Shakespeare Theatre Company Files Injunction to Stay at Lansburgh Theatre

The Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) filed a lawsuit this week including court papers requesting an injunction to enforce STC's rights under longstanding and clear agreements to occupy the theatre in the Lansburgh building, the Company's home for more than 20 years.

"Taking this dispute to court is a last resort- but after a year of good faith negotiations, we reluctantly concluded that we require an injunction to ensure that STC continues to occupy the Theatre and that performances by STC and other arts organizations that have been promised use of the theatre will continue as scheduled. We are confident that the Court will issue an injunction to block the eviction of STC from the Lansburgh," concluded STC Managing Director Chris Jennings.

In 1992, the Lansburgh Theatre was built specifically for STC as the quid pro quo agreed to by the developer of the Lansburgh apartment building (a partnership led by renowned architect Graham Gund) to the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation and the citizens of the District of Columbia for the right to develop the building. As part of this deal, Lansburgh Theatre, Inc (LTI) was established as a specialized non-profit charity solely created to serve as the Theatre's landlord and support the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

The requirements in LTI's Articles state that LTI may not change its "designated supported organization" -- STC -- and it must be responsive to STC also giving the Company a significant voice in any major decisions. In addition, LTI lacks the power to terminate either STC's status as the supported organization or its right to occupy the Theatre as long as STC performs its charitable purpose, which undoubtedly continues today. By law, no person including LTI, may have a private economic interest in the theatre property. Under the current lease agreement, 100% of the rent STC pays goes into a capital reserve fund that is held in trust exclusively to maintain the upkeep of the Lansburgh Theatre.

"LTI is clearly mismanaging its charter which dictates it must only be in existence to house the Shakespeare Theatre Company in the Lansburgh building," Jennings said. "LTI has demanded a 700% increase in the base rent. Thus far we have been unable to find a more appropriate solution to what we felt was an unreasonable and groundless request, LTI would not budge and demanded that STC vacate the Theatre. Because LTI refuses to withdraw its threats, STC has been forced to seek a court injunction to force LTI to comply with its obligations and thus stop it from trying, illegally, to evict STC."

Counsel to the Shakespeare Theatre Company Randall K. Miller, Partner at Arnold & Porter LLP, said, "The Court has broad equitable powers to do what justice requires which in this case means a court order preventing eviction and possibly reforming LTI's Board of Directors to ensure that it is responsive to the Shakespeare Theatre Company and its charitable mission."

"We are confident we will win this case. This will not affect any of our current performances and the best thing patrons can do to help is to keep supporting STC in the same ways they have for the past 25 years. If you are a theatre-goer, keep subscribing and attending performances and if you are a donor (or want to become one), we are grateful for your continued contributions. As they say, the show will go on!" concluded Jennings.

Recipient of the 2012 Regional Theatre Tony Award, the Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) is currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season. Not only is it the 25th year of Michael Kahn's leadership, vision and artistic direction but, over the past quarter of a century, STC has become one of the nation's leading theatre companies. Today, STC is synonymous with artistic excellence and making classical theatre more accessible.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Kahn and Managing Director Chris Jennings, STC's innovative approach to Shakespeare and other classic playwrights has earned it the reputation as the nation's premier classical theatre company. By focusing on works with profound themes, complex characters and poetic language written by Shakespeare, his contemporaries and the playwrights he influenced, the Company's artistic mission is unique among theatre companies: to present theatre of scope and size in an imaginative, skillful and accessible American style that honors the playwrights' language and intentions while viewing their work through a 21st-century lens.

A leader in arts education, STC has a stable of initiatives that teach and excite learners of all ages, from school programs and acting classes to discussion series as well as accessible programs like the annual Free For All, one of STC's most beloved annual traditions, allowing audiences to experience Shakespeare at no charge.

Located in our nation's capital, STC performs in two theatres, the Lansburgh Theatre and Sidney Harman Hall in downtown Washington, D.C., creating a dynamic, cultural hub of activity that showcases STC as well as outstanding local performing arts groups and nationally renowned organizations. STC moved into the 451-seat Lansburgh Theatre in March 1992, after six years in residency in the Folger Library's Elizabethan theatre. At that time the Penn Quarter neighborhood was not considered desirable by many; since then, STC has helped drive its revitalization. The 774-seat Sidney Harman Hall opened in October 2007.

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