EPISODE · May 26, 2026 · 1H 21M
Jay Sheehan
from Backstage Breakdown · host backstagebreakdownpod
Jay Sheehan sits down with Allison & Elizabeth and has a candid conversation about mental health in both the classroom and the workplace. Jay talks about his own challenges while encouraging others. A multi hyphenate creative with an impressive resume who reminds us that no matter how far your career takes you, it’s important to never lose your belief in yourself and your compassion for others. Jay Sheehan (he/him) Jay has been overseeing the production management and stage management areas for the School of Theatre, Television and Film at San Diego State University where he leads the Certificate in Entertainment Management Program for the School. In addition to leading the production management area, Jay teaches stage management, production management, event planning, and live concert production. A published author, Jay co-wrote the first textbook about production management in the United States. The Production Manager’s Toolkit has been an international best seller in the Routledge Press Toolkit series. The Second Edition was released on March 14th, 2023 Jay is a 20-year member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology and was the recipient of the USITT Wally Russel Award for Outstanding Mentorship in 2022. He is a 30-year member of Actors Equity Association and spent his early career at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. Jay’s resume is extensive. He is also the owner of his own production company, Cue One Productions, whose event list includes the NFL Super Bowl, and Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game Special Events. He also produces many charity galas and corporate events across the United States. Backstage Breakdown answers questions like: What is imposter syndrome? How does it affect us on a daily basis? How does this affect professionals vs. students (is there a difference?) Does it ever go away? How do we persevere in times of hardship? How do you balance work and personal life? What are Mental Health Days? Join Jay, Allison, & Elizabeth through a guided meditation as they close out this episode. Backstage Banter The Podcast Bryan Runion and Jay Sheehan https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstage-banter/id1778487958 Production Managers Tool Kit Second Edition Cary Gillett and Jay Sheehan https://a.co/d/01r3BVSv Let Go It Will All Get Done https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5cTakAaXNlsNAhZJGM2p6i Donna D’Cruz The Four Agreements https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319 by Don Miguel Ruiz (Author), Janet Mills Theme music by Barrett Riggins. BARRETT RIGGINS is a composer and lyricist based in Brooklyn. He won the 2025 Richard Rodgers Award for HELSINKI (Upcoming; The New Group, Selection; NAMT). He is represented by UTA and the Hybrid Agency.
What this episode covers
Jay Sheehan sits down with Allison & Elizabeth and has a candid conversation about mental health in both the classroom and the workplace. Jay talks about his own challenges while encouraging others. A multi hyphenate creative with an impressive resume who reminds us that no matter how far your career takes you, it’s important to never lose your belief in yourself and your compassion for others. Jay Sheehan (he/him) Jay has been overseeing the production management and stage management areas for the School of Theatre, Television and Film at San Diego State University where he leads the Certificate in Entertainment Management Program for the School. In addition to leading the production management area, Jay teaches stage management, production management, event planning, and live concert production. A published author, Jay co-wrote the first textbook about production management in the United States. The Production Manager’s Toolkit has been an international best seller in the Routledge Press Toolkit series. The Second Edition was released on March 14th, 2023 Jay is a 20-year member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology and was the recipient of the USITT Wally Russel Award for Outstanding Mentorship in 2022. He is a 30-year member of Actors Equity Association and spent his early career at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. Jay’s resume is extensive. He is also the owner of his own production company, Cue One Productions, whose event list includes the NFL Super Bowl, and Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game Special Events. He also produces many charity galas and corporate events across the United States. Backstage Breakdown answers questions like: What is imposter syndrome? How does it affect us on a daily basis? How does this affect professionals vs. students (is there a difference?) Does it ever go away? How do we persevere in times of hardship? How do you balance work and personal life? What are Mental Health Days? Join Jay, Allison, & Elizabeth through a guided meditation as they close out this episode. Backstage Banter The Podcast Bryan Runion and Jay Sheehan https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstage-banter/id1778487958 Production Managers Tool Kit Second Edition Cary Gillett and Jay Sheehan https://a.co/d/01r3BVSv Let Go It Will All Get Done https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5cTakAaXNlsNAhZJGM2p6i Donna D’Cruz The Four Agreements https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319 by Don Miguel Ruiz (Author), Janet Mills Theme music by Barrett Riggins.BARRETT RIGGINS is a composer and lyricist based in Brooklyn. He won the 2025 Richard Rodgers Award for HELSINKI (Upcoming; The New Group, Selection; NAMT). He is represented by UTA and the Hybrid Agency.
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Jay Sheehan
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