Our first GCC Community Building Business SPOTLIGHT is on Taproot Theatre. This story is about support for local theatre and friends working together to create community. It is also a great example of a business with lasting power that supports walkable development in the center of the historic Greenwood neighborhood.
Scott is one of 6 co-founders of Taproot with deep roots in Greenwood. He grew up here. In 1976, he started the theater with his long-time friends. The first 10 or so years in its existence was heavily leveraged with touring schools, libraries and even prisons.
In 1988, after looking at 6 different locations, they eventually settled on the current location, what used to be The China Theatre, part of the Seven Gables Theatre Group. Since purchasing the building, it took them 8 years, and in the fall of 1996, opened their doors. When they did open, they had the support of neighborhood residents and the wider Seattle theatre community.
In 2000, an arson destroyed the adjacent Eleanor Roosevelt building. With 5 donors, Taproot acquired the empty lot in 2009 to expand and build a new structure which houses a second theatre, theatre storage, administrative offices and a café. They also offer acting classes.
Karen is the current artistic director who describes hope as Taproot’s mission. She chooses a drama, comedy, musical, mystery, a classic like Shakespeare or George Bernard Shaw, tied together thematically.
“Neighborhood citizens were walking around at 7pm and wanted something to do. After opening our doors, there was a substantial drop in crime and empty storefronts stated filling up again. It is a symbiotic relationship with the neighborhood”.
The business has recovered 100% after COVID shutdown. Although some board members recommended moving to a different neighborhood, as lack of parking in the area is still a concern, the founders were committed to Greenwood. Karen notes that most of the tickets sold is in our zip code. With residents from Janus apartments, Piper Village and other nearby apartments as well as the single-family homeowners in walking distance, we are lucky to have Taproot “rooted” in our neighborhood.
SPOTLIGHT brings stories of the people and their businesses who contribute to the Greenwood community. Thanks to Scott, Karen, and Chloe at Taproot for their contribution. Interview and written by Chrystine Kim, GCC business co-lead.
