Longmont Theater Company Accused of Bylaw Violations, Faces Legal Action

The Longmont Theatre Company is facing a complaint alleging violations of its bylaws, particularly regarding the exclusion of volunteer members from annual meetings and voting rights. The complaint claims that the Board of Directors, under Chair Faye Lamb, has implemented policies to eliminate volunteer members and consolidate power. Volunteer members who have participated in productions within the last 12 months are entitled to membership, but the complaint alleges that these individuals have been wrongfully excluded.

Theater Company Faces Legal Action over Alleged Bylaw Violations

Boulder County, Colorado - The Longmont Theatre Company, a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to the performing arts, has been embroiled in a legal dispute over alleged violations of its bylaws. The complaint, filed in Boulder County District Court on March 26, 2023, sheds light on a contentious issue involving the company's volunteer membership program.

Core of the Dispute: Volunteer Membership Eligibility

The crux of the complaint centers on the eligibility criteria for volunteer membership within the Longmont Theatre Company. According to the organization's bylaws, any individual who has actively participated in a production within the past 12 months is entitled to volunteer membership status. This includes a wide range of roles, encompassing designers, technicians, carpenters, painters, actors, directors, producers, house managers, and other essential contributors.

Allegations of Exclusion and Deprivation

The complaint alleges that the board of directors, under the leadership of Board Chair Faye Lamb, has systematically violated these bylaws by barring eligible individuals from volunteer membership. The plaintiffs contend that individuals who should have been granted membership rights have been wrongfully excluded, depriving them of their rightful status and the associated benefits that come with it.

Fear of Reprisals Stifles Dissent

The complaint further asserts that actors and other theater artists have been apprehensive about voicing their concerns or asserting their membership rights for fear of retribution from the company. This alleged intimidation has created a climate of fear, silencing those who have been unjustly excluded.

Board's Purpose Questioned

The court filing goes on to accuse the board of directors of harboring an ulterior motive: to eliminate volunteer members and consolidate all corporate power within the board. The complaint suggests that this strategic move has been orchestrated under the direction of Board Chair Faye Lamb.

Defendants and Plaintiffs

The defendants in the lawsuit are listed as "Faye Lamb and unknown other members of the board of directors of Longmont Theatre Company, in their official capacity." The plaintiffs are Peg Bolan and Charlie Wright, both former members of the board of directors.

Specific Instances of Alleged Violations

The complaint provides specific examples of the alleged misconduct, including an instance where an individual was compensated with a mere $100 gift card for hundreds of hours of work on a production. The plaintiffs argue that this token compensation effectively disqualified the individual from volunteer membership status.

Request for Court Action

The plaintiffs request that the court issue a judgment in their favor, recognizing the breach of promise by the defendants. They also seek a declaration from the court to clarify the correct interpretation of the bylaws governing volunteer membership designation and the rights of those members.

Background of Longmont Theatre Company

The Longmont Theatre Company is a well-established organization that owns and operates the Longmont Performing Arts Center, located at 513 Main Street. The company produces a diverse range of productions throughout the year, showcasing the talents of local artists and providing entertainment for the community.

Conclusion

The ongoing legal action against the Longmont Theatre Company has brought to light serious allegations of bylaw violations and exclusionary practices. The outcome of the lawsuit will have significant implications for the organization's future and its relationship with the members who have dedicated their time and passion to its productions.