Guthrie Theater

In 1963, the Irish Director Sir Tyrone Guthrie founded the Guthrie Theater which helped launch the national theater movement, confirmed Minnesota as a cultural center, and established the company as a leading artistic and educational resource for the region. The company has received such honors as America's Best Regional Theater by Time Magazine, Tony Award, and Jujamcyn Theater Award for outstanding contribution to the development of creative talent. Since assuming directorship in 1995, Joe Dowling has aspired to make the Guthrie “the people's theater” of Minnesota through quality artistic programming, breadth of serve to patrons and artists, and outreach to a broad audience. Their intent is to shape the way in which American theater develops in the 21st century. The Guthrie Theater’s key areas of programming include the artistic season, educational and enrichment offerings for all ages, and advanced training for B.F.A. and candidates and graduate students.

As part of Shakespeare for a New Generation, the Guthrie Theater will present Much Ado About Nothing on their Wurtele thrust stage for a seven-week run. The production will be directed by Joe Dowling and will star 1991 Tony Award-nominated actress Dearbhla Molloy, in her Guthrie debut as Beatrice. Educational programming will include student matinees, pre-performance presentations, and post-performance discussions with the cast, study guides, and educator workshops to assist teachers with the study of the play in their classroom. Participating schools will come from the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In addition, the company partners with Project SUCCESS which serves Minneapolis and Saint Paul schools by helping student develop goal-setting and problem-solving skills through arts and cultural activities.