The Sylvain Society, made up of the young professionals of the New Orleans Opera, will be hosting its fifth annual Big Wig Ball in just a few weeks. This year's ball is a cabaret soiree, themed loosely after Moulin Rouge to celebrate the upcoming opera production of La bohème that is set to premiere in April 2022. The Big Wig Ball isn't just a fun name—it's meant to encourage guests to wear extravagant wigs and costumes, though cocktail attire is just fine if you aren't into wig-wearing. If your wig impresses a panel of judges, you might even be crowned "Big Wig 2021!"
This year's Big Wig Ball will take place Friday, July 9 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Artmazing Gallery 309 Decatur St. Guests will be served food and libations provided by the evening's sponsors and have the opportunity to take photos with the Artmazing Gallery's installation.
This year's ball was a bit delayed, but that hasn't stopped Sylvain Society from making sure its return is just as glittery and wig-filled as usual. Each year, the ball raises money for the New Orleans Opera Association's Education Department, allowing the New Orleans Opera to provide opera education programs to children in the Greater New Orleans area. Since its inception, the Big Wig Ball has raised over $28,000 in funding for the education programs.
Tickets for the evening are $40 and are available to those 21 and older. There are also various sponsorship opportunities available that provide sponsors with tickets to the event, among other exciting goodies.
A Big Wig Krewe Second Line Sponsor pays $200, but provides two tickets to the ball, social media mentions from the Sylvain Society and NOLA Big Wig, your name on the event page, and both verbal and print acknowledgement at the ball.
A Big Wig Krewe Riders Sponsor pays $500 and gives you all that the Second Line Sponsor receives, plus two additional tickets to the ball.
A Big Wig Krewe Court Sponsor pays $1,000 and will receive everything the Second Line Sponsor receives as well as four additional tickets, two tickets to the opera at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, your logo/name on ball media, and your logo or link on the event's web page.
The highest sponsor level is the Big Wig Krewe Captain, costing $2,000 and giving you everything from the Big Wig Krewe Court Sponsor, four additional tickets to the ball, two more tickets to the opera, and a press release announcing your sponsorship of the event.
