Tisch School of the Arts Celebrates Alumni and Future Artists at Annual Fundraising Gala

Tisch School of the Arts Celebrates Alumni and Future Artists at Annual Fundraising Gala

Broadway, Film, and TV Stars Shine as They Honor Renowned School

NEW YORK, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tisch School of the Arts showed why it sets the standard for educating students in the performing and cinematic arts at its annual gala on November 17. Broadway, film, and television stars -- Alec Baldwin '94 (30 Rock); Elaine Stritch (At Liberty); Joel Coen '78 and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men); Tina Fey (30 Rock); Rainn Wilson '89 (The Office); Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU); Laura Benanti (Gypsy); Raul Esparza '92 (Speed the Plow), and SNL Cast Members Keenan Thompson, Fred Armisen, Kristin Wiig, and Will Forte -- as well as hundreds of celebrities, faculty, alumni, and supporters gathered at the Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in celebration. Proceeds from the evening will be used for student scholarships and other student needs at the Tisch School.

Baldwin, along with Maurice Kanbar, Iris Cantor, Zelda Fichandler were honored for their achievements and philanthropy in the arts.

Fichandler, who was unable to attend, was honored with a moving tribute by her former students -- including Danny Pino '00 (Cold Case) and Manoel Felciano '04 (Sweeney Todd) -- who saluted her extraordinary career in the way she taught them -- by performing.

Rainn Wilson summed up the importance of Tisch, saying that if it weren't for the school and the scholarship he received, he would not be an actor. The audience burst into applause. In his acceptance speech, Alec Baldwin, echoed similar sentiments and recalled fondly his work at Tisch and how it profoundly influenced his life.

Other highlights included Raul Esparza's compelling rendition of "Finishing the Hat" from "Sunday in the Park with George," Laura Benanti wowing the house with "Let Me Entertain You" from "Gypsy," and Elaine Stritch's show-stopping performance and impromptu repartee with Alec Baldwin.

After the performance, guests -- including Jonathan and Lizzie Tisch, Andrew and Ann Tisch, and Tony Bennett -- enjoyed the Red Carpet party and dinner in the Atrium and The Allen Room overlooking Central Park. Hosts for the evening included Dean Mary Schmidt Campbell and Gala co-chairs Patrice Auld '77 and Rosemarie Di Lorenzo. Dean's Council members Chris Columbus '80 and Lorne Michaels served as Honorary Co-Chairs.

Source: Tisch School of the Arts

CONTACT: Sarah Hamilton of Linden Alschuler & Kaplan PR,
+1-212-575-4545, for Tisch School of the Arts

-------
Profile: intent