American Theatre Wing is pleased to announce that its annual Gala, to be held on Monday, September 28, 2015 at The Plaza Hotel (Fifth Avenue at Central Park South), will honor legendary actor James Earl Jones. Mr. Jones is a two-time Tony Award® winner, two-time Obie Award® winner and alumnus of the American Theatre Wing Professional School. CeCe Black, Anki Leeds, and Marva Smalls will serve as Gala Chairs.

“From his humble beginnings in Michigan through his extensive career in New York and Los Angeles, James Earl Jones has continually championed the American theatre with his memorable performances and advocacy on behalf of the Wing,” said Heather Hitchens, President of the American Theatre Wing. “He embodies the definition of a working actor, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to honor and pay tribute to all that he has done to elevate the art form.”

All proceeds from the evening will benefit the theatre education and artist development programs of the American Theatre Wing, which include SpringboardNYC, the Theatre Intern Network, the National Theatre Company Grants and the Jonathan Larson® Grants, and will also support free access for students, aspiring professionals, and the general public to programming on AmericanTheatreWing.org, including the long running show “Working in the Theatre.”