News

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News
June 22, 2026

This June, as we celebrate Pride Month, Season of Concern has awarded four grants to local, direct care HIV/AIDS organizations, in solidarity with those for whom Season of Concern was originally founded. Funding for these grants comes from our annual participation in AIDS Run/Walk Chicago. [edgtf_image_with_text double_buttons="no" item_image="19345"] Groceryland—In Memory of Lori Cannon The grocery center affectionately known...

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Events, News
December 9, 2025

Season of Concern Chicago and Artists Lounge Live present a one-night-only special concert Barbra & Judy Together Again, starring Steven Brinberg and Angela Ingersoll. The evening, to benefit Season of Concern Chicago, will be held Monday, April 27, 2026 at 7pm at the Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, 410 South Michigan Avenue in...

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Events, News
November 18, 2025

Throughout the holiday season, area performing arts organizations will take up audience collections at productions for Season of Concern, Chicago’s nonprofit dedicated to providing financial assistance to all Chicagoland theater practitioners impacted by illness, injury or circumstance. In addition, a number of special events will be held to benefit the organization, including events by Lakeside...

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Events, News
September 18, 2025

Chicago, IL—Carla Gordon, Beckie Menzie, David Meulemans and Khnemu Menu-Ra, will present a one-night-only special presentation of Blacklisted: Songs McCarthy Didn’t Want You To Hear, written & directed by Carla Gordon with music direction by Beckie Menzie. The evening, to benefit Season of Concern, is Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 7:30pm at Columbia College Chicago’s...

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August 23, 2025

This fall, Season of Concern will offer a series of FREE panel discussions, open to all, but especially for early career professionals and artists new to Chicago! Registration details and the roster of panelists are available now. Date/Times: Monday, September 8th - Welcome to Chicago: Starting a Career in Chicago's Theatre Industry Monday, October 13th - Mental Wellness...

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News
July 28, 2025

The writer, artist, philanthropist, art director, and AIDS activist played a central role in the arts and LGBTQ+ communities in Chicago, including Season of Concern. Article by Albert Williams, Photo by Nick Robins. Jim Rinnert—a writer, artist, philanthropist, AIDS activist, and longtime art director of In These Times magazine, active for many years in Chicago’s theater and LGBT...

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June 22, 2025

In honor of The Biscotto-Miller Fund's 40th Anniversary, Season of Concern collaborated with one of our in-kind partners, HMS Media, to capture an oral history of the launch of this historic assistance fund for Chicagoland theatre artists. Friend of SOC Honey West interviewed Board Members Marcelle McVay & Leslie Shook along with theatre critic & historian Jonathan Abarbanel to...

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Events, News
April 23, 2025

Season of Concern, the Chicago-area theatre community’s fundraising and support organization that raises money for and provides financial assistance to Chicagoland theatre workers impacted by illness, injury, or emergency circumstances, proudly celebrates the 40th anniversary of its Biscotto-Miller Fund with a reception at The Goodman Theatre on Tuesday, June 3 at 7:30 PM. The evening...

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March 26, 2025

The Season of Concern Managing Director Board of Directors proudly announces the appointment of the organization’s new Managing Director, Christopher Pazdernik. A dedicated professional in the Chicago theater community, Pazdernik comes to the position from Theo Ubique and previously Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Porchlight Music Theatre and Refuge Theatre Project. Pazdernik succeeds Michael Ryczek, who was...

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February 5, 2025

Season of Concern Managing Director Michael Ryczek and the Board of Directors announce that Ryczek will step down from his position, effective April 1, 2025. Ryczek joined the Board in 1994, served as Board President from 2004-2010 and has served as Managing Director since 2018. Since its inception, Season of Concern has provided more than...

About Us

Founded in 1987, Season of Concern Chicago is dedicated to providing financial assistance to Chicagoland theater artists, both Equity and Non-Equity, impacted by illness, injury, or health-related circumstances that prevents them from working. We provide short-term emergency financial assistance to theater practitioners through our own Biscotto-Miller Fund and Malcolm Ewen Emergency Fund.

Season of Concern Chicago is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
IRS EIN 36-3759183

Contact

Season of Concern Chicago
8 S. Michigan Ave.
Suite 2700
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 332-0518

Office Hours: By Appointment

info@seasonofconcern.org

 

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