New Dramatists to Honor Brian Stokes Mitchell

Playwright development laboratory New Dramatists will honor Tony-winning actor and chairman of the board of the Actors Fund Brian Stokes Mitchell with the 2015 Distinguished Achievement Award. The honor will be bestowed at the organization's 66th Annual Spring Luncheon tribute on May 14 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

"With his deep, resonant voice, and commanding stage presence, he not only sings a song, he makes it soar. Additionally, through his work at The Actors Fund, Mr. Mitchell is dedicated to serving fellow artists. Voice, artistry and community are greatly valued at New Dramatists," said Emily Morse, artistic director, New Dramatists, in a statement.

Brian Stokes Mitchell's Broadway career includes performances in Man of La Mancha, Kiss Me, Kate, Ragtime, August Wilson’s King Hedley II, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and more.

Founded in 1949 by Michaela O’Harra in association with Howard Lindsay, Richard Rodgers, Russel Crouse, Oscar Hammerstein II, John Golden, Moss Hart, Maxwell Anderson, John Wharton, Robert E. Sherwood and Elmer Rice, New Dramatists is one of the country’s leading playwright centers.