Six friends with a shared dream. That’s how Taproot Theatre Company began its journey in 1976. These Seattle Pacific University graduates envisioned a touring group bringing stories to life.
Now, standing before Taproot Theatre, you are witnessing the result of their dedication. This is Seattle’s largest mid-size theatre company. It serves over 150,000 people annually throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Taproot Theatre’s mission is to tell stories of hope. It aims to serve the Pacific Northwest through live theatre and educational programs. The Taproot Theatre achieves this through its Jewell Mainstage season. Also its Isaac Studio Theatre season, touring programs, and acting studio.
The Taproot Theatre acting studio was founded in 1992. It provides affordable classes for both children and adults. These classes cover various subjects. Musical theatre, on-camera acting, and even Shakespeare are taught here.
Taproot Theatre began as a touring company in 1976. They performed throughout Washington State. Schools, prisons, churches, and community centers were their stages. Today, Taproot’s Road Company continues this tradition. They use theatre to teach social-issue lessons in schools. Bullying and harassment prevention are key topics. This program began in 1985.
Each summer, a Road Company of five professional actors presents plays. These plays tackle social issues. Interactive talk-back sessions follow each performance. This allows the cast to engage with students. As of early 2008, over 1 million students had seen Taproot’s social-issue plays.
Plays are written by Northwest playwrights. They incorporate principles from Committee for Children’s Steps to Respect and Second Step curricula. In the 2008/2009 school year, Taproot’s Road Company introduced “New Girl”. It is a play by Josh Hornbeck, addressing cyber bullying.
Taproot Theatre also mounts touring productions for churches and corporations. Their improv comedy troupe brings laughter on the road.
Taproot Theatre produces five plays each year for its Mainstage season. They also have an annual holiday production. Play selections include classics, world premieres, musicals, dramas, and comedies. Each Mainstage production offers one pay-what-you-can performance. The theatre company reaches approximately 30,000 audience members each year. This is through more than 150 performances.
In addition to regular performances, Taproot hosts matinees. These are targeted to students or seniors. Student matinees include a post-show talk-back with actors and the director. For some students, it is their first time seeing a professional production.
Taproot Theatre has been fulfilling its mission for over 45 years. Every story told embodies an element of hope. It points to a better future. A visit to Taproot Theatre promises an experience that brightens the spirit. It engages the mind and deepens understanding of the world. It inspires imagination, conversation, and hope.