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Employees who worked for VCE Theaters LLC, d/b/a Studio One Theaters, at any time since the theater opened in late 2018 may be eligible to claim between $138 or $276.01 from a class action settlement.
VCE Theaters LLC agreed to pay $280,000 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging employment law violations, including claims related to improper tip pooling and wage practices.
Who are the class members?
The settlement class includes individuals who meet all of the following criteria:
- They worked for VCE Theaters LLC, d/b/a Studio One Theaters, at any time from the theater’s opening in late 2018 through April 9, 2026.
- They received a paycheck for a pay period in which they participated in a tip pool that included managers, supervisors or other statutory employers.
- They did not work exclusively in the positions referred to as “hourly manager” or “lead” according to Studio One’s Ready Theater Systems records.
There are two categories of class members:
- Class members: All eligible current and former employees who meet the criteria above
- Collective members: Individuals who timely opted in to the Fair Labor Standards Act collective and did not withdraw from the lawsuit. These members are eligible for a higher payment.
How much can class members get?
The settlement provides for two tiers of payments based on class member status:
- Class members: $138.00 each
- Collective members (FLSA opt-ins): $276.01 each
Each eligible class member receives one share. Each eligible collective member receives two shares (one as a class member and one as a collective member). The settlement administrator calculated the amount per share by dividing the net settlement fund by the total number of shares.
If there are any funds remaining after it distributes all payments, the settlement administrator will donate the leftover amount to the Northwest Workers Justice Project as a cy pres distribution.
No claim form needed to receive a payout
Class members do not need to submit a claim form to receive their payment. The settlement administrator will automatically mail checks to the address on file. However, class members whose address has changed since their employment at Studio One Theaters should update their mailing address to ensure they receive their settlement check.
$280,000 settlement fund breakdown
The $280,000 settlement fund will cover:
- Settlement administration costs: To be determined
- Attorneys' fees: Up to $104,533.33
- Attorneys' expenses: Up to $49,077.23
- Service awards to class representatives: Up to $2,500 each ($5,000 total)
- Payments to eligible class members: Approximately $54,234.51
Important dates
- Opt-out deadline: July 21, 2026
- Fairness hearing: Aug. 26, 2026
When is the Studio One Theaters settlement payout date?
The settlement administrator will mail checks to class members about 60 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement.
Why is there a class action settlement?
The class action lawsuit alleged Studio One Theaters included managers and supervisors in tip pools, which may have violated wage-and-hour laws.
The defendants denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid further litigation costs and risks.
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