Troy Heard knew something was off when he pushed open the back door to the Majestic, the Las Vegas community theater for which he works as artistic manager. Heard had locked it before he left for the day on Christmas Eve.
Heard, who only stopped by on Christmas Day to wrap a gift he bought for his stage manager, discovered $10K of stage equipment — a soundboard, computers and music gear — stolen. Similar burglaries have victimized four other small businesses in the Arts District recently.
Heard immediately called Las Vegas police but their response was the opposite of immediate. He waited hours and they never showed up. He filed a report on Friday.
The Majestic, a repertory theater in downtown Las Vegas’ Arts District, already relies on community donations to stage 5-10 annual low-budget plays and musicals from local producers and writers. Its necessary cost-cutting meant that it had no theft insurance.
Though Heard dreaded going back to the same generous donor well for help, the heartless theft threatened the Majestic’s next show, a production of John Van Druten’s “Cabaret” opening Jan. 16.
So he created a GoFundMe, and was bowled over by how many donations immediately flooded in — not just from Las Vegas regulars, but from heartbroken folks all across the country.
Heard called it a “Christmas miracle.”
Initially, he ended the GoFundMe when it reached its $10K goal in less than 24 hours. Then people started emailing him, saying they wanted to donate anyway. So he reopened the page.
As of Saturday, the tally exceeded $19K from 180 donors. Heard says the money will go toward upgrading the theater.
“We’re extraordinarily grateful for the outpouring of love and support from our fans and community and we can’t wait to return the favor,” Heard said.
To donate, click here.
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