Think Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Sidney Poitier and Jayne Mansfield.
In 1958, they were among the most famous film and T.V. actors and the world watched as they set trends - on- and off-camera.
Next week, a Coquitlam arts centre will set the stage for that glamourous broadcasting era when it hosts its annual gala fundraiser.
Place des Arts will re-create its Maillardville facility for a behind-the-scenes television show as part of Impromptu: Live! On Air.
Audience members - donned in their finest '50s garb - will walk the red carpet to witness the live screening of USA Music Melody.
It will be the first time the made-up T.V. program will have been shown outside of its Hollywood studio.
Organizer Michael Fera, Place des Arts' program and events co-ordinator, said the fun-filled event will include performances by six cast members plus some young PdA students.
And the crowd can mingle as much - or as little - as they wish with the actors.
"There's going to be a lot going on all night," Fera said. "People are going to be transported to 1958 where they're going to see a mix of Ed Sullivan and American Bandstand activity all around them."
Fera said PdA staff picked the year of 1958 as television was live back then (shows after 1960 were taped).
As a result, actors - many of whom were plucked from the theatre stage - had to do a lot of improv if something went off-script. That added to the excitement of the show, Fera said.
The Golden Age of T.V. is a new theme for Impromptu, which started in 2011 with participants dressed up in flapper and gangster threads for a speakeasy; last year, Place des Arts turned into a East Coast kitchen party scene.
The inaugural gala collected $15,000 while last year's fake wake for a fisherman brought in $10,000.
This year, PdA has a goal of $15,000 for its arts education programs.
PdA executive director Joan McCauley said the 41-year-old centre wants to continue to be accessible to the public "because we know the importance of the arts in people's lives," she said.
Proceeds from Impromptu 2012 funded a new Youth Arts Council this year, she said. As well, Place des Arts has teamed up with the city of Coquitlam - which pays for 35% of the facility's annual operating costs - to be part of its Get Connected, Get Active program to help low-income families.
In addition, Impromptu benefits free activities such as the monthly Family Day.
Alvina Wong, PdA's resource development and volunteer co-ordinator, said ticket sales aren't the only revenue generator from Impromptu.
As with the last two years, participants can bid on some top prizes through a live and silent auction (see below) as well as purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a Microsoft Tablet.
And there will be many prizes handed out for audience members who take part in dance-offs and other fun surprises happening during the night, Fera said.
Tickets for Impromptu: Live! On Air on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave.) are $60 or $90 for the VIP, which includes a drink, admission to the after-party and a late-night snack (tickets won't be sold at the door on the night).
For more information, call 604-664-1636 or visit www.impromptugala.ca.
LIVE AUCTION
Two round-trip train tickets from Vancouver to Jasper and a two-night stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (donated by VIA Rail and Fairmont)
Two tickets to Vancouver Opera's Albert Herring and a one-night stay for two at the Westin Bayshore (donated by Vancouver Opera and the Westin Bayshore)
Two-night stay at the Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa in Osoyoos (donated by Bellstar Hotels & Resorts)
SILENT AUCTION
Roland F-120 digital piano
$300 gift certificate for the Malene Grotrian Design boutique in Gastown
Seagull S6 acoustic guitar
Two nights at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa and two gift certificates to La Scandinave Spa Whistler
$100 gift card for dinner at Araxi in Whistler and a one-night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Whale watching, museum passes and ferry ride to Victoria
$75 gift certificate to Forage, any Vancouver Symphony show and a one-night stay at The Listel Hotel
YVR parking, house cleaning and two bottles of wine
Meal for eight people at any Joseph Richard Group pub
