Candidate registration has opened for the 2019 URTA Auditions & Interviews, widely known as “The URTAs”. The event, produced by the University Resident Theatre Association, allows MFA candidates in all areas of theatre a single place to audition and/or interview with recruiters from dozens of schools from across the U.S. and abroad. More than 1,200 candidates pursuing graduate training in acting, design, directing, stage management, and arts leadership take part each year. The event also includes classes, workshops, and panel discussions on theatre topics of interest to both candidates and recruiters.

In addition to the URTA Auditions, candidates in acting may take advantage of the Satellite Auditions—a separate audition attended by non-URTA recruiters including MFAs programs, conservatories, overseas MAs, and producing companies looking to hire for summer seasons. Last year a record 26 institutions attended the Satellite Auditions.

“URTA currently has 43 member universities that recruit through the URTAs,” said Executive Director Tony Hagopian. “If you add to that the schools taking part in the Satellite Auditions, we’re looking at a record number of programs taking part in the event for 2019.”

All URTA members undergo a peer review process to assess their MFA programs, and all offer some form of financial assistance in the form of either tuition remission, scholarships, financial aid, paid assistantships, stipends, or a combination of these.

URTA Candidate Awards offer free registration to all candidates in the areas of sound design and arts leadership, as well as free entry to all continuing education programming. A registration discount is also available to members of Actors’ Equity Association.

“The URTAs are the most effective and cost-efficient way to pursue MFA theatre training. There’s simply no other way to be seen by so many diverse programs on a single day, in a single place,” added Hagopian.

Candidates may register through Acceptd at: https://app.getacceptd.com/urta. Registration is $100.