Local startup nonprofit Artists Giving Back announced today that tickets for its World AIDS Day production of the musical RENT are officially on sale.

World AIDS Day RENT is the inaugural production for Artists Giving Back, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Chicago performers and professionals who have a passion for the arts and for giving back to the community. This one-night engagement production will take place on Worlds AIDS Day – December 1, 2015 – and all net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Artists Giving Back’s philanthropic partner in and beneficiary of the production.

Additionally, Artists Giving Back is thrilled to announce that LGBT singer/songwriter superstar and Chicagoland native, Steve Grand, will be joining the cast as a special featured guest artist.  Mr. Grand, singer of the viral sensation “All-American Boy,” released his independent debut album, also titled “All-American Boy,” in March of 2015, which landed the #3 spot on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. Mr. Grand will perform “Seasons of Love” during the production, and will attend the RENT cast-and-audience after party, which will be hosted by Progress Bar (3359 N. Halsted, Chicago).

When addressing the choice of RENT for Artists Giving Back’s inaugural production, Artistic Director Peter Ruger had this to say: “Rent is a show that has inspired me for years.  The passion of the music and the story, and the connection I felt to the wonderful characters brought me not only to the fight against AIDS, but also helped guide me to my life as a singer.  I’m so excited that we at Artists Giving Back are getting to share this amazing show with Chicago to celebrate World AIDS Day 2015.  I hope it touches our audience as much as it’s touched me over the years.”

Artists Giving Back’s World AIDS Day RENT will take place at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets can buy them from the Athenaeum Theatre’s website, www.athenaeumtheatre.org, under “buy tickets.”

Performance Details:

World AIDS Day RENT

7:30pm, December 1, 2015

Athenaeum Theatre      2936 N. Southport Avenue       Chicago, IL

About Artists Giving Back:

Artists Giving Back is a Chicago-based startup nonprofit founded by local performers and professionals who feel that the arts are a perfect vehicle for advancing philanthropic and charitable endeavors. Artists Giving Back’s mission statement proclaims:

We believe in philanthropy through self-expression and creativity. Through the production of art in all its forms—music, dance, drama, visual—we aim to support artists and our community. Artists Giving Back is an opportunity to interact with our community through the healing power of art.

Artists Giving Back aims to enrich the community in two primary ways: first, by providing quality artistic experiences to the public, and second, by donating all proceeds raised from its productions and artistic endeavors to local charities. While a new organization – Artists Giving Back was incorporated as a nonprofit in February 2015 – Artists Giving Back is proud to say that it is already full steam ahead on its inaugural production of RENT. More information about Artists Giving Back can be found on its website, www.artistsgivingback.org.

The production of Artists Giving Back World AIDS Day RENT is entirely funded by tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. Anyone interested in donating to Artists Giving Back can do so through the Artists Giving Back website.