The Tony Awards Film Series, according to the Tony Awards, screens "Broadway-inspired films and will feature exclusive interactive opportunities for audiences, including panel discussions with Tony Award winners, a Carol Channing look-a-like contest and sing-a-longs."

The series is free to the public, with a suggested donation to The Paley Center for Media.

The series kicks off May 12 at 2 PM with the world premiere of Stephanie Riggs' "The Standbys." The documentary "takes a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of performers rarely glimpsed by audiences. These performers, known as 'standbys,' remain backstage, prepared to go on at a moment's notice. In this evocative behind-the-scenes documentary, the at times heartbreaking and hilarious lives of Broadway's understudies and standbys are finally brought into the spotlight. [The film] follows three undiscovered performers for several years through their ups and downs, struggles and triumphs, onstage performances and private lives. When these standbys are finally given the chance of a lifetime, anything can — and does — happen."

The screening will be followed by a talk-back panel including Tony winners Cady Huffman and Katie Finneran; "The Standbys" director, Stephanie Riggs; and film cast members Ben Crawford, Merwin Foard and Aléna Watters.          

May 13 will feature screenings of "Carol Channing: Larger Than Life" (12:15 PM, introduced by director Dori Berinstein) and a sing-along version of the London revival of "Oklahoma!" starring Hugh Jackman (6 PM). Guests attending the screening of "Carol Channing: Larger Than Life" are encouraged to come dressed as the Broadway legend for an interactive Carol Channing Look-A-Like Contest, which will be judged by John Tartaglia.

The film of the London stage revival of Oklahoma! stars Jackman, Maureen Lipman, Shuler Hensley and Josefina Gabrielle.

Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, as seating is limited. There is a limit of two tickets per person. To RSVP, send ticket request and film preference to [email protected]. For more information on the Tony Awards Film Series, visit www.TonyAwards.com.

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The Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards, which are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from the Beacon Theatre, on the CBS television network on June 10.