Donor Spotlight: Edie French and Paul Auguston

Do you remember your first Guthrie show?

EDIE: I saw A Christmas Carol in 5th grade. We had recently moved, and my mother worried about leaving the rich cultural life of the East Coast. She always told me she thought her life was over, but when she discovered the Guthrie, it felt like she “had died and gone to heaven.” I think the first show we probably saw was A Christmas Carol. It was a tradition.

PAUL: Edie and I had been attending the Guthrie for years, but once Garland Wright started directing, we began coming more often. Then they did Shakespeare’s History Plays, and that was a pivotal theater experience for me. The more recent production directed by Joseph Haj in the 2023–2024 Season was incredible.

As donors, what inspires you to give to the Guthrie?

EDIE: Supporting the Guthrie is a way to honor my mother and her legacy. She loved the Guthrie, and she loved theater. Whenever I’m here, I feel like she’s sitting beside me.

PAUL: The shows are simply that good. The Guthrie brings value to our lives, and we felt compelled to give back. Donating was a really easy way to do that.

What has been your favorite Guthrie memory?

EDIE: The Guthrie has always produced a range of productions that touch your soul in different ways. Whether it’s learning a new viewpoint or just being inspired and amazed. There’s always something that changes you.

What does it mean to have an arts organization like the Guthrie in the community?

PAUL: The Guthrie’s commitment to diversity is really important. It’s essential to see different people represented onstage. Bringing in playwrights like Pearl Cleage has created amazing theater experiences for audiences, and creating variety in the voices and stories we’re hearing helps us all better understand the world we live in.

EDIE: We have an incredibly rich theater community here. The Guthrie plays an important role in the stability of that ecosystem and provides opportunities for local artists to work at theaters throughout the Twin Cities.

What would you say to someone who loves the Guthrie but isn’t sure their gift makes a difference?

PAUL: If you give to the Guthrie, you’re going to see it reflected onstage. It’s a great investment. For us, it was the right place to give because you know your money is going to be managed well and you’re going to see your support make a difference. Guthrie productions have transformed me over the years — I get transported by each show, and I’ve changed for the better.