As part of the 50th anniversary of the Warner Robins Little Theater season, the board of directors of the theater wanted to do something different.

“We decided as part of the birthday celebration that we wanted to do some kind of big event,” said Fred Hardin, a longtime member of the Warner Robins Little Theater. “The more the committee worked on it, the more a masquerade ball seemed like the perfect idea.“

The Warner Robins Little Theater will be holding a Masquerade Gala on Nov. 17. Organizers encourage costumes and masks but wearing a cocktail dress or coat and tie is acceptable as well.

“First and foremost, we want the people there,” Hardin said.

Craig Coleman, a DJ from Atlanta, will be providing the music and a historical link as well; it was Coleman’s mother, Jean, who helped the theater find its permanent home.

The evening will include a short program on the history of the Warner Robins Little Theater, music and a sit-down dinner.

Hardin mentioned the theatrical link for having a masquerade ball, recalling scenes from “Romeo and Juliet,” “An American in Paris” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Along with an anniversary event and fundraiser for the Little Theater, Hardin said that the Gala will serve another purpose as well.

“We are still a young city and are growing. Our cultural atmosphere needs to grow as well,” said Hardin.

Warner Robins is a town that embraces things, Hardin said.

“This is a place that started a little theater only 20 years after the city was founded. Back then, it was a little bitty place but people still saw the need for a little theater.”

The first show done by the Little Theater was held in a barn off of Elberta Road. For the first few years of its existence, shows were held in borrowed venues such as school auditoriums and church social halls. Community support, like attendance at the Gala, is needed to help expand not only the Little Theater’s efforts but cultural activities in the city as well.

The Warner Robins Little Theater Masquerade Gala will be held 6:30-10 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Galleria Conference Center. Tickets are $40 per person. To purchase tickets, call Hardin at 397-7352. No tickets can be sold after Monday.