ANNUAL IRA ALDRIDGE AWARDS SCHEDULED AT BEVERLY THEATRE

The fifth annual Ira Aldridge Acting Finals and Awards will be held at the Beverly Theatre on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Created by the Inner City Cultural Center and actor-director Ted Lange, the competition, co-hosted by Robert Townsend and Robin Givens, will showcase minority actors and actresses to the Hollywood film and television industry.

Lange, who annually donates $2,000 in cash prizes to the winners and covers theater and publicity costs, knows what such support can mean to fledgling actors.

“When I was struggling here in L.A.,” Lange said, “I was having a tough time learning the system, how to get a job. There were times that if I could have had $200 to tide me over or $500 for the rent, I could have concentrated more on finding an acting gig. If (the prize money) can help an actor buy pictures or groceries, that’s important.

“Even if an actor doesn’t win the money, they have the opportunity to perform in front of directors, agents, casting directors and producers who might give them a job.”

The Inner City Cultural Center and Black Women in Theatre West co-sponsor the event, named after the first black Shakespearean actor; Mumm champagne is the major corporate sponsor.

Tickets are $20 to $50. Information: (213) 387-1161.