Innocence Lost

In a series of web and radio stories that appeared from Oct. 7, 2019, through Dec. 23, 2019, MPR News correspondent Marianne Combs reported on her investigation into the history of child sexual abuse at Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis. Though the abuse occurred decades ago, the effects linger still. As reported by Combs, the extent of the abuse was more widespread than had been recognized at the time, involving at least 20 adults employed by the theater and dozens of children.

Other MPR News staff who contributed to the project include photojournalists Christine Nguyen and Evan Frost; web designer, story producer and illustrator Will Lager; digital producer Sara Porter; senior editor Eric Ringham, and managing editor Laura McCallum.

Pictures and drawings of children lined up as in a yearbook

Innocence Lost: A culture of abuse

October 7, 2019 4:00 AM

By Marianne Combs

Allegations of abuse at the Children's Theatre Company date back to 1972, an arrest was made a dozen years later and some survivors are only now finding justice.

A drawing of a white building with dark windows

Innocence Lost: Rumors, alarms got nowhere

October 16, 2019 12:00 PM

By Marianne Combs

Children’s Theatre’s defenders have said management was in the dark about what was being done to young people decades ago. But some parents raised alarms at the time.

A woman hands out flowers to people standing in a circle.

Innocence Lost: From inside and outside CTC, friends gather to support abuse survivors

October 29, 2019 4:12 PM

By Marianne Combs

A group called Standing with CTC Survivors organized in response to the theater’s treatment of former students who were abused in decades past.

A group of people stand around a podium.

Innocence Lost: Reconciliation, accountability stressed as Children’s Theatre suits settled

November 1, 2019 11:47 AM

By Marianne Combs

Survivors of childhood sexual assault during the 1970s and 1980s at Children’s Theatre Company said they would try to work with the theater to restore trust and ensure such abuse never happens again. One key survivor said she was ending her boycott of CTC.

An illustration of scales and papers before a building

Innocence Lost: Searching for justice

November 14, 2019 4:00 AM

By Marianne Combs

For the survivors of CTC abuse, financial settlements are only a start on the work that needs to be done.

A woman wearing a blue patterned scarf and black coat.

Innocence Lost: Survivor’s story of CTC abuse includes sex trafficking, child porn

December 16, 2019 4:00 AM

By Marianne Combs

Her account differs markedly from those of others who endured abuse decades ago at Children’s Theatre.

Figures stand before the Children's Theatre Company building

Innocence Lost: Could it happen again?

December 23, 2019 4:00 AM

By Marianne Combs

Many survivors say while the Children’s Theatre has made significant changes, the broader community’s culture of silence remains.

The outside of The Children's Theatre Company

Innocence Lost: Children's Theatre Company responds to questions

October 7, 2019 4:00 AM

By Marianne Combs

When Managing Director Kimberly Motes and Artistic Director Peter Brosius of Children’s Theatre Company agreed to an interview with Marianne Combs, they asked that MPR News to publish their comments in their entirety. This is the full text of that interview.

A reporter talking with a woman

Innocence Lost: explained

October 7, 2019 4:00 AM

By Eric Ringham

In the series of articles and radio reports beginning today titled “Innocence Lost,” MPR News aims to offer the fullest telling to date of the sexual abuse that plagued Children’s Theatre Company in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s.