For its inaugural fundraising gala night, Calgary’s Third Street Theatre is literally pulling out the red carpets and promising attendees a night of opulence and glam. Stars of the Stage and Screen is the leitmotif to this costume ball, which will take place Friday, June 27th at the Arrata Opera Centre.

"It’s a very Oscar themed party," says Jonathan Brower, founding artistic director for the queer theatre company entering into its third production year. "We’re excited about it."

He says the goal is to raise $10,000 to help cover the upcoming season’s costs: future theatre projects, artist compensation, and venue fees.

"We might like to try a bigger theatre in the future," he says. The group currently performs its shows at the Motel venue in the Epcor Centre for the Perfomring Arts. "Maybe a commissioned piece as well."

Brower says he is hoping to get servers and bartenders for the event draped in gold, like live Oscar statues, and Red Tree to cater.

Village Brewery is the official beer sponsor, and confirmed entertainment includes burlesque performers Raven Virginia and Sugar Mae B, boylesque performer Kyall Rakoz, vocalists Brandon Wood and Eric Wigston, as well as roaming hoop dancers, flag spinning and poi.

Those who pull out all the stops on their costumes will be rewarded. A panel of celebrity judges will be grading attire and awarding prizes to the best dressed.

Brower says he’s keeping his costume a secret.

"I was thinking Bette Midler originally but I’ve got something much different in mind," he says.

Drag is, of course, encouraged.

Doors open at 8pm and a DJ dance party will conclude the night.