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PUBLIC THEATER

Artistic director at Public Theater of San Antonio removed amid criticism of his treatment of staff

click to enlarge Daniel BaumerThe Public Theater of San Antonio has had a tumultuous few months, the latest development of which is the ouster of Artistic Director and CEO George Green.Earlier this fall, the Public was hit with a Do Not Work designation by the Actors' Equity Association (AEA). The theater and union resolved the dispute on October 9, but in the meantime Green became mired in accusations that he contributed to a toxic work environment, according to the San Antonio Report Green told the San Antonio Report the complaints against him were "unsubstantiated. "In early October, multiple theater professionals who had worked with Green made public accusations against him in posts on social media that included claims that he mistreated an Equity actor and fired a staff member while she was on maternity leave . A petition on Change.org demanding Green's resignation posted in early October garnered hundreds of signatures — 790 as of November 3.Green was put on leave by the Public's board of directors on October 10, and the theater solicited confidential feedback about "issues concerning the Artistic Director" in a post on Facebook On Friday, October 30, the Public announced Green's departure. "After soliciting feedback from theater employees past and present, artists and patrons, the TPTSA Board of Trustees has decided not to renew the employment agreement of CEO and Artistic Director, George Green, when it comes to an end on October 31, 2020," reads the theater's statement, which was posted to Facebook Green told the San Antonio Report he wasn't given the opportunity to defend himself from the accusations.

sacurrent.com

The show goes on: Public Theater of SA back to producing live performances

SAN ANTONIO – Just getting on stage takes a lot of courage; now imagine doing it by yourself in front of an audience. That’s what some local performers are preparing to do during this season at The Public Theater of San Antonio. Actor Rick Sanchez, who put on the first one-person show of the theatre season, says a lot goes on behind the scenes to perform solo. Theater company manager Courtnie Mercer says about 850 customers tuned into their first livestream play over both weekends combined. “We have a brand new camera system that’s giving different angles and different side views and different perspectives to this show.

Public Theater Offers Entertainment Relief to Arts SA Patrons Left Stranded

The Public Theater of San Antonio announced Thursday it will offer free three-show passes to former season subscribers of Arts San Antonio, which folded suddenly last month and canceled its remaining performances. To take advantage of the offer, Arts SA subscribers must bring proof of purchase of their 2020 season subscriptions to the Public Theater box office at 800 W. Ashby Pl., Tuesdays through Fridays between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., by Feb. 25. Green said his theater staff discussed the closure and how they might assist Arts SA patrons, and came up with the idea to offer the free passes. Just seeing our arts community and arts organizations working collaboratively to try to take care of patrons and endure through difficult times is extremely inspiring, Green said. And we just hope that more people at minimum, go see art and go support art of any kind.More information on the Public Theaters 2020 productions is available on its website.

therivardreport.com

Two Ways to Enjoy Local Theater in San Antonio This Weekend

The Public Theater and the Sheldon Vexler Theatre are here to prove that you don't need a huge cast to make a big impression. Directed by John O'Neill, The Vex's production stars Anna Gangai as Daisy, Jim Mammarella as Daisy's son Boolie and Keith Wilson as Hoke. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. Its never been more important to support local news sources. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current.

sacurrent.com