Pros
The theatre they produce is decent enough, but the quality of the art doesn’t outweigh the mistreatment of its artists and employees
Cons
Executive leadership has remained in place despite constant turnover of lower-level staff. An administrative environment founded on abusive work dynamics and exploits their new hires with no support for marginalized or underrepresented groups or individuals. There is judgement toward independent thinkers and those who don't immediately follow commands. A mean spirited, anti-collaborative attitude from the top-down reflects unfavorably on its employees. The common nonprofit issues of employees only being valued for their labor and not as human beings. A large portion of the staff leave each year yet employees that are committed have no realistic timeline for career advancement. Leadership is not willing to address or take responsibility for the egregious issues they cause or oversee. If you haven’t been warned already: Friends don’t let friends work at Studio. Salary for senior leadership salary is enormous while lower lever staff can barely afford housing or insurance. Nonprofit arts structure of exploiting the labor of its young staff until they’re burnt out/exhausted/defeated and then you’re just replaced with someone younger and too naive to know Studio’s reputation. Housing for apprentices costs over $1k per month for poor living conditions. The divide between part time and full time workers is clear as day. Subscribers and donors are valued over the people who legitimately keep the shows running smoothly. Constantly having to put up with micro aggressions from patrons. There is no urgency to act fast when people have reported concerning/unhelpful behavior from other employees and supervisors. A restrictive, elitist, hierarchy that only rewards the wealthy (and white). The amount of labor that FOH staff is required to do compared to the wage is laughable. Unsupportive and toxic environment that lacks a work-life balance for those that desire stability, security, etc. Managing Director has supported a toxic work environment where employees are seen as disposable and replaceable. Studio is in a deficit for a few years now and coincides with most senior management coming into power. Studio has done nothing to improve its status in the regional theatre community. Doesn’t support employees that speak out against abuse and would rather let issues be swept under the rug which only breeds more abuse, bullying, and toxicity. Cares more about capitalism than fostering community and uses fear as motivation.