What followed, Keegan says, was a "bewildering five minute exchange" in which Schaeffer repeatedly grabbed and fondled Keegan's genitals over his pants. Keegan knew Schaeffer well, from when Keegan acted in a 2012 Signature production of "Dying City." About halfway through the event, Schaeffer approached him. Keegan was standing near the back of the venue watching his wife, the actor Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan, co-host the show. Keegan says the 2018 incident occurred at the Helen Hayes Awards, a professional theater awards show for the Washington region, at the Anthem in Southwest D.C. Theater professionals who spoke to WAMU say that despite these blurry lines, Schaeffer acted inappropriately. The allegations name employees of more than 20 theaters and university theater departments in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. More than 70 members of a private Facebook group for women and non-binary local theater professionals have posted about inappropriate workplace behavior, harassment, and, in some cases, rape. theater professionals have shared stories of sexual harassment and assault at theaters across the region. Signature has won a Tony and nearly 100 Helen Hayes awards under his leadership. theater community: He is one of the longest serving artistic directors in the region. Schaeffer is a prominent figure in the D.C. Schaeffer announced his retirement to the board Tuesday evening, after WAMU presented Signature with allegations from Keegan and other individuals about inappropriate behavior. Signature also disputed characterizations of the company culture as being overly sexualized. Signature's statement on Monday reiterating its support for Schaeffer led actors and theater professionals to share their own stories about a sexualized atmosphere they say Schaeffer fostered. To do so, it needs to pull together, dedicate itself to the work, and avoid the toxic polarization that damages not just the institutions, but the work itself, the art." His retirement is effective on June 30. In a statement, Schaeffer did not address the allegations, instead saying: "I hope that the next generation of leaders can weather the many storms our profession faces. Signature posted a statement Monday night calling the allegation "false, misleading and without merit." In a statement to WAMU, the company said it hired a law firm to investigate the claim in 2018 and found it to be not valid. No phone calls please.įor more information on Signature, visit Schaeffer's resignation comes as dozens of theater professionals share stories of sexual harassment and assault at theaters around the region.Įric Schaeffer, the co-founder and artistic director of Signature Theatre in Arlington is leaving the company amid accusations of sexually inappropriate behavior.Īllegations about Schaeffer's behavior began to multiply after the actor Thomas Keegan wrote this week on his Facebook page about a May 2018 incident in which he alleges Schaeffer groped his genitals. HOW TO APPLY: Email cover letter and resume to: fax to (212) 967-2957 or mail to Signature Theatre Company, 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1106, New York, NY 10036. Reports to the Marketing Director.ĬOMPENSATION: Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. RESPONSIBILITIES: processing single ticket and subscription orders, working closely with the Marketing department to generate reports and help analyze sales trends, and training and supervising Box Office and Front of House staff. The ideal candidate will possess excellent computer and customer service skills and be highly motivated, organized, and detail oriented. REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have prior box office experience and knowledge of ticketing software and systems. SEEKING: a full time Box Office Manager to oversee point of sales operations and customer service for the organization. WHO: Signature Theatre Company, one of New York City's premiere Off-Broadway theatres
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