HOUSE OF SPEAKEASY
presents
Play it forward
10th ANNIVERSARY GALA
APRIL 13, 2023
583 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK CITY
Our Mission
House of SpeakEasy
SpeakEasy celebrates the transformative power of literature by connecting writers and readers across generations, helping audiences to think constructively and engage critically with ideas and books. We are dedicated to the idea that literature matters, and that the essence of literary culture is the relationship between writers and their readers. To foster that relationship, SpeakEasy seeks to:
- Bring authors out from behind the book into direct contact with audiences
- Ensure that writers are compensated for their work and their time
- Stimulate the students, audiences, and writers of tomorrow by exposing them to the best writing of today
Seriously Entertaining
Our flagship program is a literary cabaret series at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, which The New York Times calls “a literary mixtape with perfect flow and variety.” We adapt this model for students in public high schools, providing direct instruction from renowned writers and serving a diverse demographic of teens with limited access to literary arts. We also increase access to books and expand book ownership in underserved areas through The SpeakEasy Bookmobile.Seriously Involved
SpeakEasy believes in the power of community and in the power of stories to inspire and change lives.
Through our educational outreach programs, we foster new connections between writers and readers by bringing the literary arts into public schools, after-school programs, and under-resourced neighborhoods.
SpeakTogether
Partners with public schools and youth organizations, such as Fordham High for the Arts in The Bronx and Union Settlement in East Harlem, to connect writers with young college-hopefuls, delivering a range of dynamic programming for teens.
SpeakFreely
Provides high school teachers with free tickets to Seriously Entertaining shows as well as creative arts curricula inspired by our author talks, allowing them to experience first-hand the power of storytelling and adopt our materials for their classrooms.
Bookmobile
Delivers free books, backpacks, and artmaking supplies to “book deserts”—areas without bookstores and where access to libraries is limited—engaging youth and their families by encouraging them to build their own at-home libraries.Annual Gala
In spring 2023, New York’s artistic community and literary tastemakers will come back together after a three-year hiatus for a cabaret like no other in celebration of House of SpeakEasy’s 10th Anniversary. Authors and entertainers will take the stage to riff and ruminate on the evening’s theme “Play It Forward,” as guests dine and enjoy bespoke games designed specifically for the night. The spring event hosts 300 of New York’s cultured tastemakers at 583 Park Ave. and is the primary fundraiser for House of SpeakEasy’s educational and outreach programs.
SpeakFreely
Provides high school teachers with free tickets to Seriously Entertaining shows as well as creative arts curricula inspired by our author talks, allowing them to experience first-hand the power of storytelling and adopt our materials for their classrooms.
“Think-y entertainment for New York’s book-loving crowd.”
“You have never seen a cabaret quite like this. The lineup includes some of the most brilliant minds in the literary and artistic worlds.”
Past Attendees
Mercedes Bass • Ilaria Bulgari • Veronica Bulgari • Jonathan Burnham • Wendy Finerman • Amanda Foreman • Danielle Ganek • Regina Haymes • Yahdon Israel • Julia Kelly • Carol Mack • Anne Hearst McInerney • Jay McInerney • Alexandra Monroe • Heather Perlman • Kathy Rayner • Lucy Sykes Rellie • Antonia Romeo • Robert Rosenkranz • Scott Rothkopf • Gail Sheehy • Brooke Shields • Gayfryd Steinberg • Uma Thurman • Vicky Ward • Lucas Wittmann
Past Speakers
Past Supporters
Sponsorship Opportunities
$50,000
Premium Sponsorship-
Two V.I.P. tables of 10 each to Gala Dinner & Cocktail Reception
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Collaboration on evening program to reflect brand priorities
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Opportunity to host two private dinners with a SpeakEasy author during 2023 season
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Onstage acknowledgment of support by Gala’s Emcee Host
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Recognition as premium supporter of SpeakEasy’s Bookmobile and 2023 programs
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In addition to all the benefits of the $25,000 level
$25,000
Premium Sponsorship-
One V.I.P. table for 10 to Gala Dinner & Cocktail Reception
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Collaboration on evening program to reflect brand priorities
-
Opportunity to host a private dinner with a SpeakEasy author during 2023 season
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Dedicated social media promotion and e-marketing inclusion
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Full-page premium ad in Gala Program and in all collateral for 2023 "Seriously Entertaining" cabarets at Joe’s Pub
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Prominent brand signage at Gala Dinner
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In addition to all benefits of $10,000 level
$15,000
Exclusive SponsorshipCocktail Reception
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Host opportunity for Cocktail Reception preceding seated Gala Dinner
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Branding of reception space with signage and step & repeat
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Specialty themed cocktail
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In addition to all the benefits of the $10,000 level
$10,000
Sponsorship-
Four V.I.P. tickets to Gala Dinner & Cocktail Reception
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Opportunity for product integration and special promotion
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Logo on Save the Date, Invitation, Website, and Gala Program
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Inclusion in social media and e-marketing gala promotion
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Advertisement in Gala Program
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Sponsorship inclusion in all press outreach
Venue Placement & Visibility Partnership
As a valued partner, your logo will appear prominently throughout the venue, 583 Park Avenue, in the most highly visible areas.
STAGE AREA
ARCADE AREA
RECEPTION AREA
SEATING AREAS
Board of Directors
GILBERTO AGOSTO
JOHN AVLON
JONATHAN BARTON
HUGH CHISHOLM
NICHOLAS DUBRUL
AMANDA FOREMAN
DANIELLE GANEK
PETER GODWIN
CATHY BARANCIK GRAHAM
KATIE LYDON
CAMILLE MASSEY
LUCY SYKES
GILLIAN TETT
VICKY WARD
LUCAS WITTMANN, Chair
Staff
PAUL W. MORRIS, Executive Director
ERIN L. COX, Executive Producer
NK IGUH, Manager of Equity & Education
K. KERIMIAN, Manager, Bookmobile
NATALIE AGUILAR, Development Associate
EZRI KILLEEN, Production Coordinator
ELENA DYPIANGCO, Program Coordinator
MIA ARIAS TSANG, Marketing Assistant
LORENZO CABELLO, Book Specilaist
HOUSE OF SPEAKEASY
presents
Play it forward
10th ANNIVERSARY GALA
APRIL 13, 2023
583 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK CITY
If you would like to sponsor our outreach programs benefiting families, students, and communities in New York City and beyond, please contact:
PAUL MORRIS
Executive Director
House of Speakeasy
t 347.413.4889
ON STAGE. IN SCHOOLS. ON THE STREETS.
