The gala is hosted by honorary patrons His Excellency the British Ambassador and Lady Sheinwald and a host committee of 20 arts patrons from across Washington, DC.

The Will Award honors an artist whose accomplishments have made a lasting contribution to the field of classical theatre and widened the appreciation of Shakespeare across the world. In addition to his well-recognized roles in recent feature films, Sir Ian is widely celebrated as one of the leading classical actors of the modern age.

The Sidney Harman Award for Philanthropy in the Arts will be given to Max Berry to honor the contributions that he and his late wife, Heidi Berry, have made to the performing arts in Washington, DC. Heidi Berry, who served as a Trustee of the Shakespeare Theatre Company for more than ten years, died earlier this year.

The 2009 Gala will begin in Sidney Harman Hall with a reception at 6 PM, followed by a performance spanning many artistic disciplines at 7 PM. Following the performance, dinner and dancing will complete the evening at The National Building Museum (440 G Street NW).

Proceeds from the Gala fund STC's artistic and educational programming, as well as the annual Free For All.

Tables are available for $50,000, $25,000 and $15,000 and individual tickets may be purchased for $1,000.

A limited number of tickets to that event are available for individual sale.

For information regarding the Gala, visit ShakespeareTheatre.org or call (202) 547-3230.