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Marianne Combs

Theater companies face unique challenges dealing with sexual harassment and assault

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The list of Hollywood actresses accusing movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault continues to grow. Lupita Nyong'o, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cara Delevingne are among those speaking out about Weinstein's abuse of power.

The fall of this Hollywood heavyweight caused women across the country to speak out on social media using the #MeToo hashtag to acknowledge that sexual harassment and assault occurs in all workplaces, including the theater.

MPR News reporter Catharine Richert uncovered in Rochester, Minn. that Gregory Stavrou, the former Rochester Civic Theatre Executive Director, was harassing people involved with the company.

MPR News guest host Marianne Combs looked at the unique circumstances that make reporting sexual assault in the world of theater difficult. She spoke with a panel of experts from our region:

• Performer Hannah Wydeven, who is on the leadership team of Fair Play, an organization pushing for a more gender-inclusive improv community in the Twin Cities

• MPR News reporter Catharine Richert, who has covered sexual harassment allegations at the Rochester Civic Theatre

• Caroline Palmer, public and legal affairs manager at Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault

To hear the full discussion use the audio player above.

Correction (Nov. 9, 2017): An earlier version of this story incorrectly categorized Stavrou's alleged actions.