The Actors' Temple Announces ARTS @ AT Series, with Comedy, Music & More

In celebrating the New Year 5776, The Actors' Temple, founded in 1917 and located in a landmark building in the heart of the theater district since 1923, introduces a new initiative ARTS @ AT, to reinforce their historic commitment to serving Jewish theater artists and maintaining a relationship with the surrounding NYC arts community. Sophie Tucker, Red Buttons, Jack Benny and the Three Stooges are among the scores of well-known entertainers who frequented its striking halls. The Actors' Temple is located at 339 West 47th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenue.

The 2015-16 ARTS @ AT programming significantly expands the Actors' Temple's commitment to supporting contemporary, relevant arts experiences for its members and the broader NYC arts-loving community. A new Monday night series, Hot Nights At A Cool Shul, seeks to stimulate dialogue about American and global Jewish culture through engaging, entertaining and thought-provoking films, play readings, cabaret acts, musical performances, and panel discussions. Vox Hebraica, a "curious" concert series, is fueled by the question of who gives music its' identity? The concert series presents diverse perspectives on the contemporary Jewish experience. In addition there will be two grand-scale fundraisers for the Temple, aSpring Gala on March 21, 2016 and a Comedy Benefit on May 16, 2016.

All events take place in the beautiful and restored sanctuary of The Actors' Temple,339 West 47th St. btwn 8th and 9th Aves. All seating is general admission, (except forthe Spring Gala and the Comedy Benefit).

Tickets for Hot Nights At A Cool Shul: $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $15 for AT members and students under age 18. Tickets for Vox Hebraica: $15 in advance; $20 at the door; $10 for students under age 18 and seniors; free for AT members. Tickets for the Comedy Benefit: $40 Friend; $50 Mensch; $100 Angel; $200 Seraphim. Tickets for the GALA: TBD.

Tickets are available to purchase online (by the end of next week) at www.theactorstemple.org/events, by phone at (212) 245-6975, by faxing credit card info: 212-586-3025, at the door (cash, or check made out to The Actors' Temple), or by mail at The Actors' Temple, P.O. Box 2620, New York, NY 10108.

ARTS @ AT Schedule:

Mon, Oct 26th, 7:30 pm: Hot Nights - WHEN COMEDY WENT TO SCHOOL Why are there so many Jewish comedians? Larry Richards' film explores this provocative question in a seriously side splitting look at the Borscht Belt and the Catskills resort era. A post-screening panel moderated by Mr. Richards will include Catskills scholar Joe Dorinson; superlative comediennes Jackie Hoffman (currently starring in On The Town) and Marilyn Michaels (star ofCatskills on Broadway); and the inimitable comedian and actorRobert Klein, who is featured in the film.

Tues, Nov 10th, 9:00 pm: VH - FREE SOUND AHN-SOMBLE with special guest Frank London This adventurous ensemble takes you on a journey through big band, free jazz, and experimental improvisation.

Mon, Dec 14th, 7:30 pm: Hot Nights: THE EPICHORUS Led by Rabbi Zach Fredman of The New Shul, an ensemble stirring thesounds of Judeo-Arabic retro-folk. They are creating new sounds in world music, returning listeners to the ecstatic states of the desert,the harem and the marketplaces of the Middle East.

Fri, Feb 19th, 9:00 pm: VH - THE LOUIS MOREAU TRIO Marina Kifferstein, violin; Arnaud Ghillebaert, violin/viola; Liam Veuve, cello in a program featuring Arnold Schoenberg's Trio, Opus 45, one ofthe composer's final works

ACTORS' TEMPLE SPRING GALA BENEFIT, Mon, Mar 21st, 2016, 7:30 pm Your opportunity to support the historic Actors'Temple at a gala one-night-only performance featuring exquisite opera singer ANNA BERGMAN in a concert of both classical art songs and popular songs, all by Jewish composers.

Mon, Apr 4th 7:30 pm: Hot Nights: QUEEN OF MEAN: The Story of Leona Helmsley - a reading, with songs, of the new musical! Does getting what we want bring happiness? What does it feel like to be rich and powerful? Why would someone with everything stop at nothing to have more? With rampant corporate malfeasance and income inequality on the rise, these questions have never been more relevant. However, what ultimately makes "Queen of Mean" compelling is the enormously colorful leading lady, her fascinating rise to power, and the emotional relatability of her drive, her passions, and her shortcomings. We cheer her, envy her, ache for her, and watch in gleeful horror as she crosses lines we ourselves would not cross.

ACTORS' TEMPLE COMEDY BENEFIT, Mon, May 16th, 2016, 7:00 pm Bob Greenberg presents THE ACTORS' TEMPLE COMEDY BENEFIT with special guest Freddie Roman. This is a beloved annual event! Emceed by comedian Bob Greenberg with always a great line-up of stellar comics As Seen On TV! Past shows have featured Stewie Stone, Elayne Boosler, Pat Cooper, Joe Franklin, Ross Bennett, Dave Konig, Rhonda Hansome and many more! Not to be missed! "You'll laugh 'til you plotz!"

Fri, May 20th, 9:00 pm: VH - THE RHYTHM METHOD Marina Kifferstein and LaviniaPavlish, violin; Jocelin Pan, viola; Meaghan Burke, cello in a program featuring Alban Berg's monumental Lyric Suite.

THE ACTORS' TEMPLE, founded in 1917 and located in a landmark building in theheart of the theater district since 1923, has had a historic commitment to serving Jewish theater artists and maintaining a relationship with the surrounding NYC arts community. Sophie Tucker, Red Buttons, Jack Benny, the Marx Brothers, The Ritz Brothers, andthe Three Stooges were among the scores of well-known entertainers who frequented its halls. The Actors' Temple holds regular Friday evening, Saturdaymorning, and all major Jewish holiday services. Rabbi Jill Hausman creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere inclusive of all who wish to find a spiritual home and a sense of community. Find out more at www.theactorstemple.org.