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College/University Theatre

Upcoming events

    • 11/07/2025
    • 7:30 PM
    • 11/16/2025
    • 2:00 PM
    • Bradley University

    Bradley University presents Into the WoodsJourney along with characters you know and love from Grimms’ Fairy Tales as they venture “into the woods” where predicaments, perils, and life lessons abound. 


    Dates and Times:

    Friday, November 7, 7:30 PM

    Saturday, November 8, 7:30 PM

    Sunday, November 9,  2 PM

    Thursday, November 13, 7:30 PM

    Friday, November 14, 7:30 PM

    Saturday, November 15, 7:30 PM

    Sunday, November 16, 2 PM


    Ticket Information:

    $17 for ITA members- Call the box office at 309-677-2650 and mention that you are a member of ITA

    Cultural Events Box Office

    • 02/07/2026
    • 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Wirtz Center Chicago
    Register


    Saturday, February 7, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    Northwestern University’s Wirtz Center Chicago

    710 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611

    The Illinois Theatre Association (ITA) proudly announces the launch of its revamped Professional Theatre Opportunities (PTO) Conference, a first-of-its-kind event designed to transform how theatre artists and hiring companies connect.

    Taking place February 7th, 2025 from 9am – 6pm at the Northwestern University Wirtz Center Chicago, the PTO Conference creates a powerful new platform where theatre professionals and employers can meet face-to-face, collaborate and discover fresh talent across all disciplines.

    The one-day event features dedicated sessions for actors, choreographers, designers, directors, musicians, music directors, stage managers and technicians ensuring that every discipline receives focused attention and opportunity. Participants will enjoy interactive networking sessions, live interviews, and one-on-one meetings — creating a vibrant environment for collaboration and professional growth.

    With the PTO Conference, the Illinois Theatre Association reaffirms its commitment to networking, creativity and professional excellence. By bridging the gap between artists and employers, ITA is helping shape a more connected and sustainable future for theatre in Illinois and beyond.

    What to Expect

    • Dedicated sessions for actors, choreographers, designers, directors, musicians, music directors, stage managers, and technicians
    • Interactive networking opportunities and one-on-one meetings with hiring companies
    • Live auditions and interviews designed to highlight your best work
    • A collaborative, energizing environment built for professional growth and creative exchange

    Registration Details

    • $20 – Individuals auditioning or interviewing
    • $100 – Professional theatres or companies seeking talent
    • Registration deadline: January 15, 2026

    Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

    For questions, contact professionaltheatre@illinoistheatre.org.

    Audition/Interview Information  Information for Professional Hiring Companies






Resources

Division Representative

Lauren Wells-Mann

Expires 2027

Lauren Wells-Mann is an actor, director, dancer, choreographer and arts educator. Currently, she serves as Director of Arts in Education and Community Engagement at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University.  Additionally, as a proud company member with MPAACT (Ma'at Production Company of African Centered Theatre), she has had the pleasure of directing countless productions.  Mrs. Wells-Mann holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theater/Acting (Columbia College Chicago) and a Masters in Secondary Education (Univ. of Phoenix).  She has also performed with companies such as Lookingglass, Black Ensemble, MPAACT, Harlem Theater Company, Healthworks Theater Company, and Victory Gardens to name a few.  Additionally, Mrs. Wells-Mann coached competitive acting and speech events for the Illinois High School Association for over 20 years.  Under her direction, students have won numerous state and national championships in various acting and public speaking activities. Prior to coming to Governors State University, she served as the Theatre Department Head at The Chicago High School for the Arts.  Lauren Wells-Mann believes in the transformative power of the intersection of arts and education and the importance of BIPOC artists having autonomy over their own narratives. It is a mission to which she is deeply committed.


Brandon Wardell
Expires 2026


Brandon Wardell is a Lighting and Scenic Designer based in Chicago. He is an Ensemble Member of Steep Theatre Company, an Artistic Associate with Griffin Theatre Company, and Associate Professor of Lighting Design at Northern Illinois University’. Recent designs include Two Trains Running (Court); A Case For the Existence of God, Light Falls, and The Writer (Steep); An Act of God (Paramount); The Lifespan of a Fact, Trouble In Mind, and Cardboard Piano (TimeLine Theatre Co.); The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Steppenwolf); A Number (Writers Theatre); Blues in the Night (Porchlight Music Theatre); Men On Boats (American Theatre Co.); Solaris, Titanic, London Wall, and Men Should Weep (Griffin); The Game of Love and Chance (American Players Theatre); and Million Dollar Quartet (Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival). Brandon earned his MFA from Northwestern University and is on the faculty of Northern Illinois University. 

Divisional Events and Meetings


TBA

Major Event

Prep Workshop for Professional Auditions


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