Guthrie Theater

"Young people are the lifeblood of a vibrant theater. In our new studio space, the Guthrie will play an important role in developing a new body of American artists." ~ Joe Dowling

Central to the Guthrie's mission is a commitment to nurture and develop the next generation of theater artists. The Dowling Studio was created to complement the Guthrie's programming, and to provide a totally flexible and well-equipped performance space to extend the theater's aesthetic, cultural and community connection.

The inspiration and vision for a studio space lies in the unique history and character of the "black box," which originated in the off-off-Broadway movement of the 1960s, and is responsible in part for the experimental nature of new American plays as well as the proliferation of American playwrights in the past four decades. The absence of color or interesting architectural detail means that the vitality and dynamic life of the studio will be created by the people inside it - both the artists and the audience.

The Dowling Studio will be home to University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. acting students and Guthrie Experience for Actors in Training. In addition, we'll open our doors to numerous theater groups across our state and beyond our borders to establish exciting and vibrant creative endeavors. We'll continue to commission new plays, present staged readings and otherwise encourage young actors, directors and playwrights to ensure the future of American theater.

The Dowling Studio is named by the Guthrie Board of Directors in tribute to Director Joe Dowling's leadership and vision and is funded through gifts from friends of Joe Dowling.