EPISODE · Jun 22, 2026 · 30 MIN
"The Lookingglass Story: How We Got Here"
from Stage Combat The Podcast · host Haywood Productions, LLC
Season 4, Episode 8.Synopsis: Two months, the Tony award winning Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago issued a cease-and-desist letter in response to our story about a young actor named Ayana who says she was left disabled performing a circus act in Lookingglass' production of Circus Quixote. It's a story that has provoked anger and frustration in the Chicago theatre community. Sean's getting personal at the mic to assess just how we got here and to let you know where we are today with Ayana's story.Support this podcast and listen to bonus content and insider information at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcastHosted by Sean HaydenEditing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing by Justin Gerrish. Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at stagecombatthepodcast.comContact us with a DM and follow us at our instagram @stagecombatthepodcastigor email us at [email protected] Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone. Disclaimers: Lookingglass Theatre disputes aspects of Ayana Strutz’s account of her experience working at Lookingglass. Lookingglass maintains its productions are safe and produced in accordance with union and industry standards. Lookingglass did not respond to our invitation to appear on an episode of this podcast with Ayana and share their side of Ayana’s story. This episode should not be construed as medical or legal advice.
What this episode covers
Season 4, Episode 8. Synopsis: Two months, the Tony award winning Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago issued a cease-and-desist letter in response to our story about a young actor named Ayana who says she was left disabled performing a circus act in Lookingglass' production of Circus Quixote. It's a story that has provoked anger and frustration in the Chicago theatre community. Sean's getting personal at the mic to assess just how we got here and to let you know where we are today wit...
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"The Lookingglass Story: How We Got Here"
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