Footlight Players to Host “Raise a Glass and Take a Seat” Black Tie Event

Press Release

The Lowcountry theatre community has also been challenged by rising theatre rental costs, lack of performance venue opportunities and audience apathy. Charleston’s oldest theatre company, however, has resisted and overcome this drift. The recent regional premiere of POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive extended its run after multiple sell-out performances. And, as owners of the Queen Street Playhouse, Footlight Players is not menaced by lease cancellations or rising rents. Instead the company faces a different challenge, that of maintaining a historic building, converted from an antebellum cotton warehouse in the 1930’s. As Executive Director Brian Porter notes, “Owning our own building is both a blessing and a burden.”  

Currently in its 92nd season, Footlight Players has seen a growth in audience numbers and diversity since the pandemic. Recently appointed Artistic Director Kyle Barnette and  Executive Director Brian Porter have elevated the selection of works and attracted a broader spectrum of  performers to auditions and added an Act Two show series created to welcome theatre newcomers. Barnette  also helps organize the monthly Speakeasy series of cabaret performances, which are usually sold out.  Renting out the theatre to other local organizations such as the Spoleto Festival helps keep the lights on. The  upkeep on its historic French Quarter home, however, often impacts the operating budget. With this in mind,  the Board of Directors is holding a diamond gala at the theatre on November 11, 2023.

Raise a Glass and Take a Seat is the title of this black tie event which includes a silent and live auction  featuring seven of Charleston’s leading visual artists including Jonathan Greene, Lese Corrigan and Fernando  Valverde, each painting a stock chair featured in previous Footlight performances. These truly one-of a kind  creations will lend both beauty and conversation pieces to anywhere distinctive works of art may be  displayed. While patrons mingle, dine and meet the artists, champagne will be offered with one lucky  participant winning a dazzling diamond ring, donated by Croghan’s Jewel Box.

Founded in 1931, Footlight Players and the Queen Street Playhouse play an influential role in the cultural life  of the Holy City. The staff and the board are grateful for the support of the public and donors, and promise to continue providing stimulating theater in years to come.

Tickets and sponsorship info for the event and for all shows can be found at footlightplayers.net or by calling the box office at 843.722.4487.

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