What We Do
Season of Concern understands the difficulties that arise if a theater artist can’t work. That’s why we provide emergency financial assistance to all Chicago theater makers for a variety of issues, including:
- Mental and physical health challenges (debilitating illness, injury, depression, or other short- or long term conditions) which affect theatre employment.
- Short-term emergency financial assistance for theater workers facing non-health related financial issues.
Founded in 1987 in response to the needs of Chicago theater workers afflicted with AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses, Season of Concern now provides short-term assistance to dozens of local theater makers (artists, artisans, technicians, support staff and management personnel) regardless of union affiliation or status. Assistance comes primarily from two funds: The Biscoto-Miller Fund and Malcolm Ewen Emergency Fund.
These and other services provided by Season of Concern are only possible through the generosity of Chicago theater supporters like you. Please give now so that the show can continue to go on in America’s most vibrant theater community!
The Biscotto-Miller Fund
Named in honor of Tommy Biscotto and J. Pat Miller, two early casualties of the AIDS crisis, the Biscotto-Miller Fund provides short-term emergency funds for Chicagoland theater workers experiencing short-term or ongoing physical and/or mental health challenges. For application procedures and guidelines, please press Apply Now.
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TESTIMONIALS
The Malcolm Ewen Emergency Fund
Established by the bequest of longtime Steppenwolf stage manager (and Season of Concern board member) Malcolm Ewen, this Fund provides short-term emergency assistance for theater employees facing non-health related financial issues. Applicants must be active members of the Chicagoland theater community, union and non-union alike, who have been employed with or without salary at some point since July 1, 2023.
For application procedures and guidelines, please press Apply Now.
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Support our team for the AIDS Walk/Run
Supporting AIDS service organizations since 1987 In addition to supporting individual theater artists, Season of Concern Chicago has been making significant grants to Chicago AIDS service organizations for more than 30 years.
Meet the AIDS service organizations we support.
Help us to support the fine and important work these local AIDS organizations do. Join our team or donate to a current team member for this year’s AIDS Walk/Run.
Donate or Join Here
The Entertainment Community Fund
Season of Concern provides sustaining support to the Chicago office of The Entertainment Community Fund, the national human services organization for entertainment and performing arts professionals in theater, film, music, opera, television and dance with a broad spectrum of social, health, employment, housing and direct care programs. Among the categories of direct care grants that the Entertainment Community Fund awards, subject to eligibility, are the entertainment assistance program for performing arts professionals, the HIV/AIDS Initiative, financial assistance for seniors and people with disabilities and addiction and recovery assistance.
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