Story by Ainsley Hall
INWOOD — Musselman High School’s theater department is putting together a Valentine’s Masquerade Ball to help raise money for students and celebrate the romantic holiday.
Sarah Matson, president of the Musselman Theater Booster Club, came up with the idea when she realized there weren’t many fun activities for couples to do during Valentine’s Day. She thought that creating this type of event would be a fun way to fill that void, while also supporting students in the theater department.
“For Valentine’s Day, everyone is looking for something fun to do,” Matson said. “Most people just end up going out to eat and waiting an hour to sit at a restaurant, eat and then go home. I thought it would be a good opportunity for Musselman to put together an event without kids to give people the opportunity to do something extra special.”
This adult-only, black-tie event will be held at 6 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg. It will include a plated dinner, cash bar and dancing, while giving couples a fun excuse to dress up and have a fun evening together. There will also be a DJ and other fun activities for couples.
“I specifically chose doing a masquerade to connect it back to theater, just because of the irony behind it,” Matson said. ‘’’Phantom of the Opera’ is a well-known play that uses the masquerade idea, so it seemed like a fun way to support and celebrate theater.”
The money raised during the event will help cover equipment costs and support student performances throughout the year. Since the pandemic, the theater department has had a hard time raising support, but with this event, it hopes to raise more awareness and get the community excited about the performing arts.
Matson also shared that this event will also honor Michael Stiles, theater department director, who was diagnosed with cancer. Though he is out for the year as he receives treatment, he continues to support the students. Matson and other parents and staff members involved in the theater department want to use the opportunity to honor him and his dedication.
The Musselman High Theater Department will perform “The Little Mermaid” later this year and has plans to travel to the state competition in March.
For more information, visit http://mhstd.betterworld.org/events/valentines-masquerade-ball?fbclid=IwAR15PrT6Z4nywoZWvLQHIgJey8ymkvbF2nOa2E8p29C-F-Cky2aR57w0AfU.