ITA Professional Theatre Opportunities: Interviews, Auditions and Networking (03/07/2026)

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, March 7, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 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) Program, a first-of-its-kind event designed to transform how theatre artists and hiring companies connect.

***UPDATE***

Traditionally, this event was a one-day, in-person event held in Illinois. But now, we are extending the benefit of participating for a full year in a new digital format.

Participants will be invited to submit their headshot, bio and resume/CV along with a link to their videos, website and/or portfolio. Hiring companies will be able to gain access to this library of theatre talent for a full year as the need arises.

Throughout the year, the Professional Theatre Representatives of Illinois Theatre Association will share other mentorship and educational opportunities to create 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.

The kick-off of this new program will take place March 7th, 2025. Schedule a video prep session and secure a FREE video recording at the Northwestern University Wirtz Center Chicago from 9 am – 1 pm. All registrants will receive a Feedback Session about your submission package throughout the day and there will be a VIRTUAL Master Class led by Jimmy Calitri: Audition Techniques and How to Approach Feedback. The Professional Theatre Opportunities Program creates a powerful new platform where theatre professionals and employers can meet face-to-face, collaborate and discover fresh talent across all disciplines.

Participants will enjoy interactive networking sessions, live interviews, and one-on-one meetings — creating a vibrant environment for collaboration and professional growth.

SPECIAL OFFERING: PTO is now offering VIRTUAL, personalized 1:1 feedback sessions for all participants. Protolight will be on hand to tape applicants who want a new video. If you want to attend in person, you can receive your feedback prior to your taping. The deadline to register for an in-person video recording is 2/20/2026.

Feedback will be given by the following Professionals:

Jimmy Calitri - Professional Theatre Division Rep (Auditions)

Noah Record - Professional Theatre Division Rep (Tech/Lighting/Design)

Brandon Wardell - College Theatre Division Rep (Resumes/Portfolios)

What to Expect Over the Year

Dedicated events and opportunities for actors, choreographers, designers, directors, musicians, music directors, stage managers, and technicians
Interactive networking and one-on-one meetings with hiring companies
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: February 20, 2026 to book a video recording session on March 7, 2026.

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

For questions, contact professionaltheatre@illinoistheatre.org.

Audition/Interview Information Information for Professional Hiring Companies

ITA 2026 Come Together Community Theatre Festival (11/07/2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Come Together: The Heartbeat of Community Theatre in Illinois

There is something uniquely powerful about community theatre. It’s more than a stage and it’s more than lights and lines. It’s a gathering place. It’s where strangers become castmates, where castmates become friends and friends become family. This year’s theme for Illinois’ bi-annual community theatre festival, Come Together, beautifully captures the essence of what community theatre has always been, and continues to be, across Illinois.

In towns big and small across our state, community theatres serve as creative homes. They welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels. That spirit of inclusion is what makes community theatre so special. It doesn’t just invite participation; it depends on it.

Come Together celebrates the collaborative art that is the essence of community theatre. Your theatre can participate in our biannual play competition with a chance to represent our state and our region at the American Association of Community Theatre’s AACTFest in June of 2027. You’ll be able to network with other theatre makers and celebrate the very essence of community theatre.

Come Together will be Nov. 7th and 8th at Morton College (time TBD).

For more information contact communitytheatre@illinoistheatre.org.

Illinois Theatre Association upcoming events

ITA Professional Theatre Opportunities: Interviews, Auditions and Networking (03/07/2026)

ITA 2026 Come Together Community Theatre Festival (11/07/2026)