Photo courtesy of Round House Theatre
Theatres Should Be Safe Spaces
Theatres should nurture creative expression in a safe, supportive environment where young performers can thrive without fear.
Yet a new lawsuit contends that Round House Theatre—and the arts councils that funded it—fell tragically short of that duty.
Overview of the Round House Theatre Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed in Montgomery County by Andreozzi and Foote, alleges that Round House Theatre in Bethesda, MD allowed acting teacher David DiGiannantonio to sexually abuse a student performer. The complaint names three defendants for failing to protect children: Round House Theatre, Inc., the Maryland State Arts Council, and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Inc.
The lawsuit outlines that these institutions had a duty to safeguard minors but lacked adequate oversight, background checks, and child abuse prevention policies. Those gaps, the suit argues, enabled DiGiannantonio’s abuse, as the student’s safety was completely ignored.
Although DiGiannantonio is now deceased, the lawsuit seeks to hold these institutions accountable for the harm their inaction caused.
Why Survivors Should Act Now
The Maryland Child Victims Act (2023) allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil cases regardless of when the abuse happened.
Right now, survivors can recover up to $890,000 from public institutions and $1.5 million from private institutions for non‑economic harm like pain and suffering. But beginning June 1, 2025, those limits drop to $400,000 from public institutions and $700,000 from private institutions.
Filing before June 1 helps ensure survivors can access financial support for therapy, medical care, and more—without arbitrary limits.
Your Voice Matters
While this lawsuit is brought on behalf of one courageous individual, the same institutional failures may have harmed other performers.
If you attended Round House Theatre—or suffered abuse in any arts organization—you are not alone.
Filing a civil lawsuit gives survivors a powerful way to hold institutions accountable. It also allows them to secure justice and access resources for healing and recovery.
Andreozzi + Foote Maryland sexual abuse lawyers are committed to helping survivors seek accountability and move forward with confidence. We provide a safe, supportive environment where your story is heard.
Free, Confidential Help
You deserve answers. You deserve justice. Andreozzi + Foote is ready to stand with you.
Let us help you take the next step with a free, confidential consultation today.
