As many of you know Teatro Zinzanni's season ended early. The staff was originally contracted from the end of September until mid April. The Entire staff was given 8 days notice that our last show was January 24th. Everyone was given a Layoff letter stating our last show date, work date and specified all of our owed wages would be paid out on February 4, 2026. During the last week we were offered a chance to make a bit more money by helping clean out the space that would also be paid out on the 4th. The morning of the 4th the entire staff did not receive a paycheck. Many of us reached out to the management that was left at the company and were told that the owner will be in touch. At 1pm that day we were informed that payroll is delayed and that they do not know when we will be paid. Not only have they withheld our hourly payroll, they have withheld $27,939.49 in tips that were earned by the staff and supposed to be distributed by the business between all tipped employees. Tips that guests and employees were told go to the staff serving them.

This Delay of pay has put a lot of us in very precarious positions. Rent is late, bills need to be paid, families need groceries, etc. This was supposed to be the money that held us over while looking for new income. Unemployment is an option for some, but does take time. Unemployment is not available to any of the performers, the band, or employees who have not hit some specific hourly or residence requirements in Washington state. Everyone here wants to work and are endeavoring on finding new employment. We have absolutely loved bringing together shows for our guests. It has been a joy to be a part of the Seattle preforming arts culture and we are so sad saying goodbye to the community and the community created in our space.

If you are able to contribute anything to help us in our time of need, it would be greatly appreciated. If that help is just kind words and understanding it is also greatly appreciated. The money collected will be distributed between the season staff (everyone who was working for this show run) this includes servers, bartenders, costumes, performers, musicians, technical staff, the people that create the magical evening experiences of Teatro Zinzanni. 61 people will benefit from your kindness.

In the event that we exceed the over $120,000.00 in lost wages all excess funds will be donated to a charity that supports Seattle artists.