Lewis Black to Host Williamstown Theatre Festival Gala, 11/14

The Williamstown Theatre Festival (Jenny Gersten, Artistic Director) will honor the Festival's renowned Training Programs at its Annual Benefit, "We The Future," to be held on Monday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Edison Ballroom in New York City (240 West 47th Street), it was announced today. The evening, hosted by Award-winning comedian (and Williamstown veteran) Lewis Black, will feature former WTF alumni Tony Goldwyn (Promises, Promises; 1981 Non-Equity Company), Kathryn Hahn (Revolutionary Road, 1997 Non-Equity Company) and Constantine Maroulis ("American Idol," 2002 WTF Apprentice), performing with members of the 2011 Apprentice and Non-Equity companies.

The evening will also include a live auction featuring an array of exciting travel opportunities (including a Deer Valley Ski Lodge and the Four Seasons Resort, Nevis) unique experiences (including a walk-on role on "Nurse Jackie" and a visit to the set of "Modern Family") and two amazing artworks (a Harry Benson photograph of Christopher Reeve and a one-of-a-kind Gregory Crewdson production still of Julianne Moore). All auction items may be previewed at www.wtfestival.org and absentee bids are accepted.

While the Williamstown Theatre Festival has a highly regarded reputation for presenting classic theatre with America's leading actors, directors, and designers, it's less well known that the origin and mission of the Festival are deeply rooted in education. For 57 years, the Festival has offered students and early career professionals unparalleled opportunities to hone their skills in an environment that promotes mutual inspiration and respect between novices and established artists. Every season, over 200 early career actors, directors, designers, technicians, and administrators come to Williamstown for what is frequently the most challenging and rewarding summer of their lives.

The Alumni Committee for this year's Gala includes just some of the artists who have started their careers at WTF: Becky & Dylan Baker, Ty Burrell, Carolyn Cantor & David Korins, Nate Corddry, Charlie Day, Jennifer Grey, Kathryn Hahn & Ethan Sandler, David Hyde Pierce, Alex Lyu Volckhausen, Diane Paulus, Austin Pendleton, Chris Pine, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jessica Stone & Christopher Fitzgerald.

Benefit Co-Chairs Fredda Harris and Katherine Kollath Peabody head up a Benefit Committee which includes: Lisa Benavides Nelson & Tim Nelson, Jennifer Bowden, Cathy Chernoff, Denise Chiarella & David Wohabe, Constance Cincotta, Gail Clott Segal, Stacy & Eric Cochran, Jenny Harris & David Faber, Jessica Hecht & Adam Bernstein, Rhoda R. Herrick, Kristen Johanson, Kathleen Marshall & Scott Landis, Barbara & Don McLucas, Ellen & George Needham, Sheila M. Stone and Doug Stumpf. To request an invitation or to purchase tickets, contact Eric Kerns, Director of Development, at (413) 597-4630.

The Williamstown Theatre Festival brings award-winning actors, directors, and playwrights to the Berkshires, engaging a loyal audience of both residents and summer visitors. A WTF season covers a broad range of theatrical endeavors, revisiting classic plays with exciting new productions on its Main Stage, developing and nurturing bold new works on the Nikos Stage, and offering audiences a rich array of cultural events including Free Theatre, Late-Night Cabarets, readings, workshops, and educational programs like the Greylock Theatre Project-a program for children in neighboring North Adams. While best known for its acclaimed productions, WTF is also home to unparalleled training and professional development programs serving new generations of aspiring theatre artists and managers. WTF was honored with the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 2002 and The Commonwealth Award for Achievement in 2011. The Festival welcomes Jenny Gersten as its new Artistic Director for the 2011 season.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos