Guthrie Theater Reports Small Budget Deficit Despite Ticket Sale Rise

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the Guthrie Theater has announced a small budget deficit - its first in 14 years - for the fiscal period that ended March 31st, 2009.

Ticket sales hit a new high, but the down turn in the economy, bargain-hunting patrons and increased costs helped contribute to a deficit of nearly $68,000 for the fiscal year reports the paper.

The deficit was $67,898 on expenses of $27.88 million, and the organization will cover that with funds from prior surpluses.

Declaring fiscal 2008-09 to have been "a strange year," director Joe Dowling said he was satisfied with the theater's response to last fall's severe economic downturn

Ticket sales were strong until September, when they "headed south and never recovered. To read the complete article click here.

Single tickets for the Guthrie Theater's 2009-10 season are now on sale. The season includes 21 plays that are a blend of classics, fresh takes on timeless themes and exciting presentations - including renewed and continuing partnerships and the return of the Guthrie's prestigious WorldStage program. Single tickets for all shows on the McGuire Proscenium and Wurtele Thrust Stage range from $24 to $65. Single tickets for all shows in the Dowling Studio range from $18 to $30. A limited number of premium tickets are available for opening night performances. Tickets can be purchased through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE and online at www.guthrietheater.org.

Single tickets for Ella, which begins performances tonight, July 21st with Tina Fabrique in the title role, are currently on sale and range in price from $29 to $65. Single tickets for A Christmas Carol, starring Peter Michael Goetz as Scrooge, go on sale September 8, 2009, and range in price from $29 to $70. Discounts are available for students, seniors and children.

The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963, is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. The Guthrie is dedicated to producing the great works of dramatic literature, developing the work of contemporary playwrights and cultivating the next generation of theater artists. Led by Director Joe Dowling since 1995, the Guthrie opened its new three-theater home on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis in June 2006.

The Guthrie is located at 818 South 2nd Street (at Chicago Avenue), in downtown Minneapolis. To purchase tickets or season subscriptions call the Guthrie Box Office at 612.225.6238 or toll-free 877.44.STAGE. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.guthrietheater.org.

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