NEW YORK CITY: The University/Resident Theatre Association (URTA) has announced the development of a new initiative designed to promote professional training in the fields of theatre management, production, and entrepreneurship. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from the Westin Michigan Avenue (the site of URTA’s National Unified Auditions and Interviews in Chicago), the newly-instituted Arts Leadership Initiative will allow URTA candidates in theatre management to waive their application fees and participate in free seminars and workshops.

“An increasingly important function of URTA is its ability to serve as a bridge between member programs and the theatre and entertainment industry,” said URTA president Brant Pope in a statement. “This initiative is perfectly positioned to assist our members in attracting and training quality management professionals and making them known to employers.”

URTA, the nation’s largest association of MFA theatre training programs and related professional companies, was established in 1969 with the intent to assist in the development and expansion of professional theatre training organizations. More information about the Arts Leadership Initiative, including applications for the 2016 National Unified Auditions & Interviews, can be found here.