The Guthrie Theater

What The Guthrie Theater does

The Guthrie Theater, founded May 7, 1963, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit regional theater operating a purpose-built 2006 riverfront facility designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Jean Nouvel. The institution presents a curated annual season of theatrical productions across three state-of-the-art stages — the 1,100-seat Wurtele Thrust, the 700-seat McGuire Proscenium, and the 199-seat Dowling Studio — supported by an in-house 20,000 sq ft scene shop and costume shop that enable vertically integrated production. The 2026–2027 season features eight mainstage productions including Waiting for Godot, A Christmas Carol, The Pirates of Penzance, and John Proctor Is the Villain, distributed via subscriptions, single tickets ($27–$108), and group sales (15+), with mobile digital ticketing launched April 2026 through True Tickets.

The Guthrie operates a hybrid revenue model spanning earned and contributed income: ticket sales (subscriptions starting at $160 for an 8-play package, plus single, rush, and student matinee tickets), individual donations (Guthrie Circle at $2,500+ and planned giving), corporate partnerships ($1,000 supporter tier through $15,000 Producer tier), the multi-year $80 million Illuminate Capital Campaign ($66M raised by December 2025), educational programming (summer camps $457–$907, Theater in Focus digital curriculum, Guthrie Actors Lab professional training), event rentals, on-site hospitality (lobby bars and Indígena by Owamni by James Beard Award–winning Chef Sean Sherman), and retail via the Guthrie Store. Patron reach in 2024–2025 spanned 313,000+ attendees from all 50 states and 87 Minnesota counties, anchored by Artistic Director Joseph Haj (appointed 2015, 100+ productions) and a 1982 Tony Award for Outstanding Contribution to the American Theater.

Customer segments include theater enthusiasts (season subscribers and single-ticket buyers), youth and students (K–12 matinees, summer camps), corporate partners (sponsors such as U.S. Bank, Ameriprise, Cargill, Medtronic, and the Carlson Family Foundation at $250K+ funding levels), and individual donors. The GTM motion is event-driven around seasonal programming, with multi-channel distribution through in-person box office, phone (toll-free), online, group sales, and digital mobile tickets, supported by digital marketing, social media, an annual gala, and community engagement programs.

Name

The Guthrie Theater

Legal name

The Guthrie Theater

Website

https://guthrietheater.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1963

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963 in Minneapolis, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit regional theater presenting an annual eight-production season across three venues (1,100-, 700-, and 199-seat stages), serving 313,000+ patrons annually from all 50 states, supplemented by education programs, corporate sponsorships, and an ongoing $80M capital campaign.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Theater and Performing Arts

NAICS

Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (71111)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses) (MPAGALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Classical & Contemporary Theatre (Plays/Drama) (MPAGABAH), Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM), Children’s & Youth Theatre (MPAGABAE)

Keywords

• Live theater productions
• Performing arts center
• Theatrical education programs
• Event venue rentals
• Season subscriptions

