BPP throws 25th birthday party

Twenty-five years ago, two young men created a venue for the arts, a safe place where they could perfect their craft and showcase their work. Saturday, these two men will be returning to Bloomington for the Silver Season Gala to celebrate 25 years of successful new works. \nPlaywright Jim Leonard, Jr. and director Tom Moseman started the not-for-profit Bloomington Playwrights Project in 1980, which has prospered, helping many artists and adding to the diversity of the Bloomington community. \nThroughout the years, the BPP has remained dedicated to the advancement of original plays and theater. \nThe BPP has a company of artists, while writers, directors and technology aficionados also belong to the organization, said Sonja Johnson, BPP development director.\nThe Gala will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight at the John Waldron Arts Center, 122 S. Walnut St. The evening will start with a cocktail hour until 7 p.m. when there will be a tapas buffet offered. Six speakers will represent different aspects of the BPP beginning at 7:30 p.m. Selections of work the BPP has put on in the last few years will provide entertainment until the music and dancing which will last until midnight. \nA silent auction will also be held featuring theater tickets, original art, an afghan from Textillery Weavers, ceramics, fine wine and an autographed copy of Parkers Wine Buyer's Guide. \nJohnson said he expects 150 people to attend the gala. So far the BPP has sold about 110 tickets. This is the first of six events to celebrate the community-based theater's 25th anniversary. \nThe Gala is meant to bring together people who have been in the BPP for years, said Johnson. \n"Not many theaters last this long," Johnson said, "(It's) pretty exceptional to have done that."\nThomas Shafer, a member of the Board of Directors at the BPP and the committee chair for the 25th Anniversary said it should be a great "birthday party." \n"We'll enjoy great food and drink and catch up with old friends and meet and make new ones," Shafer said. \nArtistic Director Richard Perez said he believes the BPP will see many more anniversaries. \n"It's one of those milestone events that confirms we'll be here for awhile." Perez said. "It affirms the work we do."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Christine Lunde at clunde@indiana.edu.