Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Arts and Culture
Marianne Combs
Minneapolis

Children's Theatre Company settles seventh lawsuit over abuse

Protestors stand in front of the Children’s Theatre Company.
Teaching artist Andrew Wheeler and other protestors stand in front of the Children’s Theatre Company on Saturday, June 22, 2019.
Marianne Combs | MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Updated: 4:48 p.m. | Posted: 11:56 a.m.

The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis has settled a lawsuit with a former student who was abused in the 1980s.

It’s the seventh lawsuit the Children's Theatre has settled with former students this year. The first six settlements were all with students from the 1970s. The seventh plaintiff's case was scheduled to go to trial in October.

The plaintiffs' attorney said the latest settlement is a step forward, and hopes the momentum for resolution will continue for the rest of the cases.

The survivor, however, expressed her disappointment in a statement:

"While CTC, the board, their numerous attorneys and law firms may have followed the letter of the law, it is my opinion and experience that they did not honor the spirit of the law that is in place to assist victims of trauma; nor the process of restoration.”

The statement goes on to say “The callous and calculated way they legally made their way through the process left me with more pain than I began with. If something was legal, they took full advantage – stalling or proceeding - as the law allowed, despite knowing the pain it would do to me. I think they handled the process badly.”

“I felt I had little way to turn, if any. I hope they treat the other victims better. CTC has a fundraising gala Saturday Evening. I intend to support the protesters either in spirit in person, and may come speak out in person at some time,” the statement said.

Survivors and allies say they are planning to protest the theater's annual fundraising gala this Saturday.

Eight former students still have unresolved civil suits against the Children's Theatre. They charge the Children's Theatre failed to protect them from sexual abuse by theater employees.

In a statement, the Children's Theatre said it will continue to work towards resolutions that help all survivors.