Stella by Starlight to Honor Liza Minnelli, Annette Bening, et al. 5/2

The Stella Adler Studio of Acting announced today that the Sixth Annual Stella by Starlight Benefit Gala will be held on May 2nd at the home of songwriter and philanthropist, Denise Rich. This year's honorees include Liza Minnelli, Annette Bening, Muriel "Mickey" Siebert and Donald Katz.

Entertainment legend Liza Minnelli will receive the "Marlon Brando Award," Academy® Award Nominee Annette Bening will receive the "Stella Adler Award," and CEO of Siebert Brandford Shank and Co. Muriel Siebert, and founder and CEO of Audible, Donald Katz, will accept the "Stella Adler Corporate Award."

All funds raised from the evening will be used to support the studio's charitable programs including Outreach Division Program, which provides free actor training to low-income, inner-city youth. The Outreach Division has served and trained more than 2,000 students since its inception in 2004.

"The Center for Arts Education reports a correlation between students who live in poverty and lack of arts exposure. Outreach addresses this injustice by serving impoverished New York City teens and makes it possible for students to have access to high quality arts training that is essential to nurturing the next generation of informed, curious, capable citizens who have the resources to reach their fullest potential," Artistic Director, Tom Oppenheim, stated today. "We are thrilled that such an esteemed group of honorees will join us for Stella by Starlight, a special evening that will have a real affect for hundreds of young people who do not have access to the arts."

Over the years, the Stella by Starlight gala has honored some of the most distinguished artists in the entertainment and media industries. They have included Whoopi Goldberg, Liz Smith, Warren Beatty, Martin Sheen, Harold Bloom, Tony Kushner, Elaine Stritch, Sidney Lumet, Ruby Dee, the late Ozzie Davis and the late Roy Scheider, as well as other key entertainment, theatrical and business leaders.

Since 1949, The Stella Adler Studio of Acting has been the premier actor training program in New York City and around the country. They have trained thousands of actors and artists, including the likes of Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Elaine Stritch, Benicio del Toro, Alvin Ailey, and Salma Hayek. The studio encourages its students to be well-versed in not only theater, art, music and literature, but also to be involved in social, humanitarian and community-related issues.

To purchase tickets, starting at $1,000 for general admission, contact The Stella Adler Studio at (212) 689-0087.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos