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Chicago theater closes in wake of misconduct allegations

Profiles Theatre in Chicago has closed less than a week after The Chicago Reader published allegations of intimidation and misconduct against a member of its artistic staff.

"We are sad to announce that Profiles Theatre is closing its doors after 28 years and 81 productions. The closure is effective immediately," a posting on the theater's website read.

"We want to thank all of the artists who have worked with us during the past three decades. We are very proud of the many successes we have achieved together."

The article quoted theater artists who worked at Profiles who claimed co-artistic director Darrell W. Cox engaged in questionable conduct on and offstage, mostly directed toward young actresses.

Cox, by email, said he did nothing wrong.

"Many of the allegations are based on people's opinions, feelings, and beliefs. It is impossible to respond to those types of statements despite how damaging and hurtful they are," Cox wrote.

"We have heard from countless people over the past week voicing their support and expressing their appreciation for how we have affected them and what their time at Profiles meant," he added.

The article set off a firestorm within Chicago's theater community and prompted an outpouring on social media including an online petition to get the Joseph Jefferson Committee to revoke Cox's 2010 Jeff Award for "Killer Joe."

The Jeff Committee posted a response on its Facebook page indicating it will "address the change.org petition and advise the community."

In the post, Jeff Committee members expressed support for Not In Our House, an advocacy group founded last year to support victims of discrimination, sexual harassment and violence within Chicago's theater community.

An open letter posted on the Not In Our House website in response to The Reader article reads: "We aim to prevent future abuses of power in the theater community and provide a source of support for people who have been abused."

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