Roxy Regional Theatre funding challenged over accusations against executive director

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – City Council members will vote this week on an ordinance that would remove city funding from the Roxy Regional Theatre.

The ordinance cites complaints of a hostile work environment involving theater director Ryan Bowie. Allegations listed in the ordinance include racism, workplace bullying, retaliation, inappropriate touching, assault, sexual harassment, stalking and inappropriate relationships with actors.

Bowie has denied the allegations, and Roxy officials said they have addressed the complaints.

Council discussion

The measure is sponsored by Councilperson Vondell Richmond and was presented at the council’s executive session on Tuesday. Richmond did not provide any other details as to why he brought the ordinance forward, other than what was written in the measure.

“This ordinance sort of speaks for itself,” Richmond said.

The measure saw support from Councilperson Trisha Butler, who read an email from an unnamed “respected community member” that called for defunding the Roxy until the issues are addressed further.

Councilperson Ambar Marquis noted she would be introducing an amendment to the ordinance on Thursday.

“Clarksville is a fast-growing city. Everybody knows that. There is a lot of projects that we have going on, (and) some more that we also still need to take up. I just want to let everyone know that on Thursday I will be bringing forth an amendment to transfer the (Roxy) funds to the Street Department,” Marquis said.

Councilperson Stacey Streetman asked that those in the audience who supported funding the Roxy to stand, and over a dozen did so.

For the current budget, the city has agreed to provide $185,085 for the Roxy Regional Theatre, paid out in monthly installments. If the measure were to pass a second reading on Jan. 5, $77,118.75 of those funds would be returned to the city’s general fund as the ordinance currently reads.

Roxy investigation

During the public comment period, no one spoke in favor of removing funding. But multiple members of the audience came forward in support of the Roxy. Those included multiple performers, Montgomery County Commissioner David Shelton and Roxy Board Chair Stacy Turner.

Turner explained that she spoke with several council members who reached out to her about the matter. She said did not hear from Richmond, the sponsor of the ordinance.

“One person I did not have any communication with, nor did (he) reach out to me, is Councilperson Vondell Richmond. That bothers me greatly.”

Turner also spoke about the investigation the board conducted.

“We did a full and complete investigation with regard to these allegations,” Turner said, citing her experience as an attorney. “What we do is give a person due process in my profession, and that is what we, as this 21-member board, afforded Ryan Bowie: due process. And we came to a conclusion.”

According to documents obtained by Clarksville Now, the Roxy responded to the allegations by implementing a plan to improve working environment at the theater. Bowie, and all Roxy staff members, were also required to enroll in extensive human resources training. Additionally, more employees were hired, including an HR director.

Bowie responds

Bowie also addressed the council.

“Did I make mistakes? Absolutely. I think you need to determine what the word ‘allegation’ means and what actual fact means,” he said, noting he had been under attack as a LGBTQIA+ member of the community and that the allegations have no merit.

He explained to the council that the Roxy had conducted two investigations and that they had taken every step to address the problems and make the theater a safe place for youth and fans of the performing arts.

“You have all been given ample opportunity to receive the facts, and if you choose to continue to believe allegations, then that is not something I can control. But I hope and pray that the Roxy Regional Theatre, who is celebrating 40 years, and has been through many, many, many ups and downs, will continue for the next 40 years, and we look forward to the partnership with the city of Clarksville as we build a new performing arts center, and we move forward to make this an accepting space for all individuals.”

Another measure up for vote that was postponed from last month would reappoint Bowie to the city Parking Commission board. That measure was postponed following discussion last month about the allegations.

Both the measure to remove city funding from the Roxy and to reappoint Bowie to the Parking Commission will receive a vote at the regular council meeting on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. at One Public Square.