Jayne Atkinson to Host WAM Theatre Benefit at Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center this Sunday

WAM Theatre, recently announced as a finalist in the Creativity/Innovation category of the Berkshire Trendsetter awards, is delighted to present Claiming Her Place, a benefit for WAM to be held Sunday, June 30 at 7pm at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington. Co-produced and hosted by Tony nominee Jayne Atkinson, recently cast in The Lion in Winter at Berkshire Theatre Group, the evening will feature a celebrity panel discussing the challenges women face in the entertainment industry. The panel includes: Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under),Michel Gill (House of Cards), Marin Mazzie (Tony Nominee), Linus Roache (Law & Order) and Debra Jo Rupp (That 70's Show).

Co-producer Jayne Atkinson says, "I am honored to be hosting this fun and exciting benefit, which brings WAM's worthy mission of using theatre to benefit women and girls front and center to the Berkshire community."

The celebrity panel will share their stories, observations and thoughts about the challenges women face in the entertainment industry.

The evening will also include a sneak peek of WAM Theatre's fall production Emilie: La Marquise Du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight by Lauren Gunderson, a Northeast Regional Premiere running November 7-24 at Barrington Stage Company's St. Germain Stage. In keeping with WAM Theatre's double philanthropic mission, a portion of proceeds from the box office of Emilie will be donated to an organization that benefits women and girls. That beneficiary will be announced at the June 30 benefit.

"Jayne began telling me all these great stories over a cup of tea about how she claimed her place as a woman in the entertainment industry. We were immediately struck by the idea that sharing these stories and having a discussion about how celebrities claim their place was a fitting focus for our first ever benefit." Says Kristen van Ginhoven, WAM Artistic Director. "We look forward to sharing Jayne's stories and the many hilarious and inspiring stories of our panelists with our current WAM supporters, as well as the many new people we hope will join us at our inaugural benefit."

Tickets for the benefit can be purchased online at www.mahaiwe.org or at 413- 528-0100.

Proceeds from Claiming Her Place will benefit WAM Theatre's fall production of Emilie: La Marquise Du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight by Lauren Gunderson.

More information at www.WAMTheatre.com

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