The artistic director of Fort Worth’s Jubilee Theatre was arrested Friday and accused of offering two boys money in exchange for sex.
Declois Garrett Beacham, better known by his professional name Tre Garrett, was charged with two counts of compelling prostitution with a child under 18, and released on bail from the Tarrant County Jail. Garrett’s attorney told media outlets he maintains his innocence, and the Jubilee Theatre released a statement saying it will “wait to see how the situation unfolds.”
Garrett, who we profiled in 2013 and called “the best young artistic director in North Texas,” was scouted for the job at the Jubilee in 2010. The 33-year-old has been acclaimed for his work with the black theater company. On Friday, the Jubilee held a preview performance of In Real Life, a new musical.
Update: The theater has placed Garrett on paid administrative leave, with Managing Director Glenda Thompson taking charge of artistic staff “pending further developments,” according to a news release from Jubilee. In a statement, the theater said it has launched an internal investigation, but that Garrett “has not shown any indication that he would participate in the type of behavior he is accused of.” The theater will also hire outside legal counsel.
“Jubilee Theatre strongly believes that Mr. Garrett’s alleged actions are not a reflection of Jubilee Theatre, which has been in operation for 34 years with an ongoing excellent reputation,” the statement said.
