Stage Combat The Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Somebody's Going to Get Hurt
Host: Sean Hayden
Release Date: September 9, 2024

Introduction

In the fifth episode of Season 3, titled "Somebody's Going to Get Hurt," host Sean Hayden delves deep into the often-overlooked dangers of stage combat in the theater industry. This episode brings to light personal stories from actors who have faced physical injuries and mental health challenges due to inadequate safety measures during performances.

Opening Remarks and Context

Sean Hayden begins the episode by expressing gratitude to the podcast's supportive audience, emphasizing the community's role in sharing and validating personal experiences related to workplace mistreatment and safety. He sets the stage by recounting his own traumatic experience at the Goodspeed Opera House, where he felt unsafe performing stage combat sequences, leading to significant mental health struggles.

Sean Hayden [00:01]: "The story of Stage Combat in its first two seasons actually arose from fight sequences... I didn't feel safe working with him. It's something we dramatically dramatized in this podcast."

Listener Story: McKee Carpenter's Tale

McKee Carpenter, an actor from Marblehead, Massachusetts, shares his harrowing experience of being forced to perform a sword fight in the rain during an outdoor theater production in New York City.

McKee Carpenter [04:10]: "Grabbed a stool and just threw it on the stage... suddenly there are two guns in the room that have not even been discussed."

As the weather worsened, McKee expressed his concerns about safety, noting that other productions had canceled due to rain. Ignored by the director and producer, he was coerced into proceeding, resulting in both actors slipping during a headbutt, leading to severe injuries.

McKee Carpenter [09:56]: "Either I do it tonight or I don't have a job. So I did it."

The incident culminated in both actors being rushed to NYU Hospital, where McKee received a concussion, and his scene partner suffered a noticeable injury.

McKee Carpenter [12:34]: "He thought I was trying to prove a point... It was a betrayal."

Expert Insight: Angie Jepsen on Stage Combat Safety

Sean introduces Angie Jepsen, a stage combat instructor at Boston Conservatory at Berklee and a certified teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors. Angie elucidates the importance of fight calls—detailed rehearsals ensuring safety during staged violence.

Angie Jepsen [05:49]: "We're referring to the theatrical staging of violence... Anything that is going to be physical that is meant to tell a story of violence while keeping the actors safe."

She emphasizes that even seemingly minor actions, like a slap, carry significant risks if not properly choreographed.

Angie Jepsen [07:07]: "You can lose your hearing from a slap that's gone wrong."

Listener Story: Kaylyn Seckel's Injury and Recovery

Kaylyn Seckel narrates her traumatic experience during a Broadway show where a stage combat move led to a full Achilles rupture. Despite having a degree in theater, Kaylyn lacked formal training in stage combat, treating it merely as dance choreography. This oversight resulted in her being unprepared for the physical demands, culminating in a severe injury that sidelined her for over a year.

Kaylyn Seckel [24:32]: "Absolutely. And I'm not here to disparage him... It was very intense, and I was landing really hard."

Post-injury, Kaylyn grapples with both physical rehabilitation and the psychological impact, including panic attacks and anxiety related to returning to the stage.

Kaylyn Seckel [27:34]: "You go through the stages of grief... It's a traumatic thing."

Discussion on Industry Practices and Safety Protocols

Sean and his guests critically examine the prevalent practices in the theater industry regarding stage combat. They highlight the lack of mandatory fight calls in certain productions, exposing actors to unnecessary risks.

Kaylyn Seckel [21:25]: "Our fight call is not mandatory. So if you're an understudy... that was the mistake. The biggest mistake of my life, probably."

The conversation underscores the need for stricter safety protocols and the importance of actors advocating for their own safety.

Sean Hayden [32:03]: "You are the only one that's ultimately looking out for yourself, and you've got to do it."

Advocacy and Positive Changes

Following their traumatic experiences, both McKee and Kaylyn have taken proactive steps to promote safety in stage combat. McKee transitioned into a fight director, ensuring that young actors are trained and encouraged to speak up about their comfort levels.

McKee Carpenter [35:27]: "I just want everybody to look out for each other."

Kaylyn, on her part, has advocated for mandatory fight calls and customized protective gear, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to improving industry standards.

Kaylyn Seckel [31:19]: "I have custom shoes now... Why don't we all get custom shoes?"

Conclusion and Takeaways

Sean concludes the episode by reflecting on the collective stories shared, emphasizing that Sean's own experiences are far from isolated. The episode serves as a compelling call to action for actors to prioritize their safety and mental health, encouraging them to speak up and support one another.

Sean Hayden [44:10]: "Stage Combat is a production of Heywood Productions, llc... I hope today and every day brings you an opportunity to claim your story."

The episode also teases upcoming content, including conversations with Angie Jepsen about her insights on stage combat safety incidents previously discussed in Seasons 1 and 2.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Sean Hayden [00:01]: "Stage Combat is about fighting back when we are mistreated in our workplaces."
• McKee Carpenter [05:08]: "There is power in numbers when we speak up."
• Kaylyn Seckel [21:28]: "The biggest mistake of my life, probably."
• Angie Jepsen [07:07]: "You can lose your hearing from a slap that's gone wrong."
• Sean Hayden [32:03]: "You are the only one that's ultimately looking out for yourself, and you've got to do it."
• Kaylyn Seckel [31:19]: "Why don't we all get custom shoes?"

Final Thoughts

"Somebody's Going to Get Hurt" is a poignant exploration of the hidden dangers in stage combat and the broader implications for actors' safety and mental well-being. Through personal testimonies and expert analysis, Sean Hayden effectively sheds light on the urgent need for systemic changes within the theater industry.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical or mental health professional for advice tailored to your situation.

Edited by Alex Griffith, mixed and sound designed by Justin Gerrish, and produced by Sean Hayden for Heywood Productions, LLC.