Actress Marlo Thomas will receive the Lee Reynolds Award from the League of Professional Theatre Women on Dec. 8 at 6 PM in the Belasco Room at Sardi's Restaurant. League president Shari Upbin will present the award.

The award, given annually to a woman or women active in any aspect of American theatre whose work in theatre has helped encourage and promote social, cultural or political change, goes to Thomas not only for her community service, but also for her series of children's television specials, "Free to Be...You and Me."

A member of the Actor's Studio, Thomas began her career in the London production of Barefoot in the Park, directed by Mike Nichols. She has appeared on Broadway in Herb Gardner's Thieves, Andrew Bergman's Social Security and the 1994 Circle in the Square revival of The Shadow Box. She has won four Emmys, a Golden Globe and a Peabody Award for Television Excellence for a long career that includes the series "That Girl" and the TV movies "It Happened One Christmas" and "Nobody's Child."

Past recipients of the Lee Reynolds Award include Joanne Woodward, Zelda Fichandler, Margot Lewitin, Ruby Dee, Betty Corwin, Lynne Meadow, Anne Hamburger and Emily Mann with Ruth Morley. Jean Dalrymple was given a Special Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Now in its 18th year, the League of Professional Women is a not-for-profit advocacy organization dedicated to increasing opportunities and visibility for women in professional theatre. A $50 donation is required to attend. For reservations, call (212) 501-6667. A special benefit Christmas raffle will also be held.

-- By Christine Ehren