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9:45 a.m. (suggested arrival time)
We recommend that student groups arrive 30 minutes early and review our First Timer’s Guide in advance. A member of the Education Team will greet your group when you enter the building.
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10:15 a.m.
Student groups should begin to make their way into the theater. Remember that each student should have their own ticket. We recommend lining up in ticket order to ease entry into the theater.
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10:30 a.m.
The performance begins — enjoy the show!
Student Matinees
Bring learning to life
From Scrooge to Shakespeare, we welcome thousands of students and educators to the Guthrie each season to experience a live theater performance. To help students build increased empathy and connection with the themes onstage, educators receive a show-specific play guide with educational resources before their visit.
We look forward to welcoming you and your students to the Guthrie!
2025–2026 Season student matinees
Student matinee workshops (by request)
Enhance your student matinee experience by adding a customized workshop to your visit led by the Guthrie Education Team.
Explore the options below, and email education@guthrietheater.org to submit a request.
History of the Guthrie
The Guthrie Theater opened on May 7, 1963, to a fanfare of excitement throughout the theatrical world. Why did Sir Tyrone Guthrie, arguably the most celebrated theater director at the time, want to establish a major theater outside of Broadway? Why did he choose the Twin Cities? Join us to learn about the rich heritage of America’s flagship regional theater. Prices start at $250 with a 10-person minimum.
Post-Play Workshop
Join a Guthrie staff member or panel to discuss the play after you’ve seen it! Learn about the behind-the-scenes process of making theater, ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the themes of the play. Prices start at $250 with a 10-person minimum.
For every student matinee performance, we can accommodate up to two workshops (pending available space and resources). To request a workshop as part of your student matinee experience, email education@guthrietheater.org.
Things to know
Pricing
Regular-priced student matinee tickets: $16 ($19 for A Christmas Carol)
Homeschool groups
Student matinee pricing applies to homeschool groups of any size. Please call Group Sales at 612.225.6244 or 1.877.225.6211 (toll-free) for more information.
Bus parking
The Guthrie does not provide bus parking and options in the area are limited. Bus drivers are welcome to make their own parking arrangements, but be advised that buses may be ticketed for parking violations.
- Buses may park at city parking meters near the Guthrie provided they pay the meters and obey posted time and date restrictions. Idling is not allowed at any meter.
- Groups may contact the City of Minneapolis and pay for hooded meters designated for your buses. In addition to the hooding and lost revenue fees, you will be required to obtain a free obstruction permit from the city
- Buses may drop off or pick up in front of the Guthrie’s main entrance on the north side of South 2nd Street. DO NOT BLOCK the pedestrian crosswalk or the service entrance. Double parking is not permitted on South 2nd Street at any time.
NOTE: No parking or idling is allowed in the bus drop-off and pickup zone. - Student matinee buses may follow the directions for general groups. Look for covered parking meters and signs marking the designated bus drop-off and pickup zone.
Contact us
If you have questions, please email us at groups@guthrietheater.org.
Media release
During student matinees, the Guthrie reserves the right to photograph or film audience members for use in printed or digital marketing materials. We recommend including this information in your communications to parents and guardiansfor awareness.
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