Artists Helping Artists, Family Helping Family for 30 years

Season of Concern is a unique organization, created 30 years ago by Chicago theater professionals to provide care for those in our community who were sick and dying from AIDS/HIV-related illnesses. Over the years, through the generosity of theater folk and theatergoers alike, Season of Concern’s mission has expanded to provide direct-care support for theater community members, union and non-union, who are experiencing any catastrophic illness or accident. In other words, we support our own and are proud of have done so for 30 years.

Every holiday season we ask local theatres to solicit audience donations to help our cause. It’s easy, fun, and life-affirming. Please contact Michael Ryczek at michael@seasonofconcern.org or visit our website www.seasonofconcern.org for more information.

As an audience incentive, we are excited to provide Season of Carols Vol. 5, an exciting CD filled with holiday music performed by some of Chicago’s leading performers. This one-of-a-kind CD (the brain child of Eugene Dizon and Cory Goodrich) is FREE to audience members who donate $20 or more. I would be most happy to deliver CDs and collection buckets to you in advance of your audience solicitation. You may purchase a download of your own copy of the CD at www.seasonofcarols.com.

The Equity and non-Equity theatres who collect the most donations will be honored with the Biscotto-Miller Award, presented at the Joseph Jefferson Awards ceremony next year. Past recipients of this prestigious award include Lifeline Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre and Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. Join their ranks and enter the history books! Let the collection competition begin!

Join Season of Concern's Team for the annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago

Attention: Theatre Makers!
Season of Concern is the Chicagoland theatre community’s fundraising effort in providing compassionate care to those in our community who are experiencing the effects of catastrophic illness.
Attracting more than 2,500 participants annually, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago is one of the most visible, longstanding, and recognizable events in the Chicagoland area. People of all ages, races, and backgrounds come together each year in a massive, powerful, and inspiring demonstration of compassion and action. Season of Concern has been an active participant with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago for many years and again has formed a team of fundraising runners and walkers to raise funds for this very worthy cause. Please consider joining our team or make a donation to our team’s efforts! Band together with us and make a big difference!

Visit our team’s site at http://events.aidschicago.org/site/TR/RW/RW17?team_id=3988&pg=team&fr_id=1420 Or
www.seasonofconcern.org
email michael@seasonofconcern.org with any questions.

Season of Concern announces new Biscotto-Miller Award

The Season of Concern Board of Directors proudly announces the new Biscotto-Miller Award.

The Biscotto-Miller Award, named in memory of Stage Manager Tommy Biscotto and Actor J. Pat Miller, salutes and honors theatre companies who organize and conduct audience collections for Season of Concern.

The first Biscotto-Miller Award will be presented, to Lifeline Theatre, on June 5, 2017, at the 2017 Non-Equity Jeff Awards ceremony, which will take place at The Athenaeum Theatre, located at 2036 N. Southport Avenue in Chicago.

Through the Biscotto-Miller Fund and The Actors Fund, Season of Concern provides funds to underwrite grants to members of the Chicago-area theatre community who are unable to work due to illness or injury. These grants are made to actors, directors, administrators, playwrights, dancers, designers, technicians without regard to union status. If you know of anyone who needs assistance, please contact: Season of Concern, Frank Farrell - 312-332-0518 or The Actors Fund, Steven Haught - 312-372-0989.

Join the Season of Concern AIDS Run and Walk on 10/1

Saturday, October 1 at Soldier Field

We are simply family helping family.

Created 30 years ago by Chicago theater artists to provide care for those in the theater community afflicted with AIDS-related illnesses, Season of Concern has raised tens of thousands of dollars from generous artists and theater patrons to benefit hundreds of people in the entertainment industry-actors, directors, designers, technicians, playwrights-who are experiencing health-related emergencies and medical issues.

Since 1987, Season of Concern has distributed over 2.5 million dollars to 35 different Chicago-based AIDS service organizations, including AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, Chicago Women's AIDS Project, and The Children's Place. These direct-care grant awards are distributed annually and support a variety of essential programs and services for those in the Chicago community in need.

In addition, Season of Concern's Biscotto-Miller Fund provides financial assistance to individuals in the Chicago theatre community who are experiencing a catastrophic illness or a health-related emergency or event, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS. The fund was created in 1985 to honor the memory of stage manager Tommy Biscotto and actor J. Pat Miller.

Lastly, Season of Concern gives sustaining support to the Chicago office of The Actors Fund, the national human services organization that helps entertainment and performing arts professionals in theatre, film, music, opera, television and dance through a broad spectrum of social, health, employment and housing programs that address their essential and critical needs. Funding provided by Season of Concern goes directly to the Chicago office of The Actors Fund Chicago, which oversees the entertainment community in Chicago and throughout the Midwest.

Learn more, register and support the Season of Concern team

Funding Resources Available for Members of the Entertainment Industry

Season of Concern shares office space in Chicago with The Actors Fund's Central Region office. If illness or injury has deprived you or someone you know in Chicago's theater or performing arts community of the ability to meet basic living expenses like food and rent, please contact either of our organizations for more information about the services and assistance described below:

 To download a copy of the revised guidelines, click here.

