Taproot Theatre performances, classes continue despite Greenwood fire

SEATTLE – October 27, 2009 – Taproot Theatre staff members continue operations after Friday’s fire, which caused significant damage and left the theatre unusable for an indefinite amount of time. Despite the fire, the theatre held closing weekend performances of Enchanted April, thanks to Seattle Children’s Theatre, which made its facilities available for Saturday’s two performances. The cast gave its first Saturday performance a mere 24 hours after plans to host the shows at SCT were solidified. The cast, crew and director Karen Lund gathered on Friday night to restage the production, staff members were able to retrieve costumes from Taproot’s costume shop, and the show went on to accolades and standing ovations.

Though Friday evening’s performance was canceled, Taproot kept its arrangement to perform the opening scenes of Enchanted April during the afternoon ArtsFund Annual Meeting. In addition, Taproot Theatre’s Road Company, which performs social-issues plays at schools across the Pacific Northwest, performed its afternoon production of Alexander and the Dragon at Oakwood Elementary School in Tacoma.

Taproot Theatre’s Acting Studio is holding all acting classes as usual, though it will find new locations for those normally taught at the theatre.

On these first business days after the fire, Taproot Theatre’s production staff are preparing to move the costume shop, scene shop and production offices, which were previously located in the theatre, to Piper Village. That development’s owner, Gary Brunt, has generously donated space to Taproot Theatre in this interim time.

Taproot Theatre learned today that the fire did enter the theatre building. As the days go on our gratefulness to the Seattle Fire Department increases. Over 100 firefighters worked tirelessly and risked their lives to protect the theatre on Friday. Formal investigations resumed today and the fire department continues to offer its support.

As the staff works on the next steps, they would like to thank everyone for the incredible support and encouragement—both in the immediate aftermath of the fire and in the present. The Seattle theatre community, especially, has been extraordinarily gracious and generous, along with our neighbors in Greenwood and our patrons. Special thanks go out to Seattle Children’s Theatre, IATSE, Theatre Puget Sound and Gary Brunt.

Those desiring to make donations to Taproot Theatre should visit taproottheatre.org. Donations to the other Greenwood businesses may be made through the Greenwood Fire Relief Fund at Chase Bank at 85th and Greenwood.

Please check our website, taproottheatre.org, for the most current information.