Proceeds from the gala benefit will support A.C.T.'s conservatory programs.

Celebrating the California company's 40th anniversary, the sold-out event begins at 5:30 PM with a cocktail hour followed by a dinner in the Grand Ballroom.

McCormack will perform as will students from A.C.T.'s Master of Fine Arts and Young Conservatory under the direction of Charles Randolph Wright.

Known for his Emmy Award-winning turn as the title character of "Will & Grace," McCormack last appeared on the New York stage in the Off-Broadway run of Neil LaBute's Some Girl(s). The Stratford Shakespearean Festival veteran also appeared in the Broadway revival of The Music Man and made a cameo in The Play What I Wrote. His Canadian stage credits include Biloxi Blues, Salt Water Moon, Burn This and The Passion of Dracula.

A.C.T. next presents Hedda Gabler (Feb. 9-Mar 11), After the War (March 22-April 22), Blackbird (April 27-May 27) and The Imaginary Invalid (June 7-July 8). The company just announced a summer run (July 13-29) of Kiki and Herb: Alive on Broadway.

A.C.T. is located at 415 Geary St. in San Francisco, CA. For more information visit www.act-sf.org.