We’ve got a wealth of great workshops, panels, and seminars for you at The URTAs in Chicago. If you’ll be attending the Auditions & Interviews, make sure you check out some of these great events to get the most out of your trip.

Tickets are $15 in advance if you’re a registered URTA candidate. (Tickets may be available at the door, but space is limited for all events)

You can book your reservation for any of these events (as well as events in New York and San Francisco) on our Continuing Education page.

Professional Paths in Costume Design
Panelists: Holly Durbin (UC Irvine), Claudia Stevens (Southern Methodist University), Lauren Lowell (Illinois State)

Westin Michigan Avenue, THU 1/26/17 1:30 pm

Costume Design is a diverse and exciting field that encompasses everything from film to theatre, large opera, and ice shows. If you are at URTA you’ve already decided to shop for the right graduate school. But you may still have questions about what comes next, such as “How will graduate school help me focus on the career path I want?” or “Will graduate school help me get a job, and are there jobs I have not even imaged?” The panel of recruiters and professionals are here to tell you about their experiences and answer your questions!

All About IATSE
Panelists: TBA

West Michigan Avenue, FRI 1/27/17 9:00 am

IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) is the union representing over 130,000 technicians, artisans and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, including live theatre, motion picture, television production, and trade shows. If you’re pursuing a career in theatrical design or technology, you need to get to know IATSE. This Q&A driven panel serves as a great introduction to the union and its role in the industry and your career. Bring your questions and get real answers, along with vital info you didn’t even realize you didn’t know!

Work Outside of Traditional Theatre
Panelists: Robert Coleman (Florida State University), Steve Woods (Southern Methodist University), Brandon Wardell (Northern Illinois University)

Westin Michigan Avenue FRI 1/27/17 1:30 pm

Come hear about different careers in design and technology outside of traditional theatre spaces. Our panel of professionals have worked on everything from cruises to the Olympics. We will also talk about storefront theatres in Chicago and in other areas of the country.

So You Want to be a TD?
Leader: Tracy Nunnally (Northern Illinois University)

Westin Michigan Avenue SAT 1/28/17 1:30pm

What does a Technical Director do? Am I cut out for it? What do I need to know? Is grad school the right way to go? The multi-faceted job of the Technical Director can be one of the most rewarding roles in modern theatre. Join professional Technical Director, Tracy Nunnally for a discussion of the role of the TD in today’s theatrical settings.

Flying Effects and Rigging
Leaders: Tracy Nunnally and Carl Nadig

Chicago Hilton, SUN 1/29/17 1:30 pm

A primer on rigging, and theatrical effects by Tracy Nunnally of Vertigo (formerly Hall Associates/Flying FX).

Miller Voice Method
Leader: John Patrick (UNC Chapel Hill)

Chicago Hilton MON 1/30/17 2:00 pm

Miller Voice Method – An introduction to how your breath can unleash your talent and preparation. We will move through some core principles of the miller voice method which explore the repeatable physical elements that create compelling performances and ultimately hold the audience’s attention. The workshop will be athletic and demand that you come ready to explore with a deep sense of curiosity.

Grad School: A Journey, not a Destination
Panelists: TBA

West Michigan Avenue, TUE 1/31/17 2:00 pm

A panel of URTA recruiters will discuss what schools are looking for, what to expect after the auditions/interviews, how the process works, and what graduate school is really like. They may also discuss alternatives to graduate school and other professional training opportunities. There will also be time for questions from attendees.

How to be a Working Actor in Chicago
Facilitated by: Tony Hagopian (URTA), guest actor and agents will be announced soon!

Chicago Hilton WED 2/1/17 2:00 pm

An opportunity to hear from working actors and agents about what it means to work in Chicago. There will be time for you to ask questions as well!

Actor for Life: How to Sustain a Life and Career in an Unpredictable Business
Leaders: Connie de Veer and Jan Elfline

Westin Michigan Avenue, THU 2/2/17 2:00 pm

Learn practical strategies drawn from the latest findings in neuroscience and personal coaching to help actors unlock motivation and confidence, and drive away self-limiting habits.