Noise Dispute Is Settled in Arbitration

The dispute between A Noise Within and Cal State Los Angeles over the classical theater company’s use of Luckman Theater for its 1999-2000 season has been resolved by an arbitrator who awarded A Noise Within $25,000 in damages, plus the return of the troupe’s $5,000 deposit.

The company had moved to the Luckman from its Glendale home to expand seating capacity and add modern amenities. However, the relationship deteriorated as the season went along. A Noise Within’s leaders charged that the theater managers had unfairly removed belongings during dark periods and raised the rates for certain services to prohibitive levels. A Noise Within left after one year of the proposed three-year residency.

The company had asked for $491,000, hoping that it could receive moving expenses and compensatory damages for the company’s inability to return for two more years. But arbitrator Henry Silverberg of the American Arbitration Assn. awarded the $25,000 only for damages incurred during the troupe’s actual residency.

“At first we were disappointed by the amount,” said Geoff Elliott, one of the company’s artistic directors. “But ultimately we’re delighted that we can move on.”

The university responded with this written statement: “The finding clearly indicates that the university did not terminate the contract with A Noise Within. The matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of the university.”

PLAYHOUSE ANGELLS

Today’s opening performance of “A Life in the Theatre” at Pasadena Playhouse will be dedicated to David and Lynn Angell, who died during the terrorist attacks in New York on Tuesday. David Angell was a playhouse board member for the last three years. The couple contributed at the $25,000 level and gave “a lot more than money,” executive director Lyla White said. “They supported everything we did.”