Guthrie Theater

The idea to build the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis was first contrived by Sir Tyrone Guthrie and two of his friends in 1959. Guthrie was interested in creating a theater with high standards that would perform the classics. He posted this invitation in an ad in the New York Times and Minneapolis, along with seven other cities, expressed interest in the project. The first play that took place at the theater was Hamlet in March 1963. The reason this theater was so groundbreaking was because it was one of the first of its kind. It was different than the standard Broadway Theater, in that it was not as expensive and commercial. The theater was demolished in 2006 and was replaced by a new 125 million dollar building. This new establishment is state of the art and includes the theater's signature thrust stage (the type in its original building), a proscenium stage, and a black-box theater with movable seating.
Right now at the Guthrie the main show being performed is Caroline or Change. The popular show has gotten wonderful reviews. The show is about two hours and thirty minutes and will cost you between $34 and $65 dollars to see. Another show that will shortly premiere is The Intelligent Homosexuals Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures by Tony Kushner. The play opens in just a few weeks, May 22nd, and examines the importance of having connections and feeling like we like belong to a certain group of people. The theater offers many other exciting shows coming up in the next few weeks and months.
Along with the art of viewing theater, learning the art is also a very important aspect to the Guthrie. They offer many different types of ways for the general public and those highly interested in acting to do so. During the summer months and certain school breaks the theater will offer camps and classes for kids between the ages of seven and sixteen. The camps have various themes such as, “Camp Shakespeare” or “Make ‘Em Laugh.” The theater also holds classes for adults as well. These run from four to eight weeks long and help adult actors develop their crafts.
If you are a student majoring in the some form of theater and want experience in the craft the Guthrie also offers very valuable nonpaid internship programs for college students and graduates. These run from a few weeks to an entire session and are meant to give a first-hand look into the world of theater. They are offered in every area from Costume Design to Stage Management. However, the theater does not offer internships in acting.
The theaters mission statement is basically that they want to host a variety of shows, from the classics to the new and diverse, and connect Minnesota to the rest of the world. I first learned about the Guthrie Theaters existence through a discussion post on types of performance stages. I researched the buildings prominent thrust stage. The theater interested me when I saw the pictures of both the exterior and interior. The inside looks absolutely stunning while the outside of the structure is modern and cool looking. Therefore, it was the theaters appearance that first drew me in but learning about it through this post has allowed me to see it for all of its other interesting qualities. If I am ever in the Minneapolis area in my life I would love to go and see a show at this theater. I am certain the experience would be wonderful.