Taproot Theatre, emerging from one of its most financially challenging years, is celebrating its triumphant comeback from post-pandemic financial struggles with the opening of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun. This marks the launch of the 2025 season, representing a victory for Taproot’s mission, staff, donors, and audiences alike.
In early 2024, Taproot Theatre found itself grappling with a financial crisis triggered by the aftermath of the pandemic and a widening gap between the theatre’s rising expenses and decreasing resources. Taproot leadership devised an emergency plan to bridge the financial shortfall while safeguarding its commitment to artistic excellence. Through hard work, a dedicated staff, and overwhelming support from patrons and donors, Taproot has overcome.
“We are humbled by the outpouring of support,” says Producing Artistic Director Karen Lund. “In 2024, we raised a record $1.78 million in donations—91.7% of our ambitious goal. That is more than we’ve ever raised in a year that didn’t involve a capital campaign. It’s thanks to this generosity that we’re able to enter 2025 debt-free aside from our mortgage, with a full slate of productions and the confidence to plan for the future.”
Just a year ago, things looked much different.
“We started 2024 with deep concern for Taproot’s future,” says Lund. “On the surface, it might have looked like we were thriving—our Mainstage slate was set, our touring company was reaching schools, and our summer camps were filling up. But behind the scenes, we were confronting a severe budget gap driven by rising costs of materials, equipment, wages, and a worldwide decline in philanthropic giving.”
Lund continues, “We knew we had to do whatever it took to preserve our artistic mission and excellence. That meant making tough decisions, such as cutting staff hours and modifying our programming. But we also had to ask for help. Our community answered the call in the most profound way.”
In late 2023, Taproot launched a quiet emergency fundraising campaign, reaching out to its most loyal donors. But it quickly became clear that the theatre needed to amplify its message. The campaign grew into an all-out effort—one that rallied old friends, new allies, and countless supporters to invest in the future of Taproot Theatre.
The theatre is ready to reopen its doors with A Raisin in the Sun, a production originally scheduled for 2024 but postponed due to the high costs of bringing the large-cast show to the stage. Audiences will finally experience this powerful production, along with exciting changes to the theatre itself. The renovation of Taproot’s Mainstage Theatre was made possible by a dedicated grant from the State of Washington, which funded essential upgrades, including new seating, improvements to the electrical system, and an enhanced hearing loop.
“Reopening the Mainstage with A Raisin in the Sun—and in this refreshed space—feels like the perfect way to start this new chapter for Taproot,” says Lund. “We’re deeply grateful for the donors and patrons who made this possible.”
The 2025 Mainstage season kicks off with A Raisin in the Sun (March 19 – April 19), followed by Always… Patsy Cline (May 14 – June 14), Murder on the Links (July 9 – August 9), and The Importance of Being Earnest (September 17 – October 18). Taproot’s 49th season sets the stage for its 50th anniversary celebration next year, a milestone that speaks to the resilience of both the theatre and its community.
