If you have lived in the Klamath Basin for any substantial period, then it’s likely that you have heard of The Ross Ragland Theater and Cultural Center’s annual “Red Tie Romp.” The theater hosts the elegant fundraising event and auction each year to support their youth and Educational Outreach Programs (E&O programs.) The Ragland’s E&O and youth programs consist of more than seven youth-focused programs. Those programs include Outreach in Junior High and High schools in both City and County schools with featured Artist from the Ragland’s season, Youth StARTs in 10 county elementary schools teaching -Drama, Music and Movement, field trips to the theater for Young Audience Matinees of live and digital performances for K-12, After School Classes which include- Puppet theater, Rag Tag Choir, Art classes, Storybook theater and Musical theater, Teen Theater Program for High School students, Little Sprouts camp for K-4, and a Summer Youth Theater camp for 4th-12th grades.
A recent survey conducted by the Countryside YMCA asked students about their experience in drama and theater and the results highlighted the confidence-building effects of theater: 80% said that they have more self-discipline, 82% said it is easier for them to talk to people they don’t know well, 84% said they have more respect for themselves. These are just a few of the reasons the Ross Ragland believes that the availability of these programs to youth is vital to a healthy and wholesome community. In addition to providing these programs to the community, the Ragland also offers a scholarship program to the youth who may not have the ability to participate otherwise. The proceeds raised from this event help to finance the education programs and those scholarships. (On that topic, community members can call the Ross Ragland at any time and request to sponsor a child or teen for a program scholarship. Just call Dawn at 541-887-8637.)
The Ross Ragland is raising the bar this year as it transforms their Red Tie Romp into the first ever Red Tie Masquerade Ball and auction! This Lavish and formal event will take place on February 25th at 5:30pm. Guests are encouraged to dress in masquerade ballroom attire and be ready to raise those bidder paddles (to raise funding for scholarships) and have a fun night with dancing, entertainment, and silent auction. Another twist on this year’s event is that on February 11th at 4:30pm, an online auction will commence! The online auction will begin two-weeks prior to the masquerade ball and will close one hour before the ball begins! For a sneak preview of the online auction visit https://www.32auctions.com/ OR scan the QR Code in this article. If you would like to get a jump start on the auction, follow that link, and create a log-in account.
Tickets to the event can be purchased by visiting Ragland.Org or by calling 541-884-LIVE (5483). Patrons may also purchase tickets in person at the Ragland box office Mondays through Fridays from 12 noon-5:00pm. Special early bird pricing is available until January 31st. Early Bird Prices are $75per person or $125per couple. On or after February 1st prices will be $90per person or $150per couple. Box seats can also be rented for $600 and seat 6 people (until boxes are sold out.)
This amazing event will be catered by Clarabelle’s catering. Unlike years past, this will be “hors d’oeuvre catering” -instead of full dinner dining. There will be a very large selection to choose from followed by a charcuterie desert tray. Some special allergy and dietary options will be available and do not require guests to register for special accommodations. Those options will be properly labeled at the event.
During the event guests can expect the hors d’oeuvre catering, silent auction, performances from our youth programs, professional vocal performances, professional dance entertainment, a ball-room dance lesson, a night to remember and MORE! If you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, now is the time! This is the biggest most red-carpetish event of the year and the value of your support to the youth in the Klamath Basin is without parallel. Get your tickets today!
