The gala will be held Feb. 6 at Candela Restaurant and is scheduled to include a performance by former Rent star Daphne Rubin-Vega and Epic Theatre Center Students. Among those expected to attend the starry event are Kyra Sedgwick, Donna Murphy, Shawn Elliot, Michael Mayer and Leigh Silverman. Honoree Strathairn has been a member of the Epic Theatre Center since its inception in 2001. He also appeared in the company's production of Kate Fodor's Hannah & Martin. On Broadway Strathairn has been seen in Salome, Dance of Death, Three Sisters and Einstein and the Polar Bear. His numerous screen credits include "Return of the Secaucus Seven," "Passion Fish," "Dolores Claiborne" and "L.A. Confidential."

The Obie-winning Epic Theatre Center was established to "create an organization that embraces theatre as a way to empower diverse voices and inspire social change." The company will next present Nilaja Sun's solo show, No Child, which begins performances April 29 at the Beckett Theatre.

Candela Restaurant is located in Manhattan at 116 East 16th Street. For more information about the upcoming gala, call (212) 239-1770.