Ronald Rand, Drama Desk member and founder-publisher of "The Soul of the American Actor" newspaper, will moderate the event, and David Strathairn (The Heiress) and Ellen Burstyn (Picnic) will be among the participants. Additional artists will be announced at a later date.

The luncheon event will begin at 11:45 AM, with the discussion scheduled to run from 1:15-2:30 PM.

Drama Desk Awards, which are given annually in a number of categories, are the only major New York theatre honors for which productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off Off-Broadway compete against each other in the same category. Founded in 1949 by a group of New York theatre critics, editors, reporters and publishers, the organization was formed to educate the community on vital issues concerning the theatre. Drama Desk is currently led by president Isa Goldberg.

Sardi's is located at 234 West 44th Street. For tickets, priced at $50 for members and $55 for guests/non members, call (212) 352-3101 or click here. Tickets will not be available at the door and are available through March 19.