A neighborhood institution in need

It’s more than shops, restaurants, homes and a few post boxes. It’s more than a name or a spot on the map. Seattle neighborhoods have an identity, a personality, and a history. Alki makes you feel like you’re in a beach town with seafood restaurants and views of the water. Capitol Hill is historically home to an artistic and queer community (with plenty of nightlife to spare). And Phinney Ridge/Greenwood (colloquially known as “Phinneywood”) is an escape from the city with the Zoo and parks, tree covered sidewalks, and a 50-year-old theatre that is the beating pulse in the quiet neighborhood.

“We are so lucky to have Taproot Theatre in PhinneyWood. In an era where small, local theatre is struggling to survive and produce compelling programming, Taproot is a wildly successful anomaly,” shared Chris Maykut, a Phinney Neighborhood Association small business advocate.

From its humble beginnings in 1976 as a touring company founded by six locals, five of whom were graduates of Seattle Pacific University, Taproot Theatre has grown into an established and respected producer of regional theatre.

Since that start, Taproot has faced hurdle after hurdle, some that were common to the artistic community, and some that were unique to them. “Over these five decades,” said Producing Artistic Director Karen Lund, “Taproot has survived economic crashes, the digital revolution, a fire that destroyed our building, a literal explosion in our neighborhood, and a global pandemic, and we're still here.”

The latest devastation came at the end of April when their theatre was the target of theft and vandalism. Two air-conditioning units were ruined and stripped for copper. The damage requires Taproot to completely rebuild their HVAC system in the Jewell Mainstage theatre, which is the larger of the two theatres at their home on North 85th Street.

While Taproot and its patrons had expected 2026 to be a year of celebration due to their 50th anniversary season, it is instead forced to be a year of trial. But through that comes something better than celebration, a demonstration of resiliency and of the power of community. Not only has Taproot maintained its influence and relevancy for 50 years, but, with our help, they will hopefully continue for another half century.

To keep Taproot running and on schedule with the rest of their season, they have launched a campaign, Together with Taproot, with the goal of reaching $400,000. This may seem like a big number, but with a community that supports them and audiences that visit year after year, we are all hopeful that the goal will be met.

As Maykut reminds us, there is so much joy to be gained from keeping Taproot’s doors open: “They are somehow able to thread the needle and bring us highly-acclaimed plays, pack the house, pay their actors a competitive wage, and somehow remain affordable and accessible. Anything we can do to support such a unicorn is a no-brainer.”

– Ciara

On the Stage

Jesus Christ Superstar

Theatre | 5th Avenue Theatre
Now – May 17 | Tickets

Passion. Betrayal. Redemption. And the ultimate rock opera. Jesus Christ Superstar is a global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades.

View the Program

More Events

• Mark Morris Dance Group | Meany Center | Now – May 10 | View Print Program
• Appropriate | Seattle Rep | Now – May 10 | View Program
• Carmen | Seattle Opera | Now – May 17 | View Program
  • Audio Described: May 10
• Billy Goats Gruff | Seattle Children’s Theatre | Now – May 17 | View Program
  • Sensory Friendly: May 10

Next Line

• Keep an eye out early next month for Intiman Theatre’s 2026/27 season announcement. Want to be in the room where it happens? Become a member to attend a first look on May 28.
• GiveBIG isn’t quite over. Donations will be accepted through May 31. Take this last chance to give to nonprofits!