THE STORY OF THE PURPLE STORIES

Many attempts have been made over the years to affect change at PRTC, to no avail. In June of 2020 another attempt began.

Conversations were started with PRTC staff to address a number of serious issues.

It was made clear by PRTC staff that they had no intention of holding anyone accountable or implementing any change.

On September 14, 2020

nearly 70 former apprentices, actors, stage managers, designers, and artists sent a 22-page letter detailing grievances and a list of suggested solutions to the board at the Purple Rose.

These grievances ranged everywhere from manipulation, emotional abuse, and bullying to discriminatory hiring practices, unsafe working conditions, homophobia and racism.

Many of these grievances centered on the long-time artistic director Guy Sanville.

That letter was brushed off.

After about 6 months of discussions with Actor's Equity Association and repeated attempts by the PRTC to settle with us to buy our silence, AEA fought for us to arbitrate.

The arbitrator ruled that all but one of our grievances would be dismissed because they happened longer than 30 days ago.
We decided this was unacceptable.
Abuse has no expiration date.

We've been patient and silent far too long, and we demand accountability from Guy Sanville and the Purple Rose Theatre Company. We are hoping that if they will not listen to our voices, maybe they will listen to the voices of the community.