All proceeds from the evening, which includes cocktails, dinner and performances, will benefit the theatre education and artist development programs of the American Theatre Wing.

An alumnus of the American Theatre Wing Professional School, Jones won the Tony Award for his performances in The Great White Hope and Fences and received nominations for On Golden Pond and The Best Man.

His stage credits also include Sunrise at Campobello, The Iceman Cometh, Of Mice and Men, Paul Robeson, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Driving Miss Daisy. He is currently starring in You Can't Take It With You.

Jones has also been recognized with three Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Cable ACEs, two OBIEs, five Drama Desks and a Grammy. He has been honored with the National Medal of Arts in 1992 and the John F. Kennedy Center Honor in December 2002. He also was honored by the Screen Actors Guild with the Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2009. In November 2011, The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented Jones with an Honorary Oscar in recognition of his career.

"From his humble beginnings in Michigan through his extensive career in New York and Los Angeles, James Earl Jones has continually championed the American theatre with his memorable performances and advocacy on behalf of the Wing," Heather Hitchens, president of the American Theatre Wing, said in a statement. "He embodies the definition of a working actor, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to honor and pay tribute to all that he has done to elevate the art form." Tickets will go on sale in spring 2015. Visit americantheatrewing.org for more information.