The series kicks off Nov. 14 with Arthur Pinero's Trelawny of the Wells, which offers "an affectionate look at the theatre folk of the 1860’s." The reading, directed by Tom Fontana, will feature Marian Seldes and Samantha Soule. J.B. Priestley's The Good Companions will be presented Jan. 12, 2006, and will feature a score by Andre Previn and the late Johnny Mercer. Directed by Susan Schulman, the evening will boast the talents of Brian Murray and Patricia Conolly.

On Feb. 27 The Light in the Piazza's Victoria Clark will join Boyd Gaines for When Ladies Meet. Melvin Bernhardt will direct the Rachel Crothers' comedy, which concerns a publisher's mistress who becomes friends with his wife.

The series will conclude March 27 with George Bernard Shaw's Candida. Richard Thomas and Kathryn Meisle will star under the direction of Doug Mercer.

All readings will be held at 7 PM at The Culture Project, located in Manhattan at 45 Bleecker Street. Tickets, priced $35 and $55, are available by calling (212) 258-3111. Proceeds will benefit the Company's Literacy Through Theatre artistic residencies for disadvantaged students in New York City schools.

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The Acting Company, America's foremost touring repertory theatre and arts education program, was honored in 2003 with the Tony for Excellence in Theater. Founded in 1972 by John Houseman and Margot Harley, its alumni include Kevin Kline, Patti LuPone, Jeffrey Wright, Frances Conroy, Casey Biggs and Jesse L. Martin.