  The Biscotto-Miller Fund
Chicago's theater community was deeply struck by the losses of actor J. Pat Miller and stage manager Tom Biscotto to AIDS in the early 80's. The very first outspoken AIDS victims in our community, the tragedies of their deaths brought us together to stand up, speak out, and fight back.

The Biscotto-Miller fund began with a small fundraising effort by J. Pat and Tommy's theater friends - collecting from each other to build a cash fund that they distributed to others in need. Now, over thirty years later, the Biscotto-Miller fund exists as the only private grant given directly by Season Of Concern to local artists in need. Throughout the year, confidential Biscotto-Miller grants are awarded on an as-needed basis to cover short-term emergency costs such as medication, food, and rent for members of our community suffering from debilitating illness of any kind. Social service assessment and case management for The Biscotto-Miller Fund are provided by the Central Region office of The Actors Fund.

If you or someone you know may be eligible for the Biscotto-Miller Fund, please contact either info@seasonofconcern.org or Steven Haught shaught@actorsfund.org (case manager for The Biscotto-Miller Fund) at The Actors Fund, Central Region office.

The Actors Fund
The Actors Fund is a nonprofit, nationwide human services organization providing programs that support the unique, essential needs of all who work in entertainment and the performing arts - on stage or camera and behind the scenes. The Actors Fund assists those working in theater, film, television, radio, music, dance, opera and circus. The Fund is a safety net, offering quality services for and individual attention to our community, giving all a responsive place to turn in times of need or crisis.

The Actors Fund offers a broad spectrum of programs including comprehensive social services, health care services, employment and training and housing. Administered through their offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, these programs help people solve problems and make positive changes in their lives.

All Actors Fund services are completely confidential. Eligibility varies by program.

Save the Date: SOC Season of Celebration on October 26

Join Season of Concern on Monday, October 26 at Steppenwolf Theatre as they celebrate the legacy of beloved Chicago theatre artists, Tommy Biscotto and Pat Miller, who have inspired thirty years of service to the Chicago theatre community through the Biscotto/Miller Fund. It will be an evening of song and celebration! Details to come soon!

AIDS Run and Walk Chicago

On Saturday, September 26 at Soldier Field, Team Season of Concern will be participating in the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago 2015. We are thrilled to have been selected as one of the Community Direct organizations that raises funds through the AIDS Run & Walk. In short, we are raising money to save lives.

We would love to have as many people on our team as possible, representing the breadth and diversity of the Chicago theatre community! If you are interested in joining Team Season of Concern, please contact Scott Duff at scott@seasonofconcern.org for more information!

This has been a challenging year for our community. Let's come together to honor those lost and celebrate our strength! Interested in sponsoring our team, but you have a little hitch in your giddyap? You can donate your millions by clicking here!

Help us achieve a record breaking year!

Season of Concern Revises Guidelines for Those Seeking Assistance

Season of Concern, the Chicagoland theatre community's fundraising effort providing compassionate care to those who are experiencing the effects of incapacitating illness, injury or circumstance, has revised the guidelines for those seeking assistance.

Click here for more info.

Please share with members of your company! If you have any questions, please contact Scott Duff, Director of Communications, at 312-332-0518 or scott@seasonofconcern.org.

Valuable Resources from Season of Concern

Since 1987, Season of Concern has been working with the Chicagoland theatre community raising funds to provide direct care to those living with HIV/AIDS and other debilitating illness or injury. During that time, Season of Concern has distributed over 2.5 million dollars to more than 35 Chicago-based service agencies who have been instrumental in the fight against this epidemic. Thanks to the efforts of countless individuals and organizations, HIV/AIDS is no longer the death sentence that it was when the organization began.

Several years ago, Season of Concern expanded its mission through the Biscotto-Miller Fund to provide relief for members of the theatre and performance community who need assistance to cope with any debilitating illness or injury. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of spirit from Chicago theatre artists and patrons, Season of Concern has benefited hundreds of people in the entertainment industry – actors, directors, designers, technicians, playwrights – who have experienced health-related emergencies and medical issues. Working closely with The Actors Fund, Season of Concern is a valuable resource, and we are here to provide assistance.

If illness or injury has deprived you or someone you know in Chicago's theatre or performing arts community of the ability to meet basic living expenses like food and rent, please contact either Season of Concern or The Actors Fund for more information about the services and assistance offered. If your theatre would like to contribute through an audience collection campaign, contact Scott Duff, Manager of Communications and Fundraising Events (scott@seasonofconcern.org).

