Stage Combat The Podcast – Season 3, Episode: “You’re Under Investigation: Laura's Story”

Release Date: October 7, 2024

Overview

In the poignant episode titled “You’re Under Investigation: Laura's Story,” Season 3 of Stage Combat The Podcast delves into the harrowing experiences of Laura, a dedicated artist and artistic director who became the target of a malicious workplace investigation. Hosted by attorney, advocate, and actor Sean Hayden, this episode not only sheds light on Laura’s personal struggles but also explores the broader implications of flawed workplace investigations within the theater industry. Featuring insights from employment attorney Mark Carey, the episode serves as a crucial commentary on the systemic issues affecting professionals in creative fields.

1. Introduction to Laura’s Story

The episode opens with Sean Hayden introducing Laura, a passionate artist from New England who co-founded a small fringe theater company. Laura’s aspiration to legitimize her company in a community that often sidelines fringe theater set the stage for the unfolding drama.

Notable Quote:

Sean Hayden [00:03]: “This podcast and episodes such as 'You’re Under Investigation: Laura’s Story' is made possible by our members at Stage Combat on Patreon.”

2. The Genesis of the Crisis

Three years into running her theater company, Laura began noticing a sudden shift in her professional relationships, particularly with the associate artistic director. The once close-knit collaboration turned cold, culminating in an anonymous allegation of abuse that upended her life.

Notable Quotes:

Laura [07:32]: “An anonymous person who's not the person I was in the relationship with has reached out to the theater to report that you were in a relationship with another person that's not the person reporting it. And that you were, quote, unquote, abusive.”

Sean Hayden [09:57]: “So he tells you it's a good idea for you to temporarily step down. And what does he say the next steps are going to be?”

3. The Flawed Investigation Process

Laura recounts how the investigation lacked transparency and structure. She was never informed about the specifics of the allegations, the procedures to be followed, or the individuals overseeing the investigation. This absence of clarity and support exacerbated her mental anguish, leading to severe mental health repercussions.

Notable Quotes:

Laura [10:17]: “I was like, supposed to just sit around and wait while they investigated me. And that's all that I knew.”

Sean Hayden [11:32]: “For Laura, this call accelerated a series of thoughts for her.”

4. The Personal and Professional Fallout

The weight of the allegations and the opaque investigation process drove Laura into a state of despair, culminating in a suicide attempt. Hospitalized for a week, Laura felt abandoned by her company, who offered minimal support during her crisis.

Notable Quotes:

Laura [14:21]: “I intentionally overdosed on some medication, and I go outside and lay down in my hammock and think, this is it.”

Sean Hayden [18:09]: “Wow. Laura, once they're aware that you're in the hospital, what is the communication from anyone at the company during that week you're in the hospital?”

Laura [18:44]: “I felt abandoned and I felt angry.”

5. Confronting the Aftermath

Upon returning to her professional environment, Laura discovered that the associate artistic director had disseminated a Google form soliciting negative reports about her. This revelation further marginalized her, leading to the dissolution of her theater company and the severance of professional ties without any formal apology or resolution.

Notable Quotes:

Laura [22:14]: “I think it was just open ended… Do you have anything bad to say about Laura, basically? Yep. Pretty. Yeah, that seems to be what it was.”

Sean Hayden [27:44]: “They all just quit.”

6. Expert Insights with Employment Attorney Mark Carey

To provide a broader perspective, Sean Hayden brings in Mark Carey, an employment attorney specializing in representing wronged employees. Carey deconstructs the systemic flaws in workplace investigations, emphasizing that these processes are often skewed to protect employers rather than ensure fairness for employees.

Key Discussions:

• Impartiality in Investigations: Carey asserts that true impartial investigations are rare, as they rarely include interviewing the accused, rendering them ineffective for employee protection.

  Notable Quote:

  Mark Carey [30:37]: “You don't have an impartial investigation without interviewing the accused.”

• Employer Liability and Defamation: The conversation delves into how employers can be held liable for defamation when they propagate unfounded allegations or mishandle investigations.

  Notable Quote:

  Mark Carey [34:48]: “The employer can become part of that liability if it propagates it in any way.”

• Lack of Transparency and Rights: Sean probes into the rights employees have regarding being informed about investigations. Carey clarifies that, except in specific state roles, employees have no statutory rights to be notified about internal investigations unless through legal action.

  Notable Quote:

  Mark Carey [39:31]: “The answer is no, you don't have any rights to it.”

7. Healing and Moving Forward

The episode culminates with an update from Laura, who shares her ongoing journey of healing. Through therapy and support from loved ones, Laura is gradually reclaiming her sense of self and redefining her relationship with her creative endeavors outside the theater company.

Notable Quotes:

Laura [41:01]: “I am still healing. I think that hopefully it'll get better with time.”

Sean Hayden [42:42]: “One be on top of your mental health, have a therapist. Right. Even for maintenance and to invest in relationships which are not in the theater.”

8. Concluding Insights

Sean Hayden wraps up the episode by highlighting the transformative power of storytelling in advocating for fair workplace practices. He underscores the necessity for more individuals like Laura to share their experiences, fostering awareness and urging employers to adopt more humane and transparent investigation processes.

Notable Quotes:

Sean Hayden [43:38]: “We need more stories like mine and like Laura's to come forward to build awareness about the issue and to pressure our employers.”

Laura [43:36]: “I feel pretty good right now.”

Key Takeaways

1. Systemic Flaws in Workplace Investigations: The episode underscores how investigations are often designed to protect employers rather than ensure justice for employees, leading to devastating personal and professional consequences.

2. Mental Health Implications: The lack of support and transparency in workplace investigations can trigger severe mental health crises, emphasizing the need for compassionate and structured approaches.

3. Legal Perspectives: Insights from Mark Carey reveal the complexities of employment law, particularly concerning defamation and the limited rights employees have in internal investigations.

4. Power Dynamics in the Arts: The theater industry, characterized by hierarchical and often insular communities, can exacerbate the impact of flawed investigations on individuals' careers and well-being.

5. Importance of Storytelling: Sharing personal narratives like Laura’s is crucial for raising awareness, fostering empathy, and driving systemic change within industries prone to such injustices.

Final Thoughts

“You’re Under Investigation: Laura's Story” serves as a compelling narrative that intertwines personal ordeal with broader commentary on workplace justice. Through Laura’s courage in sharing her experience and Mark Carey’s expert analysis, the episode invites listeners to reflect on and advocate for more equitable and humane workplace practices.

Stage Combat The Podcast continues to champion the voices of those navigating the often tumultuous intersections of art, advocacy, and personal integrity.