Trending
Changes in policy must come swiftly in local theater in light of recent accusations by minors of inappropriate conduct by an adult man affiliated with Trumbull New Theater.
Sadly this is not the first time we have written in this space about improper actions in local community theater. A similarly appalling situation came to light in 2020 involving community theater in Youngstown.
We wonder why our reporting and commentary then did not serve as an example, not only for very real potential of inappropriate or criminal acts, but also for steps that could have been taken to avoid them.
The latest allegations involve a 14-year-old girl and possibly a second child of the same age.
Details are coming to light based on incident reports filed in two separate Trumbull County police departments and a temporary civil sexually oriented protection order issued Nov. 9 by Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Patrick F. McCarthy. A full hearing on the matter is scheduled for next month.
Police in both Trumbull County jurisdictions where the reports were filed told our reporter they have launched full investigations. One report, in Niles, alleges inappropriate incidents on theater property. The other report, filed in the community where an involved minor resides, alleges inappropriate contact with the teen through social media apps and cellphone.
The mother of one of the girls said alcohol was given to her daughter at the theater, not to drink on premises, but to drink later when her daughter communicated with the man via social media.
She said she dropped her daughter off for set construction sessions only to learn later that no one else was there except for the person named in the protection order.
"Things need to be put in place so this never happens again," the mother said.
That goes without saying.
While nothing about this situation is positive, we do have some optimism that TNT officials appear they do not intend to sweep this situation under the rug. Rather, theater officials acknowledged the situation publicly during a Nov. 13 board meeting. Granted, that did come after much of the story and angst were shared on social media by those involved with the theater. But, to be clear, when the meeting went forward, theater officials did not deny the request from our entertainment writer to attend, which we view as a good step toward transparency.
During the meeting, TNT board President Brett Bunker acknowledged that the theater has dismissed a man involved with the community theater following allegations of inappropriate conduct with minors there. Officially, Bunker said the person was dismissed for "violating our code of conduct," but he stopped short of any further discussion citing the advice of the board's attorney.
Predictably, many involved with the theater are justifiably angry with the situation and with the handling of it prior to the Nov. 13 public discussion.
Some accused board member Bunker and board Treasurer Lisa Bennett of speaking to the accused before they spoke to the parents of the girl, and they accused Bennett of helping the accused man find a lawyer.
As one director aptly stated: "The theater I've grown up with and loved should take care of its members and its actors before predators."
Undeniably, those actions are questionable.
While community theater officials are not trained investigators nor even employers in this volunteer situation, they undeniably have a very real and significant responsibility to oversee the wellbeing of those involved in their organization -- especially children. They must ensure their organizations are not a home for sexual predators.
To be sure, these victims and their families are incredibly brave to come forward, call for a criminal investigation and call for change in the theater.
Now TNT must react. Officials must be called to quick action to set new policies and guidelines. And they must follow through, ensuring full implementation to prevent future incidents.
They should create a safe way for victims to report allegations, perhaps by assigning a liaison to minor cast members. When an allegation is hinted at, it should not be overlooked or ignored. It must be heard.
Adopt written policy spelling out the often uncomfortably topic of exactly what is appropriate and what is inappropriate behavior. Involve an attorney in developing these policies, despite the cost.
Begin implementing routine criminal background checks for all those involved in theater productions.
Fears that background checks of every person involved might become to costly can be met only with this question: How can they afford not to do this?
In general, the culture inside the theater must be zero tolerance. Anything less must not be accepted.
This is community theater, after all -- with emphasis on "community." Each organization has a responsibility to the community, and each must be ready and willing to ensure safety and maintain an upstanding role.