‘They love what we do’: How audience donations support theater artists in times of need
After 40 years working in theater, Drury Lane Theatre stage manager Larry Baker knows a little something about generosity.
He witnesses it every November through January, when the Oakbrook Terrace theater solicits donations for Season of Concern, the Chicago-based charity providing short-term financial assistance to suburban and Chicago theater artists in need. After every performance during those months, Baker and his colleagues collect donations from theatergoers who have already spent upwards of $85 per ticket.
“When we do our curtain speech and ask for help, people rush to me with money,” said Baker.
“They love what we do and they want to support us,” he said. “The two hours you spend together in that room, you bond ... I think that’s why audiences are so generous in giving.”
A theater artist’s career is uncertain under the best of circumstances; audiences understand that and want to help.
“Our business fluctuates so dramatically,” Baker said.
One year, an artist earns enough to support himself or herself. The next year, not so much. That’s when Season of Concern steps in. Founded in 1987 to honor the memories of stage manager Tommy Biscotto and actor J. Pat Miller (two of Chicago theater’s early AIDS activists), the group initially provided financial assistance to union and non-union theater artists living with HIV/AIDS.
Supporters raised money by making a post-performance curtain speech about the charity and literally passing a hat among the audience, recalled managing director Michael Ryczek.
That practice continues. But as HIV/AIDS became more manageable, Season of Concern’s mission expanded. Through its Biscotto-Miller Fund, theater artists — including actors, designers, directors, playwrights, technicians and staff — coping with catastrophic health crises of any kind can apply for $750 a month for up to six months.
The Malcolm Ewen Emergency Fund, named for the late board member and longtime Steppenwolf Theatre stage manager, provides $1,000 to theater artists facing non-health related emergencies including sudden unemployment and, more recently, COVID-19 related closures and layoffs.
Each fund assists an average 100 artists annually, about 200 recipients per year, and they do so in confidence.
“Because the community itself is so proud, even though (artists) are struggling, they don’t apply,” said Ryczek. “They fear taking money from someone more worthy or in more dire straits than they are. That speaks to the heart of this community.”
Over nearly four decades, the organization raised about $4 million, mostly during the holidays, said Ryczek. More than $1 million came from patrons of Goodman Theatre, whose annual “A Christmas Carol” performances have concluded with solicitations for Season of Concern for more than 30 years.
“Human nature is inclined to be generous and supportive,” said Roche Schulfer, Goodman executive director and CEO. “The key to the success of our fundraising efforts during ‘A Christmas Carol’ is the dedication of the actors and the company who are either in the lobby or making pre- or post-show curtain speeches.”
Like Goodman, longtime Season of Concern supporter Drury Lane solicits after every performance of its holiday show. Its recent “Cinderella” revival raised $25,000.
“It’s about paying it forward,” Baker said. “We all learned during COVID that we all need help spiritually, mentally and physically.”
While primary fundraising takes place during the holidays, the group hosts fundraisers throughout the year and supporters can donate any time at seasonofconcern.org.
“In my opinion, Chicago continues to be the strongest theater town in America, but it has become more challenging to sustain that standing,” Ryczek said. “Nowhere else can you find the exemplary, creative, unique work that exists in this community. But in order for this town and the suburbs to continue that work it’s important that we take care of our artists.”