Kate Baldwin and More Set for Acting Company's Ruby Ball Tonight

At The Acting Company's 40th Anniversary Ruby Ball tonight, December 3, 2012 at Capitale, James Houghton, Founding Artistic Director of the Signature Theatre and the Richard Rodgers Director of Juilliard's Drama Division, will accept the John Houseman Award recognizing his profound commitment to the development of American actors and an audience for the theater. Earl Weiner, Board Chairman of both The Acting Company and the Theater Development Fund (TDF) will receive the Warburg Humanitarian Award for his outstanding philanthropic endeavor and leadership.

According to Barbara Fleischman, Gala Chair, Harriet Harris(Thoroughly Modern Millie, upcoming in Cinderella) and Dr. Kate Levin, Commissioner of New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs, will present the awards; Jim Dale will host, Kate Baldwin (Finian's Rainbow, upcoming in Giant) will perform and additional attendees will include: Kate Baldwin, Pia Lindstrom, Jim Dale, Lark Mason, Clive Davis, Peter Norton, Boyd Gaines, John Rando, Mary Rodgers Guettel Roslyn Ruff, Harriet Harris, David Schramm, James Houghton, Lois Smith, Dana Ivey, Charlotte St. Martin, Hon. Thomas Kean, Susan Stroman, Edgar Lansbury, Jeanine Tesori and Michael Wilson.

James Houghton, a former actor and Alumnus of The Acting Company, is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Signature Theatre and the Richard Rodgers Director of Juilliard's Drama Division. He will receive the John Houseman Award for his profound commitment to developing American actors and building a diverse audience for the theater. The Signature Ticket Initiative is a groundbreaking program designed to make theater affordable and accessible to all; Juilliard, for over 40 years, has been considered one of America's finest acting conservatories. The award has been presented to James Bundy, Bernard Gersten, Jack O'Brien, Joe Papp, Harold Prince, Marian Seldes, Tony Randall and a dozen others.

As Chairman of both The Acting Company and Theatre Development Fund (TDF), Earl Weiner has demonstrated a profound commitment and generosity to developing actors and audiences. Similar is his devotion to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Trustee and Chairman Emeritus), Brooklyn Hospital Center, the Municipal Art Society and historic Green-Wood Cemetery. The Joan Warburg Humanitarian Award is named for a woman deeply involved in dozens of projects for the betterment of mankind. Previous recipients include Harry Belafonte, Martin Segal, Tom Viola, Gerald Schoenfeld, Phyllis Newman, William Zabel and Abigail Disney.

Founded by Oscar winner John Houseman and current Acting Company Producer Margot Harley in 1972, The Acting Company is America's most honored touring repertory theater having reached 3.5 million people in 48 states and 10 foreign countries with 136 classic and new works. Kevin Kline, Patti LuPone, Rainn Wilson, Jeffrey Wright, Jesse L. Martin, Frances Conroy, Keith David, Hamish Linklater, Harriet Harris and David Ogden Stiersare but a few who began their careers on tour with The Acting Company, which was honored with a TONY Award for Excellence in Theater. The Company will present Of Mice and Men December 4-8 at Baruch Performing Arts Center and As You Like It at the New Victory Theater in early-March as part of its 40th National Tour.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.