Stage Combat The Podcast: Episode Summary - "The 'F' Word"

Release Date: November 3, 2024

Introduction

In the ninth episode of Season 3, titled "The 'F' Word," host Sean Hayden delves deep into the pervasive use of the term "family" within the theater industry. This episode explores how the metaphor of family in workplaces can blur professional boundaries, perpetuate dysfunctional dynamics, and contribute to mental health challenges among actors and crew members.

The Problem with "Family" in Theater Workplaces

The episode kicks off with a heartfelt conversation among Sean Hayden, Brett Shuford, and Michael McGurk. Brett shares his early experiences in theater, highlighting how embracing emotional expression in a small-town Texas environment led to feelings of isolation and being "disowned by the community" ([00:56] Brett Shuford).

Sean reminisces about his own struggles with bullying and emotional suppression, noting how theater provided a sanctuary where he could express his true self without judgment ([01:06] Sean Hayden). Brett echoes this sentiment, explaining that theater became his pathway out of a restrictive environment, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose ([02:12] Brett Shuford).

Nicole Perry on Workplace Boundaries

Nicole Perry, an intimacy director based in Miami, offers a critical perspective on the use of "family" in professional settings. She explains that equating the workplace to a family blurs the lines between personal and professional boundaries, making it difficult to maintain healthy interactions:

"The word family... blurs those lines." ([07:45] Nicole Perry)

Nicole asserts that while the term might intend to convey support and camaraderie, it often serves to suppress necessary conversations about conflicts and issues, thereby limiting open communication ([08:39] Nicole Perry).

Corbin Williams: Show Business vs. Show Family

Introducing Corbin Williams, a Broadway performer, the discussion shifts to the importance of distinguishing between professional teamwork and familial relationships. Corbin emphasizes that "show business, not show friends," highlighting the necessity of maintaining professional boundaries to prevent complacency and over-familiarity:

"We're a team. We are not a family." ([11:16] Corbin Williams)

He advocates for clear demarcations between work and personal life, suggesting practices like maintaining separate social media profiles to safeguard professional relationships from becoming overly personal ([14:38] Corbin Williams).

Janine Bruin’s Experiences with Forced Closeness

Janine Bruin from New York City shares her uncomfortable experiences with enforced camaraderie in theater productions. She describes situations where cast members were compelled to bond outside of work, leading to discomfort and blurred boundaries:

"Forcing closeness on a cast is not very respectful of people's individual preferences and boundaries." ([16:32] Janine Bruin)

Janine recounts a particularly troubling incident where she had to share living spaces with a colleague who behaved inappropriately, underscoring the lack of agency actors often face in such environments ([19:37] Janine Bruin).

Michael Passaro’s Insight on Terminology and Power Dynamics

Broadway stage manager Michael Passaro provides an academic and practical perspective on the issue. He traces the etymology of "family" to its Latin roots, emphasizing that the term historically implies servitude, which is inappropriate for professional settings:

"The root word means servant... we would not want to lean into the idea of family and that the employees are servants in any way." ([23:12] Michael Passaro)

Michael advocates for replacing "family" with more appropriate terms such as "colleagues" or "team," which better reflect professional relationships without the baggage that comes with familial metaphors:

"I would suggest colleague... partner in office." ([30:22] Michael Passaro)

He also highlights the negative implications of familial language in perpetuating patriarchal and matriarchal power dynamics, which can stifle effective communication and foster an environment where grievances are swept under the rug ([28:20] Sean Hayden and [28:47] Michael Passaro).

Positive Experiences Highlighting Alternative Dynamics

Contrasting the negative aspects, Sean organizes a heartfelt reunion with former cast members from The Bridges of Madison County. The group reminisces about a positive and supportive work environment that thrived without the imposed "family" dynamic. They attribute their harmonious relationships to genuine mutual respect and shared goals rather than enforced camaraderie:

"There was something really, really special about this group of people." ([31:11] Sean Hayden)

Conclusion and Future Directions

Sean Hayden wraps up the episode by reaffirming the necessity of redefining workplace relationships in the theater industry. He calls for a move away from familial metaphors towards more accurate and healthy terms like "team" or "colleagues." This shift aims to foster environments where professional boundaries are respected, and individuals feel empowered to maintain their personal well-being.

The episode concludes with a teaser for the next installment, which will continue exploring stories from Wicked productions, further unraveling the complexities of workplace dynamics in theater.

Notable Quotes

• Brett Shuford on feeling disowned for his sensitivity:

  "I was totally sort of disowned for doing those things." ([00:26] Brett Shuford)

• Nicole Perry on the drawbacks of using "family" in the workplace:

  "The family word actually... is a way to shut down conversation when things are not going well." ([08:50] Nicole Perry)

• Corbin Williams emphasizing professional boundaries:

  "It's called show business, not show friends." ([11:16] Corbin Williams)

• Janine Bruin on forced cast bonding:

  "Forcing closeness on a cast is not very respectful of people's individual preferences and boundaries." ([16:32] Janine Bruin)

• Michael Passaro on the origins and implications of "family":

  "The root word means servant... we would not want to lean into the idea of family and that the employees are servants in any way." ([23:12] Michael Passaro)

Final Thoughts

Episode "The 'F' Word" of Stage Combat The Podcast provides a compelling examination of how the familial metaphor in theater workplaces can inadvertently foster environments that are counterproductive and harmful. Through personal anecdotes, expert insights, and constructive suggestions, Sean Hayden and his guests advocate for a redefinition of workplace relationships that prioritize professionalism, respect, and clear boundaries.

For those unfamiliar with the podcast, this episode serves as an eye-opening exploration of the hidden dynamics within the theater industry, urging both employers and employees to rethink the language and structures that govern their professional interactions.