 The artist collaborative theater in Elkhorn City was devastated by a fire over the weekend But in the wake of that fire hope has been expressed by the theater troop that they will be back and be bigger and better than ever And today I'm joined in the studio by artist collaborative theater executive director and founder Stephanie Richard Stephanie Thank you so much for being up in the studio with today. Thank you and for inviting me. It's it's wonderful I have you here. I mean it it was a huge story that we covered a lot of people Really had a lot of reactions to it that people were very sad to see the theater burn But I think a lot of people are excited to hear what you guys have got planned for the future, especially since you're Planning on coming back as I said bigger and better than ever. Yes, so we'll kind of start with Where you guys are in the process right now? I know that it's it's a recovery process It's gonna be a long process But you guys have already kind of gotten everything started and I think a lot of people are just kind of wondering where you are on that sure It's sort of dual layered we figured that out so to keep the business running as is as best as possible so our children's theater have already met this week and had rehearsals for wrist a cat and and the ongoing education program and our next production of you can't take it with you Which is our drama our comedy literary slot? It's already had two rehearsals this week and they're working at the extension office right now We don't know the exact location where those productions will be but we'll be finding that out We were given support from the churches in Elkhorn City offered offered their spaces and also the Elkhorn City Community Center and the Elkhorn the Eastridge High School has offered and I'm sure Elkhorn has offered to somebody It's just not gotten back to me yet so we've been offered facilities and we will keep business going as usual and we're very blessed and Then on the building recovery, so we've started the insurance process We're keeping daily updates online on Facebook on my page and artist collaborative theater and the volunteers page So that people because because there was so much support that night And I think it's showing that we're all in this together now that I think people want to know what's going on daily Are we are we and not and not and not let it get out of sight out of mind? Absolutely, I mean that was a big thing that I wanted to talk to you about You've done amazing at that and I appreciate it. No, no, no You're too kind as I said a little while ago, but what? You've got a lot of support from the community You had a lot of folks out that night that that saw the building burn and a lot of people were expressing support What does that support been like for you guys in the wake of something this devastating? It's kept us breathing and kept us standing If we had to go through that Saturday night, I'm sorry if we had to go through that Saturday night just Just me or just my family or or just some individuals I don't know if I would be picked up off the ground yet or not but Saturday night our Volunteer theater company stood shoulder to shoulder and we held each other up and the community support that poured in and is still pouring Has meant the world because 18 years ago people didn't know what the vision was and they'd and you know And in Eastern Kentucky, we don't trust things until we see it because people promise a lot that don't that doesn't come through for us So 18 years ago people didn't know whether to believe in it or not and now 18 years later for people to believe in it and support it and know the value of it means everything in the world and If if I had even had a second of thinking well, this was a good run and it's over now Boy that would have gotten put out quickly because Between the volunteers in the community and our children our children were at home watching it on Facebook going we're gonna We're gonna be okay. We're gonna we're gonna fix this because that's what we do at the theater We don't blame and we do and we don't find fault We problem-solve and we go forward and that's what we've always practiced. Okay, so with going forward What's next for you guys in the process? Started the insurance process. I'm starting having meetings about fundraisers and and how we can keep keep building the financial base that we're going to need for this so I'm Waiting for the building site to stop smoldering so the fire marshal can come in we don't have any worries about that I don't I don't anticipate any I Think that the fire department said they think that it it was a spark in the wall An electric something that happened in the wall and And the fire departments so Elkhorn City Let me see if I can do it again Elkhorn City Sycamore, Millard, Farrell's Creek, Pikeville and Coal Run to have six fire departments in a rural community in a rural region Come together to fight that fire was very humbling and our Elkhorn City fire department people Were as emotional as I was that night trying to do their best Well, a lot of folks I think at that scene took ownership of the theater They did and I think that's one of the reasons it was such an emotional event for a lot of people. They did. Yeah And I think that that might translate into a lot of support for you guys and I understand that you guys have already actually started fundraising Is that correct? Yes, we have Yeah, so if anybody wants to donate we're not being humble at this point and And I got over that a long time ago when I figured out that the theater is not for me The theater is for the theater people and for our community. So we're taking donations check or online. So check is PO box 964 Elkhorn City, Kentucky 41522 And online on Artist Collaborative Theater Facebook. There are a couple of different sites that you can find our fundraiser Our donate button and they're they're legitimate and I kept track of that to make sure So yeah, we're taking donations and and and we do want to come back bitter bigger and better Not bitter not bitter not not for a second. No bigger and better I think walking on faith and walking on on the support and love of the community before we get out of here I'm not gonna let you go without you telling me so the audience can hear when Elkhorn City is at its best I've been saying you've heard me say it when Elkhorn City is at its best We can't be beat and I've I've always been proud to be from Elkhorn City And I don't say I'm from Pike County. I say I'm from Elkhorn City and and I've I've I've always felt loved I'm probably one of those kids that was raised by the village So, you know, it takes a village to raise this child. I think everybody had a hand in raising me Um And and I appreciate Elkhorn City for For being the theater's home Well, I think the entire village is uh anxiously awaiting that uh, you're come back And uh, as I told you on the scene that night, you're definitely going to be come back because you're too stubborn not to That's what I've heard a lot this week I've heard that a lot this week and I guess I accept that. Well, uh, thank you so much for joining us today and uh, You know myself and the entire village wishes you luck and we're looking forward to what's next. Thank you. Thanks, Anthony