Join us as we create something truly memorable: a Benefit Reading for The Lee Strasberg Creative Center® at the TBN Theatre in NYC!

An extraordinary night premiering five new works by visionary playwright John Patrick Shanley, featuring a star-studded cast: Alec Baldwin,* Erick Betancourt, Rebecca De Mornay,* Susie Essman, Jeff Garlin, Jamie Hector,* Alessandra Mesa,* Debra Messing and Sidney Williams. The show is helmed by acclaimed New York directors Ivette Dumeng and Lori Kee, with a musical performance by Ivan Hernandez and the Matt Wilson Band.

Established by Anna Strasberg in 1977, The Lee Strasberg Creative Center has worked to nurture aspiring actors and support the future of the American theatre, film and performance media through various programs including a robust scholarship program, The Clifford Odets Ensemble Play Commission, the StrasbergTALKS lecture series, as well as seminars, community outreach events, cultural exchanges and international collaborations.

100% of the net proceeds will go to The Lee Strasberg Creative Center so pull up a chair, sit down for a reading, and support aspiring actors, emerging playwrights, and young directors. With your generous contributions, we can ensure the arts remain vibrant, inclusive, and transformative.

In John Patrick Shanley's words:

"Alec Baldwin asked me what I’m up to, would I like to help him put together a one night only event to benefit The Lee Strasberg Creative Center. I jumped at the chance. Five edgy one acts, a starry cast, separated by quick bursts of live music, in a beautiful theater. My kind of night. And all to help young actors just starting out. Sweet!"

Alec Baldwin adds:

"Among the great playwrights working today, John Patrick Shanley’s writing, with both the humor and the drama marbled together, demands a focus and agility that I acquired largely through Strasberg. I have long admired Shanley’s remarkable work and I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate that work while benefiting my theatrical alma mater."

The entertainment begins at 7pm at the TBN Theatre, followed by a reception** next door at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute where guests can mingle with our playwright and cast.

We gratefully acknowledge TBN Networks for generously donating the space; and Kristin Egan, Melanie Cho and the TBN team for their invaluable support of this benefit reading.

We would also like to thank our Benefit Reading Committee: Prince and Princess Vittorio & Dialta Alliata di Montereale, Cece & Louis Black, Bonnie Comley & Stewart Lane, Kevin Corrigan, Lindsey Ferrentino, Michael Imperioli, LaVon Kellner & Tom Roush, William Ivey Long, Jonathan Marder, Daphne M. Merkin, Kathy Roder, Renee Taylor, Marlo Thomas.

We look forward to sharing this exciting evening of theatre with you!

*Alumni of The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
**$500 tickets and above only

A Benefit Reading for The Lee Strasberg Creative Center

OUTCASTS - five all new one-act plays by John Patrick Shanley