A Robbery at ARTS

   This is frustrating news to report: as they're in the process of preparing for their upcoming production of The Full Monty, Huntington's theatre company known as ARTS was the victim of robbery.

   The group sent out this message today to ask everyone to keep their eyes open in case they can help track down the thieves:

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Dear Friends and Family of ARTS:

Although we are VERY excited about our upcoming production of The Full Monty, and we hope you come to see it, share the event and invite your friends and family, we do have a bit of troubling news to report.

Sometime between the hours of 11 p.m. on last Thursday night and noon on Sunday, the ARTS mainstage theater at the Renaissance Center was robbed.

We have filed a report with the Huntington Police Department and have already taken several steps to ensure that it does not happen again. While our season isn't crippled by this, it has certainly wounded us a bit, both artistically and emotionally. It makes us sick to think that someone would steal from a non-profit that is simply trying to bring a bit of art into this, clearly, troubled world.

We bring this to your attention, not to pull at your heartstrings, but to get more eyes on the situation. If you happen to be familiar with some things at ARTS and perhaps see them in a pawn shop, etc., we would love a message or a phone call. No need to make a big deal about it with the shop owner or anyone else. Just keep an eye out and an ear to the ground.

We lost nearly all of our power tools, our Leprechaun light board, all six of our 2-way radios and more. The full list is below.

We will persevere, of course. This is just a stumbling block. If anyone has any tools they would like to donate to ARTS for our last two shows this season, we would greatly appreciate it. The nature of theatre is continuing on through adversity. The show must go on.

Thank you, everyone, who has worked with ARTS in the past, bought tickets or enjoyed our productions on any level. Without you, we wouldn't be where we are today. Again, we have already taken quite a few steps to ensure that this doesn't happen again, and there is no need for worry. We're still rehearsing every night and taking care of business as usual.

Much love.

List of items stolen:

Chop saw
Jigsaw
Hand saw
Circular saw
Miter saw
Black & Yellow plastic tool box filled with wrenches, screwdrivers & hammers
(4) cordless drills / screw guns & chargers
DeWalt drill (with "G. Morris" written on it)
(6) matching hand radios
(2) wireless handheld mics
5 lbs box of 2.5" ext screws
Leprechaun lightboard
White plastic reading lamp with a blue light bulb and center touch button
(1) plastic mic stand
(1) suitcase
(2) ladies purses

Thank you.