Lauren Coats, right, and Matt Coats, left, pictured here in full masquerade flair, are the creative duo behind The Bard’s Ball, a Shakespearean fantasy fundraiser supporting The Acting Company in Yuba City. The event will take place on April 26 at the TriCounties Community Center in Marysville. Photo courtesy of The Acting Company

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Get ready for a night of fantasy, flair, and festivity as The Bard’s Ball makes its grand debut at the Tri-Counties Community Center on Saturday, April 26, from 7 to 11 p.m. in Marysville. This immersive, Shakespearean-inspired celebration will bring together performers, fantasy lovers, and community members for a one-of-a-kind fundraiser benefiting The Acting Company, a long-standing nonprofit theater in Yuba City.

Conceived and organized by local creatives Matt and Lauren Coats, The Bard’s Ball takes place on the day William Shakespeare was baptized, just three days after his believed birthdate, and honors the Bard’s legacy with a rich blend of Renaissance charm and modern fantasy.

“(We’re) Calling all Pirates, Steampunks, Red Hats, D&Ders, Cosplayers, Reenactors, and Fantasy Loving peeps!" said organizer Matt Coats. “Lauren and I have been working with The Acting Company in Yuba City and stradmeadery.com to create an amazing event at the Tri-Counties Community Center in Marysville that will combine Shakespeare, fantasy, music, dancing, food, drinks, entertainment, a costume contest, and more in one amazing evening.”

In addition to live entertainment and a visit from the “Royal Court,” the ball will feature a rare opportunity to try English country dancing. Two beginner-friendly lessons will be held, one from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. and another from 9 to 9:45 p.m., welcoming dancers of all experience levels.

“It’s not something you see very often in this area, but it’s going to be super fun,” said Meagan Shearer, a board member of The Acting Company and fellow promoter. “We’re kind of trying to bring a taste of the renaissance festival here to Yuba-Sutter.”

For guests seeking a deeper dive into the evening’s enchantment, The Bard’s Ball will also include two optional interactive adventures, The Quest for Shakespeare’s Quill and The Masquerade Scavenger Hunt. These immersive experiences come at an additional fee but invite attendees to solve riddles, follow hidden clues, and complete challenges throughout the venue.

Presale Tickets start at $35, and tickets at the door will be sold for $40, subject to availability. All tickets include entry, refreshments, complimentary drinks, a commemorative glass, and one entry into the raffle. Guests must be 15 or older to attend. Proceeds go to support The Acting Company’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality theater experiences to the Yuba-Sutter region.

The Bard’s Ball will take place on April 26 at the Tri-Counties Community Center located at1830 B Street, Marysville. To purchase tickets, sponsorships, or learn more about the event, call 530-751-1100 or visit actingcompany.org/the-bards-ball-1 online. Box Office Hours are Monday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m.