Kozlak said in a statement, "On behalf of the Guthrie Theater Board of Directors, I am thrilled to announce that Joe Dowling will continue in his role as the Guthrie Theater's Director through June 2015. His extraordinary leadership is unparalleled: his realization of our world class facility, relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and unwavering commitment to this community and Guthrie audiences have established our institution as a heralded national center. We are honored to continue this partnership with Joe and we thank him for his remarkable loyalty, vision and fortitude."

Dowling, who became the Guthrie Theater's artistic director in 1995, has directed more than 35 productions and overseen a period of unprecedented growth for the theatre. Dowling's tenure, according to a press release, has been marked by "record-breaking subscription and single ticket sales, an expansion in programming both on and off the stage, co-productions by visiting international theater companies, collaborations with local theater companies and solid fiscal health."

Under Dowling's leadership, the Guthrie opened its new three-theatre complex on the banks of the Mississippi River in 2006.

For more information visit www.guthrietheater.org.