Citadel director apologizes for ‘culture’ of harassment
Artistic director vows behaviour will not be tolerated
No one incident or person spurred the Citadel Theatre’s artistic director to apologize in an open letter for harassment and bullying behaviour at the theatre, he says.
Daryl Cloran said he dealt with several allegations of workplace harassment after taking the top job 18 months ago. He won’t say how many complaints he received, citing privacy concerns.
“It’s much more of a culture that has existed,” Cloran said Tuesday.
No one at the theatre has lost their job or position, faced a reprimand or been sent for training as a result of harassment complaints, Cloran said.
About 50 to 60 people work full time at the Edmonton theatre, and the number of employees rises to around 200 when several shows are in production, Cloran said.
“I have spoken with many artists, and it has became clear to me that through its history, there have been times that the Citadel has been a negative workplace for artists and staff,” Cloran wrote in a statement posted online Tuesday.
NOT REPORTED TO POLICE
Wendy Dupree, president of the Citadel’s board of directors, would not specify what kind of inappropriate behaviour was reported, except to say the complaints ranged in seriousness. None of the incidents were reported to police.
The people who recently reported harassment suggested remedies for their situations, and the theatre took the suggested steps, Dupree said, reluctant to divulge specifics.
In the past, employees felt uncomfortable reporting inappropriate behaviour, or they tolerated it, she said.
“That’s what we’re working to stop,” she said.
Cloran’s statement said the theatre is “truly sorry for any harassment that has been a part of the Citadel’s past, and we give our word that anyone who engages in bullying or harassment will not be permitted to work at the Citadel.”
In an interview, Cloran said he has attempted to create a culture where employees feel comfortable bringing concerns to him. The board of directors has also taken complaints seriously, he said.
CODE OF CONDUCT
On the first day of rehearsal for every show, leaders gather all staff and explain the theatre’s code of conduct and how to report any problems, he said.
The theatre has also hired a consultant, Wade King, to oversee a “safe disclosure” process. People with concerns can contact King without disclosing their identity to the Citadel, Cloran said.
King also provided advice to the theatre on how to handle the prior complaints, Cloran said.
The theatre will arrange for people to privately “return to the space” where they had a negative experience to help them feel comfortable in the Citadel.
An event is also planned for May 14, where members of the theatre community are invited to acknowledge the past and plan for a safe work environment at the Citadel.
Cloran didn’t know if people avoided work at the Citadel because of the environment.
“I hope very much by doing something like this that people will have an understanding that the Citadel is a great place to work.”