Illinois Theatre Association

As we emerge from the pandemic era, the Illinois Theatre Association Professional Division is rebranding the Statewide Professional Auditions into a unique experience that will combine auditions for actors, dancers, and musicians with interviews for designers, technicians, and stage managers into an opportunity to interview and network with hiring professional companies and theatrical agencies. The new event is called the Professional Interview, Audition, Networking, and Opportunity Conference, or PIANO Conference.

• To provide a platform that elevates artists representing historically marginalized identities and perspectives due to their race or ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual identity, physical or mental capability, or economic background.
• To provide an easy and convenient virtual meeting place for networking and opportunities.
• To unite artists seeking employment opportunities (actors, designers, dancers, technicians, musicians, singers, stage managers, etc.) with companies and agencies (producers, agents, theatres, etc.) looking to hire the next generation of talent

Our goal is to provide you with access to casting directors, agencies, and producing theatres from a wide array of backgrounds. We realize that accessing companies who are looking to hire can be quite a challenge, so we do the leg-work for you! We have cast a wide net to attract companies, both large and small, who are looking for the latest talent, and connect them with YOU, a diverse range of talented people who are seeking good artistic relationships.

We are providing this interface so that you can upload your information to one location where the companies can search for people with the skills they need at their own pace on their own terms.  Employers can review auditions, portfolios, head shots, and resumes at their convenience using a thorough and intuitive online database.  They will be able to explore your materials and decide what the next step will be - individual meetings, group chats, scene readings, etc.  You and the company may interview and audition for as long as you wish, at any date, and in any format that work well for the interaction. In addition, the ITA has crafted this event to be an all-inclusive celebration of talent that will embrace everyone, regardless of their lifestyle, background, location, or means. 

In closing, it is our goal to reach artists who represent historically marginalized identities and perspectives. We are committed to being inclusive and increasing our awareness and reach, and if you see an opportunity for us to do better, or have a resource to share with us, please contact us at professionaltheatre@illinoistheatre.org.

Thank you so much for your participation in this important event!

For technical questions, please visit the Acceptd Help Desk.