Each year, Chicago Academy for the Arts students produce and perform in a variety show to support HIV/AIDS research and organizations.
The 25th Annual AIDS Benefit will take place Sept. 24-25 at The Academy, 1010 W. Chicago Ave. This year's proceeds will go to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Students from each art department (dance, media arts, music, musical theater, theater and visual arts) will present new work under the direction of student leadership. The student team takes initiative in scheduling auditions, curating submissions, setting up production, communicating the message and collaborating with a local HIV/AIDS organization.
Twenty-four years ago, Academy Musical Theatre Department alumni as well as hit songwriter Justin Tranter (Justin Bieber's "Sorry," Fall Out Boy's "Centuries" and other songs) decided to launch an entirely student-run variety show that could support HIV/AIDS awareness and advocacy.
Tickets are available at ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.org/aids-benefit. Additional donations to AIDS Foundation of Chicago are also being accepted.