The Drama League to Host Centennial Gala in November

The Drama League, embarking on a landmark year of celebration commemorating its 100 years of service to the American theater, announced today The Drama League Centennial Gala set for Monday evening, November 2, 2015 at The Plaza (768 Fifth Avenue). Cocktails and silent auction will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by dinner and performance at 8:00 p.m. Special Guests and performers will be announced at a later date. The Centennial Gala Committee is now in formation; tables and seats are available by calling (212) 244-9494.

This once-in-a-century celebration, which will pay tribute to the living legends of Broadway and honor major theatrical milestones, will include a fully-staged, one-night-only musical with dozens of acclaimed performers from Broadway, the West End, and Hollywood. The black-tie evening will support The Drama League's educational initiatives for promising young artists, including the award-winning Directors Project.

The Centennial Gala Co-Chairs are Anna May Feige and Stan Ponte. Honorary Chairs (list in formation) include two-time Tony Award Winner Judith Light. Gala Vice Chairs are Rebecca Gillan, Mary Jain, Julie and Rich Meister, Joseph and Lauren Pizza, Sotheby's International Realty, and Elaine C. and W. Weldon Wilson. Centennial Sponsors include The Plaza. Additional sponsors will be announced at a later time.

VIP and Committee seats are available beginning today; a limited number of seats open to the General Public will be available July 1. For more information, please call (212) 244-9494, or visit the website at www.dramaleague.org.

The Drama League Centennial Gala helps to raise funds to support the educational training programs of The Drama League Directors Project. The award-winning initiative, which began in 1982 and whose alumni now number over 300, has been instrumental in launching the careers of Tony Award winners Diane Paulus (Finding Neverland), Pam MacKinnon (A Delicate Balance), Michael Mayer (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), John Rando (On The Town); Tony Award nominees Sam Gold (Fun Home) Christopher Ashley (Memphis), Mark Brokaw (Cinderella), Moritz von Steulpnagel (Hand to God), and Alex Timbers (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson); and OBIE and Emmy Award winners Rachel Chavkin, Lear deBessonet, R.J. Cutler, and Anne Kaufmann, to name a few.

'Drama League Directors' are directing on Broadway, Off-Broadway, at regional theaters across the country, and in film and television. They are the artistic directors and associates at 58 regional theaters, including James Bundy (Dean, Yale School of Drama), Hal Brooks (Pearl Theatre), Laura Kepley (Cleveland Play House), Jonathan Silverstein (Keen Company), Michael John Garces (Cornerstone Theatre Company), Ed Iskandar (Exit Pursued By A Bear), Ms. Paulus (American Repertory Theatre), Mr. Ashley (La Jolla Playhouse), Ms. Chavkin (The TEAM), and more. Others hold prominent positions throughout the industry as producers, writers, agents and administrators, and many are educating the next generation of directors at some of our finest professional training programs.

Their directing work has been honored Tony, Emmy, Grammy, Obie, Peabody, Drama Desk, GLAAD, Drama League, New York Drama Critics Circle, Outer Critics, Evening Standard, Lucille Lortel, Bessie, Princess Grace, Garland, Drama-Logue, Barrymore, Helen Hayes, Elliot Norton, and Joseph Jefferson Awards, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. They have in many ways shaped the future of the American theater, with the praise of critics and audiences alike.

The Drama League of New York, since 1916, has been at the forefront of the American Theatre community, providing talent, audiences, and prosperous support. It is one of the nation's oldest continuously-operating, not-for-profit arts advocacy and education organizations. Through its programs, initiatives and events, The Drama League indelibly transforms the lives of artists and audiences by harnessing the unique social and creative dynamism of theatre. Its nationally-renowned, award-winning efforts have two vital goals: To train and nurture the artists of tomorrow and to deepen and strengthen the audience experience.