The annual theatre convention will be held at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale University, Nov. 16-19, in New Haven, CT. The event — which will also honor Rick McKay and Jamie McGonnigal — will feature workshops, seminars and more.

Composer-lyricist Schwartz earns the Major Award for 2006. Recipient Schwartz will attend the Nov. 18 awards banquet and also take part in an interview and Q&A session. Among his works are Wicked, Pippin, The Magic Show, Godspell and The Baker's Wife, and he also contributed songs to the animated films "Pocahontas," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "The Prince of Egypt."

Gleason and Jbara — who recently starred in Broadway's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels — are the Special Award recipients. A Tony Award winner for her turn in Into the Woods, Gleason also appeared in I Love My Wife, The Real Thing, Joe Egg, Social Securityand Nick and Nora.  The actress will offer a special Master Class during the convention. Jbara — who will present a workshop on audition strategies and preparation — has also been seen in Precious Sons, Chicago, Victor/Victoria, Damn Yankees, Born Yesterday and Serious Money.

Filmmaker-writer Rick McKay receives the third Special Award for his work on "Broadway: The Golden Age" documentary. He will lead a special seminar session, talking about the film and offering sneak clips of the forthcoming sequel.

Producer-director Jamie McGonnigal will receive the Regional Award. His work includes The World AIDS Day Concerts: the New York premiere of Stephen Schwartz's Children of Eden, the concert premieres of Pippin and The Secret Garden and the forthcoming Rags concert. Founded in 1952 by Boston drama critic Elliot Norton, The New England Theatre Conference is non-profit organization "dedicated to providing its members with professional services, career development, and recognition awards in the live theatre arts." The NETC serves the theatre community in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

For more information, visit netconline.org.