For decades, the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has welcomed thousands of theatergoers to take in a show on its three stages and marvel at the Mississippi River from the building’s scenic overlooks. This year, the Guthrie welcomes groups to the 60th anniversary season of the independent theater and pillar of the Twin Cities creative community.

Founded in 1963, the Guthrie produces lauded classics and contemporary plays and musicals, including “A Christmas Carol,” which has been performed every winter since 1975. The Guthrie is proud of its illustrious history, which includes winning a Tony Award in 1988 for outstanding contributions to American theater, and it currently serves nearly 350,000 patrons and the rest of the Twin Cities through its art and outreach annually.

Guthrie Theater,
Credit: Dan Norman

The theater’s building itself is also an artistic feat. The current facility, a striking blue and gold structure unlike any other in Minneapolis—and perhaps the world—towers over the Mississippi River. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the new Guthrie building opened in 2006 and has a cantilever that extends 178 feet from the face of the building where guests often convene before and after a show to mingle and marvel at downtown scenery.

With discounted tickets for groups of 15 or more, it’s easy to get your group to the theater. Once you’re there, experience the magic of the theater with performances ranging from Shakespeare to Sondheim. This year, the Guthrie lineup will include Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” which was the first Guthrie production in 1963, an anniversary homage to the theater’s beginnings.

The Guthrie prides itself on being more than a home for groundbreaking works and celebrated classics. It’s also an interactive learning space, courtesy of the theater’s creative process workshops. Your group can choose from one of five Guthrie Education programs to get an in-depth look at how artists of many disciplines bring stories to life on the Guthrie stages. Taught by professional teaching artists, the programs cover topics like stage combat, costuming, music, and more. Workshops must be booked one month in advance and occur on Tuesdays or Saturdays.

The Guthrie Theater has thrived as an independent organization for 60 years because of its excellent leadership, creativity, and ability to inspire artists and audiences. Whether your group contains students, adults, theater novices, or lifelong thespians, the Guthrie is happy to welcome all to celebrate its historic anniversary.


Group-Friendly Twin Cities Theaters

Hennepin Theatre Trust

This organization oversees the Orpheum, State, Pantages, and Dudley Riggs theaters in downtown Minneapolis.

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

This St. Paul theater hosts operas, concerts, comedians, musicals, and more!

Theater Latté Da

Located in northeast Minneapolis, this theater is celebrating its 25th season and won a Drama Desk Award in 2019.