On Mon, May 2 the League of Professional Theatre Women (LPTW), a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting visibility and increasing opportunities for women in the professional theatre, will recognize the talents of six outstanding women: Micki Grant, Jane Cox, Ari Laura Kreith, Lisa Kron, Lear DeBessonet, and Elsa Rael. The awards will be presented at the League's 2016 Awards Celebration & Big Mingle, hosted by nominee Estelle Parsons, held at 6:30 PM at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 W 42nd St).  In connection with the Awards Celebration & Big Mingle, the LPTW will be holding their Fourth Annual Online Auction, which will run until Friday, May 6th at 11:59PM. The auction is open to the public and bids can be made at: www.biddingforgood.com/LPTWAuction. Micki Grant, will be presented with The Lifetime Achievement Award by James Morgan. The Ruth Morley Design Award was initiated in 1998 in honor of costume designer Ruth Morley.  It is given annually to an outstanding female theatre designer in the field of costumes, scenery, lighting, or special effects. This year the award will be presented by John Doyle to set designer Jane Cox, In April 1999, the LPTW received a bequest from the Lucille Lortel estate to establish a fund which would be given annually to "an aspiring woman in any discipline of theatre who is showing great creative promise and deserves recognition and encouragement." This year's award will be given to Ari Laura Kreith, Artistic Director of Theatre 167 by Tina Howe. The Lee Reynolds Award, in memory of producer and League member Lee Reynolds, is given annually to a woman or women active in any aspect of theatre whose work through the medium of theatre has helped to illuminate the possibilities for social, cultural or political change. Lisa Kron (also representing Jeanine Tesori), will be presented the award by Sam Gold. The Josephine Abady Award is given annually to a woman emerging theatre artist who has created work of cultural diversity. This year's recipient is Lear DeBessonet, director of Public Works at the Public Theater. She will be presented with the award by Anne Bogart. Elsa Rael, playwright and founder of Professional Older Women's Theater and Women In Arts & Media Coalition, will receive a LPTW Special Award, presented by Shellen Lubin. For tickets & more info, please visit http://theatrewomen.org/. Press contact: Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR (917/562-5670)...