According to STC, "His solo performance weaves together stories of his early experiences in the theatre, his advocacy of GLBT rights and his more recent world-wide acclaim and film celebrity. This will be a rare opportunity to hear the personal and heartfelt story of one of the greatest living actors of stage and screen."

Proceeds from this performance benefit STC's Free For All and the artistic programs of the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

The Shakepeare Award will be presented to McKellen as part of the Harman Center for the Arts Annual Gala on Oct. 25.

McKellen has found late-career fame as a film star in the "X-Men" and "Lord of the Rings" films. He is revered as one of the great modern Shakespearean actors. He has acted in over 250 stage productions, garnering multiple Tony and Olivier Awards. In 1979 he was awarded the Commander of the British Empire for his services to drama.

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The Shakespeare Theatre Company's approach to Shakespeare and other classic playwrights has earned it the reputation as one of the nation's major classic theatre company. "By focusing on works with profound themes, complex characters and poetic language written by Shakespeare, his contemporaries and the playwrights he influenced," the Company's artistic mission "is unique among theatre companies: to provide vital, groundbreaking, thought-provoking, vibrant and eminently accessible theatre in a uniquely American style."

In its 2007-2008 season, the Company opened the 774-seat Sidney Harman Hall, adding a second venue to the 451-seat Lansburgh Theatre, both located in downtown Washington's Penn Quarter neighborhood. The homes of the Shakespeare Theatre Company showcase original productions as well as outstanding local performing arts groups and nationally renowned cultural organizations.

Michael Kahn is artistic director.