Children's Theatre names new managing director

The Children's Theatre Company has appointed Kimberly Motes as its new managing director.

Motes comes to the Children's Theatre from the University of St. Thomas, where she is senior vice president for institutional advancement. She has led several Twin Cities cultural institutions, including the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts and Theater Latte Da.

She replaces Karen Bohn, who held the position on an interim basis following the departure of Tim Jennings, who left to head up the Shaw Festival of Canada.

Children's Theatre Artistic Director Peter Brosius said Motes has a proven track record. "She has grown every organization that she's worked with, she's built them and extended them, and so we're really excited about how she'll bring that energy to us," he said.

The Children's Theatre is currently the target of multiple lawsuits alleging child abuse in the 1980s. Despite that, Brosius said it's a great time for Motes to be joining the company. "It's the 50th anniversary, it's a season of five world premieres, the staff and board are stronger than they've ever been," he said.

Motes will join the Children's Theatre staff Feb. 29.

Motes has held executive positions at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., and the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. She has also worked at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and at the Washington Ballet.