In a move that will likely boost morale at a time of transition, the Guthrie Theater on Thursday announced that it was paying staff for the two weeks they were furloughed in January.

While the theater did not divulge the total amount to be paid or the number of impacted personnel, "a considerable number of our staff was affected by this," Guthrie director Joe Dowling said. "Because I'm a huge supporter of our staff, the opportunity to repay their sacrifices is not just important from the point of view of the theater but also important to me personally. It's a great staff and I'll be sorry to leave them behind."

Dowling will step down next summer after an unprecedented 20-year term at the helm of one of nation's largest regional theaters. On his watch, the Guthrie has expanded considerably. In 2006, it moved into its $125 million building on the Mississippi riverfront.

Dowling has been a disciplined leader, financially. The Guthrie has ended in the black all but one year of his tenure.

"We've done it through common sense," Dowling sense. "I'm not a magician — not Harry Potter. We've taken steps to ensure the continued health of the theater."

The theater reports its latest financial results on Dec. 15.

A search committee is at work on Dowling's replacement. Transitions often engender jitters but people should not be nervous about this one, Dowling said.

"The board is very experienced and very astute about the internal workings of the theater," he said. "They will find someone who will bring new and fresh approach and with a track record of balancing the artistic and financial."