Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild to Host RAISE A CURTAIN, RAISE A KID Gala Fundraiser, 4/12

The Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild will hold its first-ever black tie event on Friday, April 12 at Michael's on East in Sarasota to raise funds for the theatre's educational initiative, Access to the Arts. The Raise A Curtain, Raise A Kid Grand Gala kicks-off at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour.

The theme of the event celebrates the thrill young people feel when experiencing live theatre for the first time. The evening will feature hors d'oeurves, a cash bar, a gourmet dinner with wine pairings, and live and silent auctions. In keeping with the theme, Asolo Rep Acting Company veteran David S. Howard will perform a reading from Steve Cooper's world premiere play, Spiritual Bliss. Tickets for the event are $150 and all proceeds benefit the program.

Each year, Access to the Arts enriches the lives of more than 20,000 middle school and high school students locally and across the state of Florida through its all-student matinee performances of Asolo Rep shows and its New Stages tour. "I still remember my first play when I was in school. It was Mary Stuart," said Pat Anderson, Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild vice president. "It is something that sticks with you through life. You never know what effect you will have on a kid by introducing them to theatre. You may inspire the next generation's great artists and philanthropists."

Honorary Chairs for the event include Michael Donald Edwards, Eva Slane, and Peggy and Ken Abt. RSVPs are requested by March 31, 2013. For more information about the event or to RSVP, please contact Cheryl MacLauchlan at 941.359.0210 or alasdairandcheryl@netzero.com.