Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  08/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am writing to express my deep concern for the safety and welfare of the children involved with the Astor Street Opry Company in **************. As a parent of two daughters who have actively participated in productions at this theater, as well as other local theaters, I have observed a disturbing decline in the treatment and safety of the children under their care. This spring, my 14-year-old daughter was placed in an uncomfortable and unsafe position involving an adult male. Both my daughter and this adult were cast in lead roles, requiring them to engage in scenes that involved flirting, a pretend kiss, and even sitting on his lap. When she asked me for assistance, I reached out to another board member, but again, the issue was not addressed. It was only after my husband and I personally intervened by speaking to the production team that the situation was resolved. However, I received an email stating that the adult involved has a diagnosis of autism, which the board used as a justification to dismiss our concerns, stating that they do not view him as an adult. Following this incident, both of my daughters began experiencing various forms of mistreatment from the board members and production team. One notable example occurred when my daughter and another teenager went backstage to look for a costume, only to be confronted by the directors wife, who yelled at them and threatened them with, Dont make me come back there again. The treatment the children receive, even during family-attended events, raises serious concerns about their well-being when parents are not present. The following night, I received a message on ******** stating that my daughters were no longer welcome at the theater. Since this incident, the theater's leadership has engaged in public discussions, both on social media and within the community, speaking negatively about my children. This has severely impacted their emotional well-being, making them feel unsafe in our community.

  Business response

  09/20/2024

  This situation was handled and the complaining person was advised that any further harassment of our organization could result in legal action.

   

  Our theater is a safe space and welcoming space for all and the children in question and the parents think bulling others is acceptable behavior which per our bylaws is not acceptable behavior.

  The parents broke the volunteer agreement by not being available to contact by the production crew about the actions of there minors while participating in our theater, the parents had blocked the production manager in charge of minors.

   

  Respectfully,

  Astor Street Opry Company Board of Directors.

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