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: The primary revenue stream comes from ticket sales for theatrical productions. The theater offers season subscriptions, single tickets, and group tickets (15+). Prices range from $27 to $108 for single tickets, with season subscriptions starting at $160 for 8 plays. Discounts are available for seniors, students, educators, children and groups.
2. Individual Donations: Individual donors fuel the theater's work on and off the stage through annual giving programs. Donors at $2,500 and above join the Guthrie Circle. The theater also accepts planned gifts and monthly sustaining donations.
3. Corporate Partnerships: Corporate sponsorship packages start at $1,000 for supporters and $15,000 for Producer packages. Benefits include season-long recognition in marketing materials, advertising in play programs, complimentary tickets, hospitality experiences, and event rental discounts.
4. Illuminate Campaign: A capital campaign seeking to raise $80 million for Artistic Excellence ($30M), Endowment ($20M), and Guest Experience & Capital ($30M). The campaign had reached $66 million as of December 2025.
5. Event Rentals: The theater offers its spaces for private events including weddings, corporate meetings, holiday parties and conferences. Spaces available include the Dowling Studio and other event spaces with views of downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River.
6. Food and Beverage: The theater operates lobby bars and the Target Lounge offering beverages and snacks before shows and during intermission. Indígena by Owamni, a James Beard Award-winning Indigenous restaurant, operates in the Level One space.
7. Education Programs: Revenue from summer camps and intensives for youth (grades 6-12), including musical theater, technical theater, and acting programs. Prices range from $457 for one-week camps to $907 for two-week camps.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Guthrie Theater is a nonprofit regional performing arts center that produces and presents theatrical productions across three stages — the 1,100-seat Wurtele Thrust Stage, 700-seat McGuire Proscenium Stage, and 199-seat Dowling Studio. It sells tickets and season subscriptions for eight annual mainstage productions, runs youth education programs (summer camps, student matinees), rents event spaces, and operates the on-site Guthrie Store retail and dining.

Product overview

The Guthrie Theater is a nonprofit performing arts center offering a portfolio of theater productions, educational programs, and hospitality services. The core offering centers on three performance venues—the 1,100-seat Wurtele Thrust Stage, 700-seat McGuire Proscenium Stage, and 199-seat Dowling Studio—presenting eight annual mainstage productions available via season subscriptions, single tickets, and group sales. Educational offerings include student matinees, summer camps for grades 6-12, Theater in Focus curriculum resources, and Guthrie Actors Lab professional training. Supporting services encompass backstage tours, event rentals, the Guthrie Store retail operation, and the on-site Indígena by Owamni restaurant. A new digital ticketing system launched April 2026 provides mobile ticket access through True Tickets integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 2026-2027 Season Subscription Annual subscription package granting access to all eight mainstage productions in the Guthrie season, with subscriber benefits including priority ordering, no-fee exchanges, missed-show insurance, complimentary backstage tours, and 10% Guthrie Store discount. Targeted at regular theater attendees.
• Single Tickets Individual tickets for single performances of mainstage shows on the Wurtele Thrust Stage and McGuire Proscenium Stage. Prices range from $27 to $108 with discounts for students, seniors, educators, children, and groups.
• Group Tickets Discounted ticket packages for groups of 15 or more people, including student matinees, school outings, and corporate outings.
• Gift Certificates Never-expiring gift certificates redeemable for play tickets, backstage tours, and summer camps, available online or at the Box Office.
• Student Matinees Curriculum-aligned weekday matinee performances for school groups priced at $16 per student, with optional pre-play orientation and digital play guides for educators.
• Summer Camps One- and two-week theater training camps for youth entering grades 6-12, including musical theater, technical theater, acting, stage combat, and improvisation. Prices range from $457 (one-week) to $907 (two-week); scholarships available.
• Theater in Focus Free educational resource pairing filmed Guthrie productions (Hamlet, Henry V) with timestamped curriculum materials for high school and college instruction.
• Guthrie Actors Lab Free four-week intensive training program for early- to mid-career Twin Cities actors covering scene study, Shakespeare, voice work, stage combat, and audition technique.
• Backstage Tours Guided tours of the Guthrie's three stages, rehearsal rooms, architectural features, and in-house scene and costume shops, offered at 10:15 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays.
• Event Rentals Rental of Guthrie spaces — including Dowling Studio and other event spaces — for weddings, corporate meetings, holiday parties, and conferences, with views of downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River.
• Guthrie Store Physical and online retail store offering gifts, show mementos, Guthrie-branded merchandise, and items by local artists, with curbside pickup and shipping.

