Little Rock, Arkansas – A legal dispute between Argenta Contemporary Theatre and Stage 13 has come to an end after both sides reached a settlement agreement, closing a lawsuit that began following the departure of several former ACT employees and the creation of the new performing arts organization.
Stage 13 announced the settlement Wednesday evening, saying the agreement allows the organization to move forward and refocus its attention on its mission of supporting performing arts programs across Arkansas.
The lawsuit was originally filed by Argenta Contemporary Theatre (ACT) in September 2025 against 13 former employees. The lawsuit followed a mass resignation on Aug. 24, 2025, when the group left ACT and later formed Stage 13. ACT alleged that the former employees engaged in corporate sabotage and theft during the transition.
Stage 13 said that rather than continuing a lengthy legal process, its leadership decided it was time to resolve the matter and return its attention to artistic programs and community work.
“Our mission has always been bigger than this lawsuit,” Stage 13 wrote in the release. “Rather than continue spending valuable time and resources in court, our committed board of directors and founders made the decision to move forward and return our full focus to serving Arkansas through the performing arts.”
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According to Stage 13, an anonymous donor provided $150,000 to cover the settlement amount and also paid the legal expenses for the individuals named in the lawsuit. The organization said the donation played an important role in allowing it to move beyond the conflict and continue its operations.
Stage 13 leaders expressed appreciation for the financial support, saying the contribution represented more than just assistance with legal costs.
“We will never be able to fully express our gratitude for this extraordinary act of generosity,” said Co-Executive Directors Alyson Courtney and Warren McCullough. “This gift wasn’t simply about resolving a lawsuit, it was about protecting our mission. Because of this donor’s incredible belief in Stage 13, our staff can move beyond litigation and return to creating art and investing in students, productions, and the community.”
ACT also released a statement regarding the agreement and provided details about the terms of the settlement.
The theater organization stated that it will receive $150,000 from Stage 13 as part of the resolution. Under the agreement, Stage 13 defendants and William Feland will voluntarily dismiss their claims against ACT, Christian Gwatney Baker, and Vincent Insalaco without receiving payment.
ACT also noted that the settlement does not include a confidentiality agreement, meaning the terms are not restricted from public discussion. The organization said the conclusion of the lawsuit does not include any finding or admission of wrongdoing by ACT or its leadership.
“As of this afternoon, Argenta Contemporary Theatre (ACT) has finalized a settlement resolving its litigation related to the departure of former employees and the formation of Stage 13. Under the agreement, ACT will receive $150,000 from Stage 13, and the Stage 13 defendants and William Feland are voluntarily dismissing their claims against ACT, Christian Gwatney Baker, and Vincent Insalaco with no payment. The settlement includes no confidentiality provision, and the litigation concludes without any finding or admission of wrongdoing by ACT or its leadership, all of whom consistently and categorically denied the allegations made against them from the outset.”
The agreement brings an end to a dispute that had drawn attention within Little Rock’s arts community. Both organizations have continued operating while the lawsuit moved through the legal process, with each maintaining a focus on performing arts programs and community engagement.
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Stage 13 said the settlement allows its team to return its full attention to productions, educational opportunities, and supporting local artists. ACT’s statement emphasized that the organization also considers the matter resolved while maintaining its position regarding the allegations.
With the lawsuit now concluded, both groups are expected to continue their separate efforts within Arkansas’ performing arts community. The settlement marks the end of a challenging period for those involved and allows the organizations to move forward with their respective missions.
