Stage Combat The Podcast - Season 3 Finale: "Walking Away From Broadway"

Release Date: February 24, 2025
Host: Sean Hayden
Guest: Bobby Steggert, Broadway Actor

Introduction

In the riveting season finale of Season 3, titled "Walking Away From Broadway," Sean Hayden delves into the poignant journey of Bobby Steggert, a seasoned Broadway actor who chose to leave the limelight in pursuit of personal fulfillment and healing. This episode not only encapsulates Bobby's remarkable career but also unearths the profound personal struggles that led to his transformative decision.

Bobby Steggert's Broadway Journey

Bobby Steggert hails from Frederick, Maryland, a town steeped in history. From a young age, Bobby was enamored with Broadway, inspired by his grandfather's collection of every show poster. This passion led him to NYU's musical theater program, setting the stage for a illustrious 25-year career on Broadway. Bobby's notable performances include revivals of "110 in the Shade" and "Ragtime", the original musical "Big Fish", and "Mothers and Sons" alongside Tyne Daly.

"I grew up looking at all these posters of Company and Little Night Music and Sweeney Todd, and it was this world that I just dreamed of one day getting to inhabit."
— Bobby Steggert [03:40]

The Pivotal Moment on Stage

During the production of "Mothers and Sons", Bobby experienced a life-altering moment. In a sparsely attended Wednesday matinee, while performing a personal monologue about joy and connections, an internal voice confronted him with the stark reality of his own unfulfilled life.

"There was just this little, very wise, very blunt voice internally that said, oh, my God, you don't have any of this."
— Bobby Steggert [01:57]

This revelation caused Bobby to lose his script, leaving him momentarily paralyzed on stage. Although he regained his composure and continued performing, the incident marked the beginning of his introspective journey.

Confronting Personal Trauma

Bobby's realization stemmed from years of prioritizing professional success over personal well-being, deeply rooted in his upbringing during the 1980s. Growing up as a gay individual in a society fraught with stigma and fear, Bobby internalized a "death sentence" mentality surrounding his sexuality.

"I grew up knowing very early that I was gay in the '80s, and it felt like a very dangerous thing to be, very unacceptable thing to be."
— Bobby Steggert [03:48]

This internal conflict led him to channel his unresolved trauma into his acting, often portraying characters in pain, thereby neglecting his own emotional needs.

"I played tortured spirits all the time... I was of the belief, to a certain degree, maybe fully of the belief that I had to stay in a place of turmoil in order to continue being successful."
— Bobby Steggert [17:12]

The Decision to Change Careers

By his late 30s, Bobby felt increasingly isolated despite his success. His role in an off-Broadway play, coupled with financial strains and a painful breakup, propelled him to reconsider his life trajectory. Embracing his long-standing interest in psychology, Bobby enrolled in Columbia University's social work program, marking his exit from the acting world.

"I can't do this anymore. I cannot be middle-aged and be this at sea."
— Bobby Steggert [20:51]

Transforming into a therapist during the pandemic, Bobby found solace in helping others navigate their grief and fears, a stark contrast to his former life on stage.

Reflections on Healing and Current Work

As a therapist, Bobby draws parallels between acting and his current profession, noting the intimacy and spontaneity inherent in both roles. His practice during the pandemic was both challenging and fulfilling, providing him with the tools to continue his personal healing journey.

"Part of my healing was getting to be ordinary. And it was painful at first to feel ordinary, and then it became a real joy to feel ordinary."
— Bobby Steggert [25:30]

Bobby emphasizes the ongoing nature of his healing, advocating for self-acceptance, service to others, and gratitude for simple joys. His recent return to acting, notably in "The Gilded Age", signifies a harmonious blend of his matured self with his artistic talents, free from the shadows of past shame.

"By not needing it, either symbolically or literally, I was able to be very free in it."
— Bobby Steggert [28:30]

Key Themes and Insights

1. The Duality of Success and Personal Well-being

   • Bobby's story underscores the tension between professional achievements and personal happiness. His pursuit of Broadway success inadvertently led to neglecting his emotional health.

2. Impact of Societal Pressures on Artists

   • The entertainment industry's emphasis on status and relentless pursuit of success can exacerbate personal struggles, as evidenced by Bobby's internal battles.

3. Role of Therapy and Self-Acceptance

   • Transitioning to a therapeutic role enabled Bobby to address his trauma, highlighting the importance of mental health and self-compassion in achieving true fulfillment.

4. Breaking Free from Shame and Narcissism

   • Bobby discusses how societal and industry pressures foster shame and narcissistic tendencies, advocating for authenticity and genuine human connections.

Notable Quotes

• Bobby Steggert on Internal Realization:
  "There was just this little, very wise, very blunt voice internally that said, oh, my God, you don't have any of this."
  [01:57]

• On Sacrificing Personal Well-being for Success:
  "I had to stay in a place of turmoil in order to continue being successful."
  [17:12]

• Reflecting on Therapy's Role in Healing:
  "Part of my healing was getting to be ordinary. And it was painful at first to feel ordinary, and then it became a real joy to feel ordinary."
  [25:30]

• On Overcoming Narcissism through Therapy:
  "The thing about narcissism, and I've learned this, you know, clinically too, is that it's always based in shame."
  [24:16]

Conclusion

"Walking Away From Broadway" serves as a profound exploration of the costs of artistic ambition and the redemptive power of self-awareness and healing. Through Bobby Steggert's narrative, listeners gain invaluable insights into balancing professional pursuits with personal well-being, the enduring impact of societal stigmas, and the transformative journey towards self-acceptance and service to others. As Sean Hayden aptly concludes, the episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for authentic fulfillment.

Join the Conversation:
Listeners are encouraged to share their own stories and continue the dialogue on creating safe, dignified, and respectful workplaces. For more exclusive content, visit Stage Combat on Patreon.

This summary captures the essence of Episode 18, "Walking Away From Broadway," from Season 3 of Stage Combat The Podcast, highlighting Bobby Steggert's inspiring journey from Broadway to therapy.