Original sentence: At the conclusion of the 2008-09 season, however, popular long-time artistic director Bill Theisen and several other staff members were dismissed due to a projected budget deficit and the economic downturn.Theisen's administrative responsibilities were assigned to the company's managing director Eric Dillner, and new productions will be staged by directors hired for each show, possibly including Theisen.Theisen's colleagues, including former music director Jamie Johns, company donors, and other supporters protested the firings, contacting board members, distributing petitions and staging a demonstration outside the theatre
Edited sentence: At the conclusion of the 2008-09 season, however, long-time artistic director Bill Theisen and several other staff members were let go due to a budget deficit.These controversial firings were met with anger by much of the arts community in Milwaukee and received national press coverage