The one-night-only competition pits New York theatre companies against one another to write, rehearse and stage a world premiere one-act play that incorporates the use of a prop that will be selected by current Speed-the-Plow star William H. Macy. The companies will be assigned their cast and prop on Feb. 6.

Participating theatre companies who will present the newly devised works include Naked Angels, Ma-Yi, EST's Youngblood, The Fire Department, Electric Pear, Flux and Partial Comfort.

Judges for the evening include Auburn (Proof), Parks (Topdog/Underdog), Slattery ("Sex in the City," "Mad Men"), 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 awarding an audience favorite, the winning companies 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.