Louisville Ballet invites you to give the gift of life before 'Dracula' production

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville Ballet is teaming up with the American Red Cross as part of its upcoming production of "Dracula" — and they want your blood.

Leaders are inviting you to get in the spirit of "Dracula" while supporting a good cause by giving the gift of life.

"Donating blood is one of the simplest ways to care for our neighbors. Together, these acts of kindness ensure no patient faces their hardest day without the support of their community," Eric Holden, regional executive of Donor Services for the American Red Cross Kentucky Region, said in a news release Monday.

The first 25 people to sign up for a joint blood drive this week will receive two complimentary tickets to the production.

The blood drive is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at the Louisville Ballet, 315 E. Main St. in downtown Louisville.

"Our art tells stories of humanity, and supporting a community blood drive is a powerful way to extend that mission beyond the stage," Leslie Smart, CEO of the Louisville Ballet, said in Monday's news release. "We invite our patrons and neighbors to join us in giving the gift of life before we welcome them to experience the drama of 'Dracula.'"

While walk-ins will be accepted "as space allows," those wishing to donate are encouraged to make an appointment in advance. You can sign up online by visiting the Red Cross website by clicking here. You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to set up an appointment. If searching for the drive on the Red Cross website, enter sponsor code LOUBALLET.

The Louisville Ballet's "revamped" production of "Dracula" hits the Brown Theatre Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11 for the first time in nearly 30 years. The ballet promises a "deliciously dark adaptation of Bram Stoker's gothic masterpiece" through "chilling accounts" of Count Dracula from three of his victims.

To learn more about the production or to purchase tickets, click here.

To learn more about donating blood or to find another drive near you, click here.

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