Annual Gala: Raise the Curtain

Saturday, May 2, 2026

An exclusive one-night-only event supporting arts access for Houston students

Presenting Sponsor

Entertainment Sponsor

This special celebration combines a spectacular showstopping performance with world-class dining and wining, all while benefiting the Hobby Center’s education programs which will bring 40,000 students to the Hobby Center for FREE performances this season including bus transportation. Research indicates that the performing arts have a tremendous impact on educational outcomes and profoundly affect child development. 

Showcase Performance by Tony Award® Winner Darren Criss

Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox’s hit TV show GLEE, Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony award winner Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that’s entirely uninhibited by form or genre. Currently starring in the critically acclaimed Broadway hit Maybe Happy Ending, Criss is a veteran of the stage whose other Broadway credits include the titular role of Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2015), How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (2012), and the most recent 2022 revival of David Mamet’s seminal play American Buffalo alongside Laurence Fishburne and Sam Rockwell. In 2018 his work in Ryan Murphy’s The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story received wide critical acclaim, earning him a Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics’ Choice Award. He was most recently seen starring in Netfix’s hit series Hollywood, for which he also served as executive producer.

Join us at a Table or as an Individual Supporter:

TABLES

Standing Ovation | $100,000

• 2 VIP tables for 8 guests each
• Private photo opportunity with Showcase Performer (subject to artist confirmation)
• Headline recognition in event program
• Recognition in programs for other Hobby Center presented events

Center Stage | $50,000

• 2 premium tables for 6 guests each
• Private photo opportunity with Showcase Performer (subject to artist confirmation)
• Premium recognition in event program
• Recognition in programs for other Hobby Center presented events

Spotlight | $25,000

• 1 preferred table for 8 guests
• Recognition in event program and in programs for other Hobby Center presented events

Marquee | $15,000

• 1 table for 6 guests
• Recognition in event program and in programs for other Hobby Center presented events

Encore | $10,000

• 1 table for 4 guests
• Recognition in event program and in programs for other Hobby Center presented events 

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

Featured Player | $5,000 per seat

• Preferred seating
• Recognition in event program and in programs for other Hobby Center presented events

Cameo | $2,500 per seat

• Recognition in event program and in programs for other Hobby Center presented events

Ensemble | $1,500 per seat

• Recognition in event program and in programs for other Hobby Center presented events

For more information contact Ariette Almogabar, Donor Event and Stewardship Lead, at 713.315.2410 or [email protected] or Lise Bohn, VP Advancement, at 713.315.2598 or [email protected].

Join us as a Member of the Host Committee:

Host Committee members help inspire others to give! We ask that you make a personal commitment of at least $5,000 and personally solicit those within your network to purchase tables or tickets with a goal of securing at least one additional table.