In 2015, a committee of staff and board members came together to create a new fundraising event for the Herberger Theater. Board member Theresa Dwyer suggested that we expand on Gourmet Theatre, an event that Actors Theatre had held for 20 years. Actors Theatre graciously allowed us to take on the event and make it our own. And that we did!
Plated & Staged… A Herberger Theater Experience was born with the first event taking place on April 24, 2016. The event is a blend of fine dining and arts. Guests attend a cocktail reception, silent auction and program at the Herberger Theater. Dinner follows but we don’t tell guests which fabulous Valley restaurant they are going to until it’s announced after the program. The element of surprise makes the event unique and fun.
“Awesome event! Fun people and conversations, great food, art, entertainment and a silent auction… all this and helping others.” Plated & Staged attendee.
The event has continued to grow and in the last five years we have entertained approximately 850 guests and worked with 35 restaurant partners. Since 2016, an estimated $400,000 has been raised to benefit the Herberger Theater’s youth education and outreach programs.