Georgia Shakespeare Moves Annual BARD'S BASH Gala to New Venue Tonight, 5/4

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its finances following last year's emergency fundraising campaign, Georgia Shakespeare is moving its annual "Bard's Bash" fundraising gala to a new venue and working with a number of new local partners to present a format that reflects the unique personality of the 26-year-old theatre company.

Bard's Bash 2012: A Wilde Night is tonight, May 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Historically at the theatre's home at the Conant Performing Arts Center on the campus of Oglethorpe University, the gala will be held this year at The Goat Farm Arts Center, a historic 19th century complex of industrial buildings in Atlanta's West Midtown at which many of the city's most cutting-edge artists live and work.

In addition to the new venue, the new format will include performances by Dames Aflame and The Imperial OPA Circus and a curated meal by Dinner Party Atlanta featuring cuisine by chefs Shane Devereux (The Lawrence and Top Flr), Nick Melvin (formerly of Rosebud), Craig Richards (Ecco), Joey Zelinka (The Sound Table), Pastry Chef Jonathan St. Hilaire and Beverage Director Eric Simpkins (The Lawrence and Gentlemen of Spirit). Guests are also invited to stay for an after party co-sponsored by Scoutmob featuring flowing drinks, food trucks, and music by Blair Crimmins & The Hookers and DJ Mike Zarin. Ann and Sid Mashburn will also serve as style hosts for the evening.

"Our turn-around strategy calls for us to bring fresh thinking to everything we do," said Georgia Shakespeare Managing Director Lauren Morris. "The Goat Farm is one of the most exciting venues in Atlanta, and the new Bard's Bash is a great example of how we are seeking to be innovative."

The gala will also include live and silent auctions and the presentation of the Spirit of Will Award to The Junior League of Atlanta in honor of their 95th anniversary.

"It's going to feel much more like a Georgia Shakespeare production, and its definitely not going to be your typical gala," said Georgia Shakespeare Co-chair Ashley Preisinger. "It's going to be a great night for our long-term supporters, but it's also going to attract younger supporters who might not have been interested in attending a traditional gala."

Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, but they are not required. Individual tickets are $250 and include admission to the after party. Table hosting opportunities are also available at a number of levels. Tickets to the after party only can be purchased for $35. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.gashakespeare.org or call 404.504.3404.

This event is made possible with the support of The Goat Farm Arts Center, Scoutmob, the Georgia Shakespeare Board of Trustees, and the Host Committee.

Bard's Bash 2012: A Wilde Night
May 4
Not-Your-Mama's Gala: 6:30 p.m.
Wilde After Party: 10 p.m.
Goodson Yard at The Goat Farm Arts Center
There will be flowing drinks, an indulgent feast curated by Dinner Party Atlanta featuring Atlanta's hottest chefs, and all the fun you can-can stand. Guests are also invited to stay for an after party co-sponsored by Scoutmob featuring live music by Blair Crimmins & The Hookers and DJ Mike Zarin. Individual tickets are $250 and include admission to the after party. Table hosting opportunities are also available at a number of levels. Tickets to the after party only can be purchased for $35. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.gashakespeare.org or call 404.504.3404.

Founded in 1985, Georgia Shakespeare creates thoughtful, bold and passionate interpretations of a diverse body of work rooted in Shakespeare and branching out to embrace the best writers and ideas of all eras. On the stage and through educational programming, we strive to entertain, to ignite the imagination and to creatively explore the journey of the human spirit. Our vision is to make Georgia Shakespeare a national model for establishing a welcoming creative home where artists and audiences unite in a shared discovery of the power of adventurous classic theatre. Georgia Shakespeare is a proud member of Theatre Communications Group, Shakespeare Theatre Association of America, Southeastern Theatre Conference, League of Resident Theatres (LORT), and Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts.

Georgia Shakespeare is the Professional Theater in Residence at Oglethorpe University, and is located at 4484 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30319.

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