Montblanc Hosts THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY 11/14, Cast To Be Announced

An annual benefit event for Urban Arts Partnership, THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY attracts some of entertainment's biggest names as they join forces to participate in a rite of extreme live performance: writing, directing, and performing six original short plays, all in just 24 hours! The creative process for THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY will begin at 10PM on Sunday, November 14th - the night before the show - when a group of six writers, six directors, 24 actors, two musical guests, and a production staff gather at the American Airlines Theatre. After each of the cast members share a costume, prop and their stage desires-- each writer is tasked with composing a ten-minute play by 7 AM the following morning, when the directors return to read and select their piece. The casts will meet for the first time at 8 AM and, over the next 12 hours the plays are rehearsed and produced for a live presentation. At 8:00 PM, ink barely dry, the six new plays - interspersed with six musical acts - will be performed for a live audience.

"Our continued support is born out of our brand's pledge to encourage arts patronage and proper funding of arts education initiatives for aspiring young artists," said Jan- Patrick Schmitz, President & CEO, Montblanc North America. "It is for this very reason that we've expanded our fourth year commitment to Urban Arts Partnership by initiating several Master Classes in which students can hone their skills in several diverse subjects including writing culture as well as music education."

This year's company for THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY will be announced on October 25, 2010 at an event hosted by Montblanc and Urban Arts Partnership at the National Arts Club in New York City.

Continuing its commitment to fostering emerging talent, Montblanc will once again select a promising young writer to participate in THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY company of playwrights. Six alumni of the Urban Arts Partnership writing programs will be nominated for this prestigious award. All six will have a chance to hear their work read by professional actors before an audience of friends, industry professionals and a panel of judges at the October 25th event, after which time the winner will work with a mentor/dramaturg to create one of the six short pieces for THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY on November 15th. This very program is at the heart of Montblanc's philosophy of helping others and is also at the center of the efforts executed by the non-profit beneficiary, Urban Arts Partnership.

"Since our beginning, Montblanc has supported arts programs worldwide to ensure that these beneficial activities are readily available and accessible by all of our youth," continued Schmitz. "We remain committed to establishing mentorship and skill-building programs in support of NYC public schools to continuously nourish arts and culture initiatives that allow students to realize their creative dreams."

Returning supporting sponsor, LypSyl Lip Balm, (www.lypsylhome.com ), the premium lip care line made from pure Swedish beeswax, is proud to support The 24 Hour Plays on Broadway for 2010. The Erlick Group (www.erlickgroup.com) helps make this benefit possible through garnering supporting partners such as LypSyl and Citi. Citi® cardmembers are able to purchase special packages that include exclusive access to prime seats, rehearsals, the pre-show reception and after-party, as well as front row mezzanine seats. For more information about Citi® card member access, contact anna@urbanarts.org.