Theater CEO put on leave as complaints reviewed

George Green, CEO and artistic director of the Public Theater of San Antonio, has been placed on a leave of absence in the wake of a series of allegations about his management of the theater posted to social media in recent days.

A statement issued by the theater’s board Saturday afternoon over social media and via email said Green will be on leavewhile the board reviews issues that have been raised. In addition, the board is seeking online input about the theater through a form that can be found at tinyurl.com/y2qyo2a7. People have the option of submitting anonymously.

All of the submissions will go to the entire board, said Chairman Vernon Haney.

“We’ll be looking at them to figure out what’s white noise and what is somethingwe need to look into a little bit deeper,” Haney said.

There is no set timeline for the process. Haney, who will be serving as the theater’s CEO while Green is on paid administrative leave, said he hopes it will be concluded before the end of the year, but the board will give it as much time as is necessary.

“I am confident the board of directors will do their due diligence reviewing information from individuals thatmay provide input,”

Green said in a statement. “I am proud of the successes as well as the improvements that the theater has made since my arrival in 2016. I am humbled by this situation as well as grateful for the outpouring of support sent to me privately from many artists, patrons and donors.”

This step follows a rough fewweeks for the theater. It was placed on a Do No Work list by the Actors’ Equity Association, the professional union for actors and stagemanagers, in September.

Union members can face disciplinary measures, including the loss of membership, if they work at a theater or in a production on a Do Not Work list.

The Public landed there because it had gone ahead with a streamed production of “Buyer and Cellar,” the kickoff to a season of one-person shows, without

meeting all of the union’s COVID-19 standards. Those standards include a requirement that the virus be under control in the community. Bexar County did not meet that requirement.

The situation with the union prompted an anonymous individual to create a change.org petition demanding that Green either resign or be removed by the board. Saturday afternoon, it had just over 700 signatures.

In addition, a series of posts has been circulating on social media alleging that Green’s treatment of actors and staff created an oppressive work environment.

Haney said there wasn’t a particular tipping point that led the board to take action.

“To do nothing just perpetuates things,” he said.

Daniel Baumer / Courtesy photo George Green has been placed on a leave of absence. He has been the Public Theater’s CEO and artistic director since 2016.