Hello... we had a situation at our theatre and I would appreciate any input about how I could have handled it differently, and how to prevent this in the future.

Here's the scoop: I am not the director, but a board member who was assigned as the support person for this show. Last week I went in to watch rehearsal and one of the cast members asked to talk to me. He(X) had a conflict with another actor(Z) where X was grabbed and spoken sternly to by Z. Later that rehearsal Z apologized to both X and the director for his actions. However, X felt that Z had "it in" for him and did not feel safe.

These are both adult men (40/50's). We don't have a policy in place about dealing with conflicts between actors, if it happens we try to help mediate the situation. I offered to speak to Z, alone or with X there. I offered to attend all remaining rehearsals to observe if there was any harassing going on. I told X that I would bring this incident to the board to discuss.

The next day X quit the show (5 days to opening). His reasons are that the director and I did not take his concerns about Z seriously and were not doing anything to discipline Z.

Essentially I think he just wanted us to fire Z. Z has been a very involved, supportive member of our theatre for MANY years. This was X's first show with us.

If you're still with me, here's my question: Should I have fired Z? I've been involved with theatre long enough to know that it can be stressful and tempers can be lost. Currently we do not have an actor's code of conduct agreement but am thinking that may help in the future.

Thanks for letting me vent. Luckily we got a replacement for the part that same day.

Originally posted by chelserin Hello... we had a situation at our theatre and I would appreciate any input about how I could have handled it differently, and how to prevent this in the future. Here's the scoop: I am not the director, but a board member who was assigned as the support person for this show. Last week I went in to watch rehearsal and one of the cast members asked to talk to me. He(X) had a conflict with another actor(Z) where X was grabbed and spoken sternly to by Z. Later that rehearsal Z apologized to both X and the director for his actions. However, X felt that Z had "it in" for him and did not feel safe.

By "grabbed" I assume you mean physically grabbed. One big problem with that is it could legally be considered assault and battery. I know it is in our state. 

"Grabbed" could be many things...did Z reach out and grab X's elbow, or grab x's lapel with both hands?? "Grabbing" in any form is not very acceptable.

 While there may, or may not, be a legal distinction, there certainly is a distinction that would influence my thought proccess if I was in chelserin's place.  Keith

Originally posted by Majicwrench  While there may, or may not, be a legal distinction, there certainly is a distinction that would influence my thought proccess if I was in chelserin's place.  Keith

I guess my point is that it could be important to know what the legal definitions are and what the liability (if any) might be for the theater and others involved. Unfortunately, in my experience a seemingly inconsequential incident like this can end up in court if you're dealing with a litigious person .