The Actors Studio, the famed membership organization for actors, writers, and directors, is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a benefit screening of the 1975 film Dog Day Afternoon, hosted by its star and Studio co-president Al Pacino. The screening is held 7 PM October 27 at United Palace in uptown New York City. A live interview with Pacino will follow the film.
Based on the true story of two amateur bank robbers who tried to hold up a Brooklyn bank in 1972, Dog Day Afternoon features an Oscar-winning screenplay by Frank Pierson, under the direction of Actors Studio member Sidney Lumet. Pacino stars with the late actor John Cazale, his longtime friend and frequent acting partner. The cast also includes James Broderick, Charles Durning, and Actors Studio members Carol Kane, Penny Allen, and Sully Boyer.
“I’m glad to be a part of this event honoring The Actors Studio 75th Anniversary,” said Pacino. “This incredible institution, founded by Elia Kazan, Cheryl Crawford, and Robert Lewis, followed by Lee Strasberg, has left an indelible mark on the world of film and theatre. It’s where actors are given the freedom to take chances and explore their work and craft. Anyone can audition for The Actors Studio. I’m surprised more people don’t know that. Once an actor becomes a member of The Actors Studio, it doesn’t cost anything, it’s totally free and membership is for life. It’s going to be a great night at the United Palace on October 27th. I look forward to watching Dog Day Afternoon and engaging, live, with an audience of New Yorkers, some who will be seeing it for the first time and others who will be seeing it for the first time in years.”
READ: Al Pacino Would Not Be an Actor Without the Actors Studio
Pacino serves as co-president alongside fellow Studio member Ellen Burstyn. Beau Gravitte is the artistic director for the New York location and Salome Jens for Los Angeles. Notable members have included Anne Bancroft, Michael Bennett, Marlon Brando, Common, Bradley Cooper, James Dean, Robert De Niro, Sally Field, Jane Fonda, Lorraine Hansberry, Dustin Hoffman, Walter Matthau, Marilyn Monroe, Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, Sidney Poitier, Jerome Robbins, Mark Rylance, Tennessee Williams, Gene Wilder, and many more.
Tickets are available at TheActorsStudio.org.
