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Fire Damages The BLUE Theatre; Fundraising Event Slated for This Sunday

A fire broke out Tuesday night in the area between East Austin arts spaces The BLUE Theatre and Blue Genie Arts Bazaar. The BLUE Theatre suffered both exterior and interior damage, making the already-scheduled August 1st fundraiser more urgent.

"No one was hurt, but our beautiful BLUE did receive some second degree burns," said Nicole Portwood, Artistic Director of The BLUE Theatre. "Because of the recent fire damage, we are asking now more then ever for everyone to come on out and really help us raise some money."

The "BLUE Light Special" fundraising event was originally slated to help the theatre purchase new lighting equipment. The facility recently changed artistic management, leading to a need to replace the lighting system.

"We are still waiting on details from inspectors as to the full extent of the damage and cost of repairs," Portwood said. "What we do know is that the majority of the damage is on the south-facing wall of the theatre, where the electrical connections are located. There is smoke damage on the inside of the building as well, but again - we won't know the full extent or cost until we get all the reports back."

Local bands Home By Hovercraft and Abandoned Warehouse, along with other local talent, will host the all-day music event on August 1st to raise money for the repairs and technical overhaul of the performance venue. Beginning at 3 p.m., the event will include live music, cocktails courtesy of Tito's Handmade Vodka, food from Old School BBQ and Grill, and mingling with area artists and entertainers.

The BLUE Theatre provides a performance home for several area performing groups and visual artists. Organizers say that works at The Blue Theatre challenge the traditional boundaries of art, theatre, music, dance, film and performance. The artist-operated, multi-disciplinary performance space also includes a community center and art gallery.

The BLUE Theatre is located at 916 Springdale Road. For more information, call (512) 743-8089 or visit www.BlueTheatre.org.

(Image courtesy BLUE Theatre)