[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8797]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING JOE DOWLING ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE GUTHRIE 
                                THEATER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2015

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Joe Dowling, 
who is retiring in June from the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, 
Minnesota after serving 20 distinguished years as Artistic Director. 
During Mr. Dowling's impressive tenure, he has directed more than 50 
shows and reinforced the foundation for this world-class Minnesota 
cultural cornerstone.
  Mr. Dowling joined the Guthrie as Artistic Director in 1995, bringing 
his ceaseless creativity and tireless dedication to the arts after 
leading other theater companies in his native Ireland. Among Mr. 
Dowling's many achievements is the development of training programs 
like the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training 
Program and A Guthrie Experience for Actors in Training. He also 
solidified a partnership with The Acting Company of New York and 
created the WorldStage Series, two programs that allow local talent to 
tour the U.S. and in turn welcome internationally renowned theater 
programs to Minnesota. He has also shared his vision and talents on 
Broadway and at other prominent venues throughout the United States and 
Europe.
  Perhaps Mr. Dowling's deepest legacy is the success of a $125 million 
capital campaign and construction of a new theater home which was 
completed in 2006. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the 
theater is an architectural gem. At 285,000 square feet, the new 
Guthrie includes public gathering spaces and restaurants, and a 178-
foot ``endless bridge'' that highlights a spectacular, soaring view of 
the mighty Mississippi River. At the heart of the new Guthrie are three 
unique theaters offering special performance spaces and viewing 
perspectives. The Dowling Studio in particular is an intimate 200-
person black box theater that has welcomed 33 local acting companies 
and stands as a testament to its namesake's commitment to developing 
and showcasing the Twin Cities arts community.
  In a metropolitan area that boasts more theater seats per capita than 
anywhere else in the U.S. outside of New York, Minnesotans take great 
pride in our thriving, high quality performing arts community. 
Experiencing a performance at the Guthrie is a particular joy, and I 
attend shows there whenever I can. I am clearly not alone, because 
under Dowling's leadership, the Guthrie entertains, enriches and 
enlightens 400,000 patrons each year.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise to honor Mr. Dowling and his 
many contributions to the rich cultural landscape in Minnesota as the 
Guthrie Theater's Artistic Director as well as his lifetime of 
commitment to the arts.

                          ____________________