Chicago’s Profiles Theatre, which occupied the space at 4147 N. Broadway, has closed its doors.
The development came after the Chicago Reader published a lengthy article detailing numerous allegations of abuse at the theater by performers who’d worked there over the past few decades. The article, in particular, named director Darrell W. Cox.
In a statement, Profiles said, in part, “We are sad to announce that Profiles Theatre is closing its doors after 28 years and 81 productions. The closure is effective immediately. … We hope this decision will further the healing process within our community. May Chicago theatre thrive and its future be bright.”
Artistic Director Joe Jahraus founded Profiles in 1988; Neil LaBute was a resident artist at the institution at the time.
Reaction to the article was swift. For example, a Change.org petition calling for the resignation of Cox and Jahraus garnered thousands of signatures, and the hashtag #ByeDarrell was created on Twitter.
The Chicago Reader article is at www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/profiles-theatre-theater-abuse-investigation/Content?oid=22415861 .