The Robbys Gala returns with a tribute to musicals

The Robinson Film Center welcomes the return of its signature fundraiser, The Robbys Gala, on the evening of Saturday, June 28. Guests can experience the glamour of the motion picture industry with an evening of musical performances, cinematic moments, food, costumes and prizes.

Admission is $150 general admission and $250 for VIPS, which includes access to the VIP Lounge, early access to the prize pull and more. Dress is cocktail attire or costumes from one’s favorite musical.

This year’s gala features the theme “The Magic of Musicals,” and participants are sure to leave the film center with a song or two in their hearts.

Previously, the Robbys were held in connection with the Oscars, but it was moved to the summer so as not to conflict with events during Mardi Gras season. “There’s an adage in Shreveport that there’s nothing to do here, and that’s true until you try to do an event,” said Robinson Film Center Executive Director Wendell Riley. “Then you find out that there’s always something happening.”

The Robbys Gala will have plenty of activities to keep the night hopping. “The Magic of Musicals” will represent four classic musicals — “Wicked,” “Mamma Mia,” “Moulin Rouge” and “Grease” — turning the film center into a celebration of movie magic. When people walk into the main lobby, they will find themselves in the Land of Oz, both the modern version from “Wicked” and a nod or two to the 1930s classic, although “we may not have flying monkeys,” Riley said with a grin.

There will also be a karaoke room with a “Mamma Mia” theme. “The karaoke room is one of our more popular attractions,” he said. “That’s where most people end up congregating at the end of the night. People can sing whatever they want. It’s just that when they walk into that small area, it will feel like ‘Mamma Mia.’”

The large theater will serve as a screening room for musicals for people who want to get away from the crowds, take a breather and settle in to watch a movie.

The bistro will be converted into a VIP Room with extra benefits for participants. DJ Ready Roc will be on the balcony spinning tunes, while the event space will have a “Grease” vibe, including a high school-style dance-off.

Other activities include people from the Shreveport Little Theatre performing scenes from famous musicals; a sultry “Moulin Rouge” VIP lounge featuring live music by DJ Lomax; a prize pull with exciting winnings; and costume awards for stunning garb during the night.

“Essentially, what we want is that no matter where you are in this building, you will have a good time, and you will have something fun and interesting to do,” Riley said. “We will have free food and beverages throughout the night, whether you’re a VIP or general admission. There will be bars on the first floor and at least two bars on the second floor. So people won’t have trouble getting food, getting a drink, because what we want to do is just provide an extra level of hospitality where people can come here and have a great time.”

But as fun as the gala is, it also has its serious side, as it is the film center’s main fundraiser for the year. Proceeds from the Robbys support the Robinson Film Center’s mission to educate, enrich and entertain through the power of film. Each year, RFC serves thousands of students, seniors, filmmakers and families through film screenings, media literacy programs, career training and special events.

“Primarily, it allows us to continue our education programming,” Riley said. “For example, as we speak right now, we have one of our summer camps here,” where children in grade 5 and lower are taught about creative entrepreneurship through the medium of filmmaking.

“We teach kids skills such as teamwork, time management, resource management, oral and written communication. All of our educational programs are meant to not only teach young people and adult learners about film as a medium, but also to expose them to any number of film careers that are available to them.” Film, he said, involves more than a producer, director and actors. There is a multitude of below-the-line talents, such as electricians or hair and makeup. “These are jobs that people can make a good living doing.”

Plus, with the arrival of G Unit Studios in town, Riley said, “we need to make sure that we have a workforce that is ready to go.”