A "widespread culture of sexual harassment" towards young people has been alleged at a Tasmanian theatre company, in a statement provided to the state's Department of Justice.
The amateur dramatic company was founded in 2008 and has produced more than 37 shows with large local casts in Launceston. "Despite the impact this has had and continues to have on my psychological wellbeing, I will take every possible action to ensure that the organisations/individuals responsible for sharing untested and slanderous documentation are identified.
"Encore Theatre Company's Code of Conduct outlines the standard of acceptable conduct and behaviours that we expect of all of our members; to act with dignity, honesty, integrity and respect towards others," it read.An ABC investigation uncovers allegations from young men against an influential Tasmanian theatre production manager that he made unwanted sexual advances, including through physical contact at after-parties and by sexting a school student.
With respect to the specific allegation against us "Encore Theatre Company is an organisation which 'allegedly has a widespread culture of sexual harassment and abuse toward young adult and youth male members', the statement is false and highly defamatory of ETC, its members, and volunteers. It is denied in its entirety."