Donald Cleland

Donald is very excited to be back directing a youth production at Theatre in the Grove after a number of years absence. His most recent musicals he directed at TiTG were BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR. and THE WIZARD OF OZ YOUNG ACTORS EDITION. He also directed youth productions way back in the 80’s. He has appeared in many plays and musicals at TiTG. A couple of his favorites are THE WIZARD OF OZ (The Cowardly Lion) and THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM (Lil Harp). Donald’s favorite role to date is the one he plays every Christmas season at Sleighbells in Sherwood and that is Santa Claus. Donald also has directed a number of youth productions at HART Theatre in Hillsboro. Most notably, LION KING JR., MATILDA JR. and this fall SEUSSICAL JR. Donald grew up in Hillsboro, taught school there, where he built a theatre program at Poynter Middle School. He and his wife Sonja of 47 years raised their 3 sons in Hillsboro. Donald is a proud grandpa to Taylor, Brynn, Blair, and Liam. He would like to apologize to his dogs Ringo and Juniper for ignoring them during this process. He’ll take them hiking as soon as he can!