Jeff and Chrissy share invaluable insights into crafting solo performances that encapsulate personal mental health stories.

Jeff Roberson on Directing and Collaboration

Jeff emphasizes the importance of collaboration, particularly the role of a director in refining and enhancing personal narratives.

Jeff Roberson [15:55]: "If you're a writer and the person performing, you got to get a director."

He credits director Michael Shirali for elevating his show, demonstrating how external perspectives can transform individual stories into relatable and impactful performances.

Chrissy Whitehead on Writing and Structuring Personal Narratives

Chrissy advises aspiring solo performers to structure their stories in chapters, allowing for a coherent and engaging narrative flow. She underscores the significance of involving others in the creative process to gain diverse perspectives and ensure the story resonates with audiences.

Michael Shirali [37:46]: "Just write."

Chrissy Whitehead [38:31]: "Take your time and listen to yourself."

Audience Reactions: Building Community and Finding Hope

Both performers recount the profound impact their shows have had on audiences, highlighting moments of connection and shared experiences.

Jeff Roberson’s Impact

Jeff shares how his show Ready to Blow not only educated audiences about anxiety but also provided a sense of validation and camaraderie for those experiencing similar struggles.

Jeff Roberson [13:45]: "I have not had another anxiety attack."

Chrissy Whitehead’s Resonance

Chrissy describes the emotional responses from audience members, including individuals who identified directly with her story, reinforcing the episode's central theme of claiming one's story to foster community and support.

Michael Shirali [35:32]: "We have a projection, a slide that beams up hope... hope that it's gonna work out okay."

Chrissy Whitehead [34:45]: "I'm seeing it in real time from another Human being affected by art."

Advice for Aspiring Storytellers: From Hosts and Guests

Sean Hayden, Jeff Roberson, Chrissy Whitehead, and director Brian Knowlton collectively offer practical advice for listeners looking to share their own mental health stories through solo performance.

Chrissy Whitehead [37:46]: "Just write chapter two... Just write, right?"

Brian Knowlton [38:21]: "It takes a multitude of people to run a ship, not just one person."

The consensus is clear: authenticity, collaboration, and patience are key components in effectively conveying personal narratives.

Conclusion: The Power of Sharing Stories

Sean wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of sharing personal mental health stories as a means of building community and offering hope. He encourages listeners to reach out and share their experiences, emphasizing that no formal training is required to take that first step in telling one's story.

Sean Hayden [40:49]: "Telling your story can be just a matter of being willing to reach out, to share what you're going through."

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity and Vulnerability: Sharing personal mental health struggles can foster community and reduce stigma.

• Collaboration is Crucial: Working with directors and dramaturgs can enhance and refine personal narratives.

• Hope and Connection: Personal stories on stage can provide hope and a sense of belonging for both performers and audiences.

• Practical Steps: Aspiring storytellers should start by writing their experiences in structured formats and seek feedback from trusted collaborators.

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Hayden [10:31]: "It's what happens when you're a sickening drag queen who develops an anxiety disorder and panic attacks?"

• Jeff Roberson [13:45]: "It worked on two levels. It worked on kind of explaining it to people who had no idea what they were..."

• Chrissy Whitehead [34:28]: "She really was like. She really meant so well."

• Michael Shirali [40:49]: "When you face reality and you face what you are so scared of, it dissipates."

Closing Thoughts:

"Putting It Out There" serves as a powerful testament to the courage it takes to share one's mental health journey. Through the stories of Jeff Roberson and Chrissy Whitehead, listeners are reminded of the importance of community, the healing power of storytelling, and the enduring hope that comes from claiming one's narrative.

For more in-depth conversations and exclusive content, listeners are encouraged to join Stage Combat The Podcast on Patreon, where additional episodes and behind-the-scenes discussions await.

This summary was crafted based on the transcript provided and adheres to guidelines for clarity, structure, and engagement. For further exploration of the topics discussed, listening to the full episode is highly recommended.