Quantifiable outcome

• 313,000+ patrons served in 2024-2025 Season from all 50 states and 87 Minnesota counties
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• True TicketscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with True Tickets, a leader in digital ticketing, to provide secure and convenient digital ticket delivery. Digital tickets allow access and sharing through tickets.guthrietheater.org from any smart mobile device without requiring an app download. Tickets can be saved to Apple or Google Wallet.
• Indígena by OwamnicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJames Beard Award-winning Indigenous restaurant founded by Chef Sean Sherman, now operating in the Guthrie's Level One restaurant space. Offers curated theater menu for patrons and showcases Indigenous foods and flavors of North America.
• Metro TransitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal public transit authority providing bus and light rail service to the Guthrie Theater location. Multiple routes serve stops near the theater.
• Metro MobilityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerParatransit service available for patrons with mobility challenges attending performances at the Guthrie.
• Lathrop GPMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for the 2026-2027 Season production of And Then There Were None.
• U.S. BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason sponsor and campaign leadership supporter for the Illuminate Campaign. Also sponsor of A Tale of Two Cities production.
• Ameriprise FinancialcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason sponsor and sponsor of The Pirates of Penzance production in the 2026-2027 Season.
• TaftminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of The Pirates of Penzance production in the 2026-2027 Season.
• MedtroniccoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of Fanfare for the Guthrie annual gala.
• Minnesota Shakespeare CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting Shakespeare programming and education initiatives.
• Goodman TheatreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partner for John Proctor Is the Villain in the 2026-2027 Season.
• Octopus TheatricalsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduction partner for Kunene and the King (an Octopus Theatricals production) in the 2026-2027 Season.
• Sun Country AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinal presentation sponsor for summer camps and productions.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Major regional repertory theater in Ashland, OR producing a multi-play season with a resident company on multiple stages. Comparable season-based subscription model, education programming, and capital-intensive facility operations.
• Arena Stage: Washington, D.C.-based Tony Award-winning regional theater operating three stages with a resident company model. Highly comparable in size, multi-stage operations, education programs, and capital campaign track record (Arena has run major capital campaigns).
• Berkeley Repertory Theatre: Tony Award-winning Bay Area resident theater known for new work and ambitious productions on multiple stages. Comparable in subscription-driven revenue model, nonprofit structure, and education/community engagement programs.
• Hartford Stage: Tony Award-winning Connecticut regional theater operating a single mainstage with repertory programming. Comparable in nonprofit structure, subscription model, and education programs, though smaller scale and fewer performance spaces.
• Actors Theatre of Louisville: Kentucky-based regional theater known for the Humana Festival of New American Plays and resident repertory operations. Comparable in nonprofit structure, season-based programming, and education programs, though smaller in scale.
• Goodman Theatre: Chicago's oldest and largest nonprofit theater, operating multiple stages with a resident company model. Already a co-production partner of the Guthrie. Closely comparable in scale, programming ambition, education programs, and donor-driven revenue model.
• McCarter Theatre Center: Princeton, NJ-based regional theater with multiple performance spaces including a thrust stage and theater-in-the-round. Comparable resident theater model, educational programming, and single-location operating structure serving a defined regional market.
• Steppenwolf Theatre Company: Tony Award-winning Chicago-based resident theater producing a multi-play season on multiple stages. Comparable in scale, repertory model, nonprofit structure, and national reputation for ambitious productions. Both anchor regional theater ecosystems in the Upper Midwest.

Broad incumbents

• Lincoln Center Theater: Major New York City institutional theater operating multiple venues with Broadway-adjacent productions. Comparable as a multi-stage nonprofit presenting operation, but operates at substantially larger scale and in a primary national market.

Regional players

• Minneapolis Institute of Art: Major Minneapolis-based cultural institution sharing the same donor base and corporate sponsorship ecosystem as the Guthrie (Cargill, Target, U.S. Bank all cross-sponsor). Not a direct theater peer but highly relevant as a regional nonprofit cultural competitor for philanthropic dollars and visitor attention.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/guthrietheater
• Facebookfacebook.com/guthrietheater
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/guthrie-theater

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles22 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Guthrie Theater