Wilmette Theatre Hosts Chicago Premiere of Sofia Coppola's Film THE BLING RING Tonight

The Wilmette Theatre will host the Chicago premiere of "The Bling Ring" which stars Emma Watson as well as Winnetka native and Actors Training Center (ATC) student Katie Chang. The red carpet screening will be held tonight, June 17 as a fundraising benefit for the historic Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave. Following the film, Katie Chang will give a post-show talkback to discuss her experiences on-set and her time as an ATC student. Katie began taking classes at ATC in 2009 and was recommended to audition for "The Bling Ring" by ATC Director, Carole Dibo.

The soiree will begin at 6:30 p.m. when Katie arrives to mingle with patrons at a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres hour at Gilson's restaurant, 1126 Central Ave. Included will be a silent auction of fabulous "BLING", including exquisite jewelry, designer handbags, a catered cocktail hour at a Wilmette mansion, and a chance to have one's name on the theatre's marquee for a special event. The auction will benefit the not-for-profit Wilmette Theatre.

Inspired by actual events, "The Bling Ring" is a crime drama about a group of fame-obsessed teens who use the Internet to track celebrities' whereabouts in order to rob their homes. Entertainment Weekly has called the film "[Coppola's] most provocative film yet." At the recent Cannes Film Festival it opened to great buzz and positive reviews. "The Bling Ring" stars Katie Chang as "Rebecca," the group's ringleader. Emma Watson stars as "Nicki," Israel Broussard as "Marc," Claire Julien as "Chloe," Leslie Mann as "Laurie," and Taissa Farmiga as "Sam."

The not-for-profit Wilmette Theatre is the premiere multi-arts and performance center anchoring the downtown Wilmette business district by providing vibrant entertainment, education and enrichment for the community.

The Actors Training Center's mission is to provide an educational integration of cultural, historical and social issues through live theater. ATC offers professional, process-driven classes for actors from Kindergarten through 12th grade as well as adults. K-12 students at The Actors Training Center at the Wilmette Theatre are able to take classes to develop skills in dramatic acting, improv and sketch comedy, physical theater and musical theater. Adult classes include Actor's Essentials, Adult Improv, On-Camera Technique and more. Scholarships are available.

"The Bling Ring" Chicago premiere will take place tonight, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets to the benefit are $75 each, which includes the pre-show party, the screening and talk-back with Katie Chang. The fundraiser benefits the not-for-profit Wilmette Theatre which marks its 100th anniversary next year. The theater is located steps away from the Wilmette Metra station. To purchase tickets, please call the Box Office at 847.251.7424 or visit www.wilmettetheatre.com.

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