The Children`s Theater Company of Minneapolis, rocked last year when artistic director John Clark Donahue pleaded guilty to charges of sexually abusing teenage boys, has a new leader.
Jon Cranney, a company veteran named acting artistic director in April, 1984, has won out over 45 applicants for the permanent post of artistic director. The appointment marks a new era for the famous children`s theater, with many other changes on the way.
The educational arm of the theater will be reduced by the elimination of all elementary and junior high school programs; high school programs will remain. In addition, executive director Sarah Lawless is leaving the theater, and sources say some members of the faculty/acting company may follow.
Despite the tumult, the theater has remained stable financially and plans a seven-production season for 1985-86.
