MACON, Ga. — Theatre Macon is giving you a look behind the curtain on Saturday during their Annual Gala.
The event used to be a staple of artistic celebration but COVID-19 ended the tradition. The theatre hasn't held an in-person gala since 2019.
"We had a virtual gala in 2020 because it was scheduled right when the pandemic was happening. So were just excited to get back together. The whole purpose of the evening is fellowship, camaraderie and just being with people who love theatre," Artistic Director Richard Frazier said.
During the event, patrons can enjoy performances from upcoming musicals, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar provided by JBA.
When you attend, you'll also be the first to know about the shows coming up in Theatre Macon's 39th season.
"It's just so nice to be together in person. We don't have a lot of opportunities because people are coming to see the shows or we're working and so it's just a really nice, kind of, relaxed event for patrons to get to talk to our board, to get to speak to our staff and for us to just have a really nice evening," Frazier said.
He couldn't say what shows are coming up next season but says three shows have never been performed in the area. For one upcoming play, Theatre Macon is the exclusive rights-holder for Georgia and Alabama.
Frazier says he is proud the theatre was able to stay in business through the pandemic and is proud of its continued growth. In their next chapter, he says they are focused on showcasing "inclusive, authentic and bold" stories.
"We're trying to represent as many stories as possible. So as we move forward, you'll see those three keywords: inclusive, authentic and bold really coming to fruition as our new mission but also in what is actually happening within the theatre, not just on the stage but in the community," Frazier said.
He wants to make sure everyone in the community has a place at Theatre Macon and can see themselves on stage.
"There's a saying in the theatre that when the lights go down and people are experiencing a show, that everyone in the audience's heartbeats sync and there's something so special and so magical about that, that can't be replicated in any other spectrum. In any other way," he said.
Theatre Macon's Annual Gala is on Saturday. The cocktail hour begins at 7 p.m. and the performances begin at 8 p.m. There will also be a champagne toast at the end of the night.
You can get tickets to Theatre Macon's Annual Gala on their website.