Live Arts Gala & AfterGlow

The Live Arts Gala is a magical thing: the fire of the Gala and the smolder of the AfterGlow. The format (hundreds of guests split into touring groups revolving like clockwork through scenes from our recent shows, with dinner donated by dozens of local restaurants and dancing into the wee hours) was imagined in bed by a pair of lovers 19 years ago. It could only be so. Over the years, the event has grown: live and silent auctions, rooftop dessert, atmospheric performers and elaborate décor are all now expected. The tickets sell out quickly, and the philanthropic fun raises almost 20% of our annual budget. Every edition engages the talents and gifts of hundreds, and is wildly successful. A few whys:

It’s a gift

Every performer, waiter, bartender, and coat checker is a treasured volunteer. Every morsel of food is donated by our dear restaurant community. The auction is full of generosity and love from the many who value the work done by Live Arts.

It’s a lark

We have license to delight and very few dollars to spend, so we end up stenciling pumpkins and draping borrowed back hoes with twinkle lights. There’s a real sense of release that comes from turning nothing into something.

It’s about the work

The performers bring wonder and delight in such generous measure. Many wonderful patrons first bonded with Live Arts because of the performances and fun of the Gala.

It’s a mixer

Our pretty party guests jam the dance floor with lots of volunteers and a fresh wave of energy from the AfterGlow partiers. Black ties get down with t-shirts, and high heels are prancing with sneakers. This moment is so true to who we are and what we do… forging theater and community.