Theatre Profile: Guthrie Theatre

The Guthrie Theater is a center for theatre performance, production, education, and professional training in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the result of the desire of Sir Tyrone Guthrie, Oliver Rea, and Peter Zeisler to create a resident acting company that would produce and perform the classics in an atmosphere removed from the commercial pressures of Broadway. The Guthrie Theater company has performed in two main facilities. The first building was designed by architect Ralph Rapson and included a 1,441 seat thrust stage designed by Tanya Moiseiwitsch, which was active from 1963-2006. After closing its 2005-2006 season, the company moved to its current facility designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.

The first facility that was built by Ralph Rapson in 1963 was a modified theater in the round design that featured a thrust stage projecting from a back wall with seating surrounding nearly two thirds of it. In 2002 the National Trust for Historic Preservation put the building on its list of the most endangered historic properties in the United States resulting in a new Guthrie Theatre which was constructed in 2006. The construction of the new building cost $125 million dollars and it is located along the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. The design is the work of architect Jean Nouvel, along with the Minneapolis architectural firm Architectural Alliance. It is a 285,000 square foot facility that houses three theatres, the theatre's signature thrust stage which seats 1,100 people, a 700-seat proscenium stage, and a black box studio with flexible seating. The first Guthrie production at this new location was The Great Gatsby which was performed on July 15, 2006.

The Guthrie Theatre is an American center for theatre performance, production, education, and professional training. By presenting both classical literature and new work from diverse cultures, the Guthrie illuminates the common humanity connecting Minnesota to the peoples of the world. This is their mission.

The current Artistic Director of The Guthrie Theatre is Joe Dowling. He has held this position since 1995. Dowling's time at The Guthrie Theatre has been marked by a return to regional touring, co-productions and collaborations, and his own dynamic productions of the classics. Joe Dowling has recently directed plays such as The Importance of Being Earnest, Faith Healer, and Macbeth at The Guthrie Theatre.

If you are interested in purchasing tickets you may purchase them online, by phone at 612-377-2224, or toll-free at 1-877-44STAGE, or in person at the box office. The box office is open Monday through Sunday 11a.m. to 8p.m. when there is a performance or 11a.m. to 5p.m. when there is no performance. There are also season packages available. There is a variety of subscriptions available with so much flexibility that it is easy to pick something that works with your schedule. The Guthrie Theatre also offers group sales for 15 people or more. If you have to get a gift for someone their are show packages along with dinner that you can buy for friends or family. There is so much to consider when buying tickets for a show so make sure you check out all the great deals.

The Guthrie Theatre also offers an internship program for college students and recent graduates that allows them to engage in hands on professional theatre training from Guthrie Staff, artists and craftspeople. The mission of The Guthrie Theater's internship program is to provide interns with training and educational opportunities that will expand their knowledge of working in professional theater. The Guthrie Theatre offers internship's in directing, development, marketing, and stage management. If you are interested in applying you can visit their website for more information.

Overall, The Guthrie Theatre has a very interesting historical background. I also feel that The Guthrie Theatre really reaches out to the community and try's to get the younger generation involved in theatre by providing internships. They have put on a great deal of performances as well and have received great reviews. I would highly recommend seeing a performance here or applying for an internship if you have the time. It would be a very rewarding experience.