New York theatre companies including Naked Angels, Ma-Yi, EST's Youngblood, The Fire Department, Electric Pear, Flux and Partial Comfort will compete against one another to write, rehearse and stage a world premiere one-act play that centers around a selected prop.

McCarthy ("Lipstick Jungle, "Pretty in Pink") joins previously announced guest judges David Auburn (Proof), Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog), John Slattery ("Sex in the City," "Mad Men"), Daniel Sunjata (Take Me Out, "Rescue Me"), casting director Marcia Debonis and Time Out New York journalist and "Spring Awakening: In the Flesh" author David Cote.

In addition to the judges' pick, Battle of the Bards will award an audience favorite. The winning companies will receive prize packages, including donated use of rehearsal spaces, lighting packages and sound rentals for future productions.

All proceeds from the 7:30 PM evening benefit Partial Comfort Productions. For tickets, ranging $15-$75, phone (212) 352-3101.

Battle of the Bards will take place at the Canal Room, located at 285 West Broadway and Canal Street in Manhattan.