Writers Theatre Founder Accused Of Sexual Harassment

GLENCOE, IL — The founder and artistic director of a celebrated north suburban theater company has been accused of sexual harassment, and the board of directors of the Writers Theatre in Glencoe has opened an investigation, the theater said Sunday. Michael Halberstam, who founded the theater in 1992 and sits on its board of directors, allegedly groped and harassed an intern during a 2003 production.

The statement said the board has "engaged an experienced human resources consultant to fully investigate the claim." A spokesperson declined to clarify if the board is aware of other allegations.

In a series of tweets posted Thursday, Tom Robson, an associate professor at Millikin University in Decatur, recounts Halberstam's behavior as he directed a world premier production of Crime and Punishment at the theater. Robson was assistant director and dramaturg for the show, he said.

The director was Writers’ Artistic Director Michael Halberstam. He spent much of that rehearsal process sexually harassing me, verbally and physically. Through his comments, he regularly made me question whether the only reason I was in the room was because of my appearance. His hands often ended up on my leg or on my rear end. I did not know how to respond. I was a 23-year-old unpaid intern and he ran one of the most respected companies in the city. For 14 years I have blamed myself for not stopping it. It wasn’t my fault. ... We must all do better. And we must look out for each other.

Robson said he had no further comment other than what was included in his tweets.

In its statement, the board said it took action immediately when it was informed of Robson's allegation. It said it is "committed to ensuring a safe work environment, free of inappropriate conduct."

According to the statement, Halberstam "has agreed to fully cooperate" with the ongoing investigation.

After Robson posted his account of his experiences with Halberstam, other former employees described a pattern of similar behavior from Halberstam to PerformInk Chicago, including "unending sexual comments," being "expected to flirt with Halberstam to work at Writers," and joking about his employees having to "call HR." Sources told PerformInk the theater "has long been well aware of the problem" and teachers often warn students about auditioning at the Glencoe theater because of stories of uncomfortable situations.

Halberstam, 51, did not respond to a request for comment. He sits on the theater's board, and he is directing a production of The Importance of Being Earnest set to begin preview performances Wednesday.

The board did not indicate if his role in that production or the theater's administration would be affected by the investigation.

Halberstam, a native of England, has directed close to 40 shows at Writers Theatre. He was honored last year with a special honor from the Jeff Awards. He has taught Shakespeare at DePaul University, was named the Chicago Tribune's 2013 Theater "Chicagoan of the Year" and sits on the board of the Arts Club of Chicago. The Writers Theater moved to a new downtown Glencoe location in February 2016.

_{Top photo: Michael Halberstam | Courtesy Jeff Awards | Credit Joe Mazza Photo}