Marietta Center for the Arts, the home of Susquehanna Stage, will host a fundraiser dance party on Saturday, Sept. 24, beginning at 7 p.m. The event will be held in the gallery space at the theater, located at 133 W. Market St., Marietta.

Last year, the organization held a '70s-themed fundraiser, and the event was so well-received, organizers decided to hold it again with some tweaks, said board member Joni McCrady. "This is going to be all dance music, not just '70s music," she said. "We had such a good time last year, and people danced the whole night. This is going to be a fun time to just get out and go dancing. Where can you go to dance anymore?" She noted that the event is for people of all ages.

Along with dance music, the event will feature hors d'oeuvres, water and soda, with a cash bar available. A basket giveaway will help raise funds for the theater, McCrady said. "We're doing five big baskets," she stated, noting that themes will include tailgating and "pamper yourself." A quilt made by Ruth Shoop and donated by the Madara family will also be featured.

Proceeds from the dance party will help the theater continue its mission of providing community access to the arts, McCrady said, noting that an architect is currently completing a master plan for the building. "Right now, we're using pews as seats in the theater," she stated, explaining that the space is a former church. "We're looking at updating to theater seating, updating the bathrooms and making other improvements."

Although the event is intended to raise funds for the theater, McCrady hopes it will serve another purpose as well. "We want to open our doors to the public, so they know we exist," she remarked. "We want to expose people to the creative arts and let them know everything that goes on in this building."

For more information or to purchase tickets to the dance party, visit http://www.susquehannastage.com.