Season of Concern's 7th Annual Larry Sloan Awards

You are invited to the 7th Annual Larry Sloan Awards featuring an intimate performance by Rondi Reed and John Mahoney

November 10, 2014
Stage 773 , 1225 W. Belmont in Chicago at 7:00 pm

Created 25 years ago by Chicago theatre artists to provide care for those in the theatre community living with AIDS-related illnesses, Season of Concern has raised tens of thousands of dollars from generous artists and theatre patrons to benefit hundreds of people in the entertainment industry - actors, directors, designers, technicians, playwrights - and others who are experiencing health-related emergencies and medical issues.

Join Season of Concern as we honor Bill Solar, Lori Cannon, and TimeLine Theatre for their outstanding contributions to the community.

$75 - VIP tickets
$35 - general admission

VIP tickets include reserved seating, a champagne toast, and a pair of tickets to a Chicago theatrical event!

Tickets on sale now at www.stage773.com. ; For more information, contact , the Stage 773 Box Office (773) 327-5252

Season of Concern 2011 AIDS Run and Walk

Season of Concern (SoC) is once again fielding a team for the 2011 AIDS Run and Walk on Saturday, October 1st. THEY NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Season of Concern has one mission – to raise as much money as possible. They then redistribute that money to direct care providers to assist members of the Chicago theatre community who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s AIDS Run and Walk is one of their biggest fundraisers each year. 100% of all money raised by the team comes back to Season of Concern. By making a generous contribution to the SoC team, you help support more than 160 Chicago-area organizations whose work is critical to the fight against HIV/AIDS, and help provide a safety net for our members by contributing to programs that provide direct care (personal financial support, housing care, meals, medications, legal assistance, and other services) to members of the Chicago and Midwestern theatre community.

To sponsor – or to join the team – go to the team page or contact Willa Taylor at willataylor@goodmantheatre.org or 312-443-5580.

All About Eve Season of Concern Benefit Reading May 23

Award-winning actress Hollis Resnik is Margo Channing in Season of Concern’s benefit reading of “All About Eve” May 23 at the Mayne Stage.

The reading of Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s iconic 1950 screenplay is directed by longtime Goodman Theatre associate producer Steve Scott. Show time is 7:00 PM.

Resnik will be joined onstage by other Chicago favorites including Larry Yando as Addison DeWitt, Heidi Kettenring as Karen, Steppenwolf ensemble member James Vincent Meredith as Bill, Peggy Roeder as Birdie, Northlight Theatre Artistic Director BJ Jones as Llyod, Ross Lehman as Max Fabian, Maura Kidwell as Ms. Caswell, and Sandra Delgado as Eve. Longtime Chicago musician John Steinhagen is the Pianist. Additional casting will be announced shortly.

The 1950 film "All About Eve" starred Bette Davis as Channing, the prominent yet aging Broadway star, and Anne Baxter as Eve Harrington, a willingly helpful young fan who insinuates herself into Channing's life. The film was written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, based on the short story "The Wisdom of Eve" by Mary Orr.

The film was nominated for 14 Academy Awards and won six, including Best Picture.

Season of Concern is the Chicago theatre community’s fundraising effort, providing compassionate care to artists who are experiencing life-threatening illnesses. Each year, Season of Concern raises funds that provide direct care and address critical healthcare needs for Chicago theatre community members.

At the benefit, Season of Concern will present its 4th Annual Larry Sloan Awards to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, former SoC board president Barry Taylor, and longtime SoC fundraiser Karen Bronson.

“All About Eve” is presented by special arrangement with Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and Sonia Friedman Productions. Windy City Media Group is a media sponsor.

The Mayne Stage is located at 1328 W. Morse Avenue. Valet parking is available for $5.00 at the door. Tickets for the reading go on sale on Wednesday, April 20 and are $45, or two for $80. For more information and to purchase tickets visit http://www.seasonofconcern.org/.

Join Season of Concern's AIDS Run and Walk on 10/2

Season of Concern invites you to join their 2010 AIDS Walk Team on Saturday, October 2, 2010 in Grant Park.

Join the team and walk with your cast, crew or theater company.

100% of the funds raised by our team will go directly to support SoC! Including registration fees and matching gifts!

PARTICIPATING AND FUNDRAISING IS EASY! JUST A CLICK AWAY!
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago's AIDS Walk web site makes registering and joining SoC's Team quick and easy. Once you've registered, the site makes fundraising as simple as sending an email!

WANT TO PARTICIPATE, BUT CAN'T BE THERE ON OCT 2? NO PROBLEM!
You can still join the Team, get sponsors, and raise funds. The funds you raise will still count, whether you personally walk or not!

CAN'T JOIN, BUT STILL WANT TO HELP?
Sponsor the team, or a team member, with a donation of any size. Every penny counts.

'Tis the Season

Season of Concern and The League of Chicago Theatres invite you to eat, drink and be merry. Industry Holiday Party. Awards Presentation. Mad, Hot Sing-off.
Monday, December 7, 2009
6:30 p.m. at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division St.
Suggested donation benefits Season of Concern
The 2009 Larry Sloan Awards honor Jonathan Abarbanel, Rondi Reed, and the Actor’s Fund.