ACT inaugural honor to A Noise Within founders

The American Conservatory Theater will present its inaugural Contributions to the Field Award to Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, the founders and artistic directors of Pasadena's classical repertory, A Noise Within. The Contributions to the Field Award honors those who have contributed significant legit leadership locally and nationally beyond their role as actors. In addition, ACT will present the Edward Hastings Career Achievement Award to Annette Bening and the Rising Star Award to Elizabeth Banks. The legit conservatory will also honor benefactors Frannie and Mort Fleishhacker and the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. ACT's Conservatory Awards luncheon takes place Jan. 24 at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. "Our love of language, dedication to training future artists, and commitment to education was shaped during our years at ACT. We are exceptionally grateful to be recognized for the quality of A Noise Within's work and the strength of our mission," Rodriguez-Elliott said. Founded two decades ago with $3,000 from the couple's personal account, A Noise Within is the only full-time classical repertory company in Southern California. The company recently moved into a 33,000 sq.-ft. theater in East Pasadena. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com