Home / Arts and Entertainment / Community Rallies: Theatre's 50th Season Saved by $422k Flood of Support
Community Rallies: Theatre's 50th Season Saved by $422k Flood of Support
2 Jun
Summary
- Community donations surpassed $422,200, saving the theatre's summer programming.
- HVAC repairs were expedited, avoiding any performance cancellations.
- New security measures installed to prevent future vandalism and theft.
Taproot Theatre will celebrate its 50th season uninterrupted, thanks to an outpouring of community generosity. The theatre launched its "Together With Taproot" campaign on April 27 to fund essential repairs to its Jewell Mainstage HVAC system after two air-conditioning units were destroyed and stripped for copper.
By the June 1 deadline, the campaign successfully raised $422,200.57 from 1,280 donors, including 624 first-time contributors. City officials and representatives also expedited construction permits, allowing repairs to begin on May 14.
New HVAC units were installed by May 18, and the system was operational by May 21, accommodating the existing production of "Barefoot in the Park." This rapid resolution ensured no performances were canceled.
The theatre is now prepared for its summer programming, which includes "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" starting July 10 and summer camps for over 350 students from June 22. To enhance security, Taproot has installed cages around its rooftop units and will participate in the City of Seattle's Back to Business program to prevent future property damage.
