Illinois Theatre Association upcoming events

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

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:00:00 GMT

A Year of Professional Theatre Opportunities!

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. PTO 2026 offers Year-Round Theatre Opportunities.

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 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.

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

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

It's Time to Come Together. Come Together, is the 2026 Community Theatre AACT IL State Competition and its happening Saturday, November 7th at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center!

Come support your fellow performers and enjoy one or all three performances that are competing to move on to the Regional AACT level which will be held at Governors State University in April.

Tickets for the full day are $20 for ITA members and $30 for the general public.

The Three performances you can see, listed in performance order are:

New York by David Rimmer presented by Playhouse 38
The Odd Couple (Female Edition) by Neil Simon, Act 2 Scene 2 Olive introduces Florence to the Costazuela Brothers Presented by: North Riverside Players.
Error 404: Humanity Not Found, by Alka Sharma performed by Mandi Theatre.

The Illinois Theatre Association would like to thank our sponsors for this festival.

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.

For more information contact communitytheatre@illinoistheatre.org.

The deadline to purchase tickets is November 6, 2026.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 60 Minute Edition (11/21/2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Kankakee Valley Theatre Association presents Diary of a Wimpy Kid 60 Minute Edition

November 21 at 2pm and 7pm, AND November 22 at 2pm.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.kvta.org or by emailing kvta@kvta.org.