New York theatre companies including Naked Angels, Ma-Yi, EST's Youngblood, The Fire Department, Electric Pear, Flux and Partial Comfort compete against one another to write, rehearse and stage a world premiere one-act play that centers around a selected prop.

The companies were assigned their cast and specified prop, which was selected by Speed-the-Plow's William H. Macy, at an earlier event on Feb. 6.

Judges for the evening include Andrew McCarthy ("Lipstick Jungle, "Pretty in Pink"), David Auburn (Proof), Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog), John Slattery ("Sex in the City," "Mad Men"), Daniel 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.

The judges and the audience will have the opportunity to award their favorite work at the conclusion of the competition. The winning companies will 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 is held at the Canal Room, located at 285 West Broadway and Canal Street in Manhattan.