Emily Bickford Lansbury — a literary scout, producer and former elementary school teacher — was the first board member of the not-for-profit company; Nilaja Sun is the company's first associate artist. Sun is also the author and star of No Child . . . , which was commissioned by Epic and is still playing the Barrow Street Theatre after an acclaimed run on Theatre Row. The evening is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM with a silent auction and cocktails. Dinner and performances by the MotherLode Trio and award-winning vocalist Phoebe Snow will follow.

Epic Theatre Center, which was founded in 2001, is an artist-run company that produces a range of "in-depth education programs, Off-Broadway productions, new play workshops and community forums throughout New York City."

Candela Restaurant is located in Manhattan at 116 East 16th Street. Tickets for the gala are available by calling Epic Theatre Center at (212) 239-1770. For more information visit www.epictheatrectr.org.