'Girls' Andrew Rannells, Tony Yazbeck Celebrate YoungArts at 54 Below: Tickets on Sale

Tony Award nominee, and Girls star, Andrew Rannells, is returning to the stage as part of the 2nd Annual YoungArts Awareness Day this Thursday, Sept. 24, at New York's 54 Below. Also starring Tony Yazbeck (On the Town), Alysha Deslorieux (Hamilton), singer/songwriter Grace Weber and directed by Zuzanna Szadkowski (Gossip Girl; The Knick), the YoungArts Alumni Cabaret looks to highlight past recipients and raise awareness for future students.

The National YoungArts Foundation was established in 1981 by Lin and Ted Arison to help support emerging talent in the visual, literary, design and performing arts. Rannells, whose latest role in The Intern hits theaters this Friday, credits the foundation for giving him the courage and confidence to pursue his career:

"YoungArts was the first time I had ever been called an 'artist'," said the actor and former star of Broadway hit The Book of Mormon. "And the first time I had been surrounded by other young people with the same drive I had. It gave me the confidence to move towards a career in entertainment."

Awarded the scholarship in 1997, he recently reflected on the experience during a sit down with The Hollywood Reporter. The actor recalled how he met best friend Szadkowski, his audition tape, and the extra boost it gave him to move to New York and follow his dreams.

"It seemed like a real stretch that I would get in, but I made a video and sent it in, and a couple months later, I got a letter that I had been accepted."

Drawing off the momentum of National Arts in Education Week, YoungArts is also putting on events in both Miami and L.A. hoping to raise awareness with the hashtags #becauseofyoungarts and #keepartsalive. "Through YoungArts Awareness Day we hope to active the public and our more than 20,000 YoungArts alumni to reach young artist in every corner of the country," said Lisa Leone, Vice President of Artistic Programs for YoungArts.

Famous YoungArts alum include Kerry Washington, Conrad Tao and Desmond Richardson among others. The events are aiming to inspire young artists (between the ages of 15-18).

To apply to become part of the 35th Anniversary Class of YoungArts Winners at youngarts.org/apply through Oct. 16, 2015.

The event kicks off at 9:30 p.m. That same day YoungArts is also having a live Q&A on their Facebook page with 1997 scholarship recipient Josh Groban and a free concert at the Metropolitan Museum by 2010 scholarship recipient Gregory Zelek.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Check out YoungArts students performing a cover of Pharrell Williams' "Happy" below.