Ep43: From Dream Role to Nightmare, Sean Hayden Speaks Out The Emotional Toll of Acting Without Measures

Actor, lawyer, and advocate Sean Hayden joins the pod squad to open up about how landing a dream role in Billy Elliot led to a full-blown mental health crisis. Through his podcast Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story, he aims to spark a larger conversation about how theaters can better protect and support their artists. Sean Hayden is a multi-talented performer, attorney, and mental health advocate whose career spans Broadway, television, and law. After training as an actor and building a successful career on stage, Sean’s personal experiences with workplace trauma in the theater industry led him to become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. His podcast, Stage Combat, explores his personal journey while shedding light on systemic issues within the performing arts. Through storytelling, advocacy, and legal expertise, Sean is working to create a safer and more supportive environment for artists everywhere. If you need immediate care, call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center, text 741741, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. Please take care of yourself and each other. For additional resources visit https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/mental-health-resources/. For more information on Sean Hayden or Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story, visit https://stagecombatthepodcast.com/. Love what you hear on the podcast? Join the pod squad by joining our online community! Dive deeper into the episodes, share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow listeners. Visit https://beltlinetobroadway.org/register-2/ to join our theater fam. Connect with Beltline to Broadway: Facebook/TikTok/Instagram: @beltlinetobroadway Website: www.beltlinetobroadway.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices