7 Stages invites audiences to raise a glass
7 Stages is closing their 2012-2013 season with Lady Lay, but to keep the revolutionary work going they are holding their annual fundraiser this Friday, May 3 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 and the event is held at the Cator Woolford Gardens in Druid Hills. Below, Charles Swint, director of marketing at 7 Stages, talks about what to expect at the wine tasting and 2013-2014 season preview, a sneak peak for what to expect when The Navigator opens, and why events like this are so important.
Q. This weekend 7 Stages is holding their annual fundraiser, Taste for Theatre. Mixing wine and theatre seems to be a natural choice for class and enjoyment, what went into making this fundraiser a stand out event?
A. In the past few years we have been playing around with different themes to give our event a little something extra. This year we will have some amazing interactive and immersive performances from Imperial Opa Circus and Musee de Coeur as you are wandering the gardens tasting some great food from Atlanta’s food truck community and sampling some fine wine you will encounter wonderfully mysterious performances.
Q. The theme of the night is Steam Punk based off of next season’s opener, The Navigator. Can you explain the theme a bit further for punk-world newcomers?
A. Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery. Especially in a setting inspired by industrialized Western civilization during the 19th century. Its Victorian age meets industrialization with a hint of magic.
Q. The Navigator seems like it is going to take what 7 Stages usually does with innovative theater and maximize it by a thousand. What are audiences in for when this adventure through The Goat Farm opens?
A. There will be giant puppets, live music, shadow work, and the best part is, the audience will not just be passive viewers. Parts of the show require audience members to help the actors defeat the bad guys. It’s going to be a wonderful thing to do with your kids, or your sorority sisters, or your D&D group. It’s a fantastic thrill ride through time to save the future.
Q. There will be a preview of the 2013-2014 season during the event, can you spill any early beans of information beyond the opener of the season?
A. We want to keep some surprises, but we will have actors from of our upcoming shows giving you a taste of what to expect in our 35th season.
Q. Can you speak a little bit about why events like this are important to not only ensure that 7 Stages keeps thriving but also as a way to thank and further entertain attendees?
A. Our fundraisers are always a big party. We realize our shows may not be for everyone so we work on making our fundraisers something everyone can come to and experience a little bit of who we are as a theatre. It’s a fun way to help support our work. There’s food, wine and some unique entertainment that you are not likely to find at other fundraising events. It’s also a great way to see and support other artists in our community.
