TORONTO — Four actresses who allege they were sexually assaulted and harassed by Soulpepper Theatre founding artistic director Albert Schultz say they were motivated to come forward because of what they described as hypocrisy and unsafe working conditions at the renowned company.
The women spoke out at a news conference on Thursday, a day after revealing they had filed lawsuits against Schultz and Soulpepper, alleging the prominent theatre figure exposed himself, groped them, and otherwise sexually humiliated them over several years.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Schultz says he plans to defend himself against the claims and Soulpepper's board of directors says it has instructed him to step down as it conducts an investigation.
Plaintiff Hannah Miller says working conditions at Soulpepper are not safe for actors whose jobs lead them to be open and vulnerable.
Actress Kristin Booth says she felt the need to come forward after seeing public statements from Soulpepper touting anti-harassment policies that she says she never saw in action during her time with the company.
Booth and Miller are joined in their allegations by Diana Bentley and Patricia Fagan, all of whom agreed to be named publicly.
Four Soulpepper artists, Ted Dykstra, Stuart Hughes, Michelle Monteith and Rick Roberts, have resigned from the theatre company as a symbol of support for the women and say they will not rejoin unless Schultz, 54, has no role there.
WHO IS ALBERT SCHULTZ? A FEW FACTS ON THE THEATRE FIGURE FACING 4 SEX ASSAULT LAWSUITS
TORONTO — Albert Schultz, founder of the acclaimed Toronto-based Soulpepper Theatre Company, is facing four lawsuits alleging sexual assault and harassment. The allegations have not been proven in court. Here are some quick facts about Schultz:
Biographical details: Schultz was born in Port Hope, Ont., in 1963, but grew up in Okotoks, Alta. He was among the founding members of Soulpepper when the company launched in 1998 and served as its artistic director ever since.
Education and training: Schultz studied at both Toronto's York University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. During his time at Soulpepper, he has made education a focus by establishing a partnership with George Brown College and setting up a theatre academy to train young performers.
Notable stage roles: Schultz performed several roles with the Stratford Festival, including as Romeo in "Romeo and Juliet." He also took the stage for Soulpepper with roles in "The Misanthrope," "Our Town," "Uncle Vanua," "Hamlet" and "The Odd Couple."
Notable productions: Schultz has directed numerous productions for Soulpepper, collecting several Dora Award nominations and at least two wins along the way. Productions include "Death of a Salesman," "As you Like It," "Waiting for Godot," "Angels in America, Parts I and II," and "Of Human Bondage."
Film and Television roles: Credits include parts on shows such as "Shades of Black," "Street Legal," Side Effects and "Going Home."
Honours and awards: Schultz was named a member of the Order of Canada in 2013. He has also won the Joan Chalmers National Award for Artistic Direction as well as a Gemini Award.
