URTA is proud to announce that the arts network, Acceptd will sponsor the 2020 Pay-it-Forward Candidate Award Program.

Candidate Awards provide free registration for the URTA Auditions & Interviews (“the URTAs”), including free attendance to all continuing education sessions—a value of up to $135.

When registering for the URTAs, candidates can make small-dollar contributions to the Pay-it-Forward fund, which supports awards for future candidates attending the URTAs, based on merit and personal hardship. Acceptd will maximize candidate contributions by matching dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000.

“The URTAs have had an enormous impact on the fields of theatre and entertainment over the last 50 years. We’re incredibly happy to make the event even more accessible for a greater number of participants. We’re grateful to Acceptd for helping us in this endeavor,” said Tony Hagopian, URTA executive director.

More than 1,200 candidates pursuing graduate training in acting, design, directing, stage management, and arts leadership take part in the URTAs each year. The event also includes classes, workshops, and panel discussions on theatre topics of interest to both candidates and recruiters.

“At Acceptd, supporting the artist is at the core of our mission and we are thrilled to contribute to the future of these candidates in partnership with URTA,” said Don Hunter, Acceptd co-founder and visionary.

Candidate Awards are also available to all candidates in the areas of Arts Leadership and Sound Design, as well as qualified finalists of the Kennedy Center-American College Theater Festival.
“The URTAs remain the most productive 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 can apply to receive a Pay-it-Forward Candidate Award by going to urta.com/awards

The University Resident Theatre Association was founded in 1969 with the mission of supporting excellence in theatre training. Fifty years later, URTA is still setting the stage for professional training, emerging theatre artists, and professional advancement. To learn more about URTA and its programs and services, visit
urta.com.

Acceptd is the world’s largest arts network, connecting organizations with top talent and providing artists with tools to help them flourish. Acceptd boasts more than 600 partner organizations, universities, festivals and other arts groups as well as more than 450,000 artist user profiles. From performers at Sydney Opera House to the marching bands in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Acceptd has had the privilege of working with premiere arts organizations around the globe to optimize their application process and connect with the right talent. To learn more about Acceptd, visit getacceptd.com.