Taproot Theatre Update: Fire was Deliberately Set

As previously reported, Seattle's Taproot Theatre was devastated by a neighborhood fire.  The local community rallied in support, allowing the theater company to finish out its run of Enchanted April at the Seattle Children's Theatre last weekend.  Taproot has just announced that as investigators search for clues in last Friday?s fire in Greenwood, which is being called arson, they are renewing its commitment to the neighborhood.

Taproot has released the following statement:

"Taproot Theatre Company is brokenhearted to learn that the fire that devastated four of our neighboring businesses and damaged our theatre was reported to have been deliberately set. When Taproot Theatre moved into Greenwood, crime in the neighborhood decreased almost immediately. In the years since, we've watched Greenwood blossom into a vibrant community that?s focused on the arts, promoting small businesses and protecting the environment ?values that we promote, as well, and that represent the spirit of Seattle. Greenwood deserves to have a top-notch theatre in its midst, and we at Taproot Theatre love this neighborhood and will continue bringing people from across the region to Greenwood for years to come.

We are saddened for the four businesses that lost everything in this fire; those business people are tremendous, hard-working, and also dedicated to their work in this neighborhood."

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.

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

To stay abreast of rebuilding developments, visit taproottheatre.org, for the most current information.

Taproot Theatre Company is a professional, non-profit theatre company with a multi-faceted production program. Founded in 1976, Taproot Theatre serves the Pacific Northwest with Mainstage Productions, Touring Productions and Acting Studio. Taproot exists to create theatre that explores the beauty and questions of life while bringing hope to our search for meaning. Taproot Theatre Company is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Theatre Puget Sound (TPS), and the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce.