Website University Resident Theatre Association (URTA)
URTA supports the professional training of theatre artists.
University Resident Theatre Association – Events Assistant (temporary, seasonal)
The University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) seeks an Events Assistant to support the annual URTA Auditions and Interviews and other related educational programs. This is a seasonal position, contracted from August – March.
THE COMPANY
URTA supports the professional training of new and diverse artists, in order to enrich the field of American theatre.
Founded in 1969, URTA continues to develop programs and services that answer the needs of university theatres, professional training programs, and individual artists. Whether it’s articulating the highest standards for professional training, helping to match potential students with the MFA/MA program best suited to their needs, supporting engagement of professional artists at universities, or expanding the scope of our education and career outreach programs, URTA sets the stage for emerging theatre artists, and professional advancement.
THE EDUCACTION PROGRAMS
URTA Auditions & Interviews: The longest running, most well-known consortium recruiting event for MFA, MA, and other professional training programs in theater. Approximately 1,000 student candidates, and faculty recruiters representing more than 50 schools take part in multiple cities and online, each year.
The event encompasses candidate auditions, interviews, award programs, educational sessions, and various ancillary programming.
Continuing Education: URTA facilitates workshops, panel discussions, and other training or information sessions throughout the year, both during the URTA Auditions & Interviews, and at other conferences and festivals, as well as online.
Career Outreach: URTA meets with undergrads, interns, apprentices, and other aspiring theater professionals across the country, to spread the message on the importance of training and building a career in theater.
THE POSITION
The Events Assistant will report to the Director of Education Programs, assisting in the preparation and execution of our annual recruiting events and other education programs, both live and online.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
Provide administrative support for the Education Director with daily office activity, responding to client phone calls, emails, and other forms of communication in a timely and professional manner.
Maintain event systems/databases and support event registration logistics – keeping all records updated.
Serve as primary scheduler for candidate audition appointments, and primary point of contact for applicant questions.
Assist with creation and proofreading of published materials and communications.
Support the planning and implementation of URTA recruiting events nationally, as well as serve as an on-site staff member during scheduled events.
Assist with program record keeping and data collection for annual reports.
SKILLS
Strong attention to detail and time management are essential, with the ability to successfully and accurately balance multiple tasks with overlapping timelines.
Good communication skills (verbal and written) and customer service. Comfortable speaking with constituents, answering event-related inquiries via phone and email.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.). Skill with Excel is particularly important (applicants may take an assessment).
Prior experience with and/or a willingness and capacity to learn technology systems, including, but not limited to: Acceptd, JotForm, Zoom, Dropbox, Discord, Photoshop, Constant Contact, and WordPress.
REQUIREMENTS
Familiarity with work in an office setting. The ability to work independently on tasks, taking ownership of all work assigned to them. The successful candidate will approach all work with accuracy and awareness of competing deadlines, and will be a team-player with strong communication skills and the ability to maintain a positive attitude under pressure.
A background and/or interest in arts education/training and event management is helpful. The ideal candidate is highly organized with a strong attention to detail, able to prioritize multiple tasks, and able to deliver accurate work on a deadline.
LOCATION AND HOURS
URTA office hours are typically 10 am – 6 pm (eastern). Candidate will be expected to work 35-40 hours per week. There may be overtime during certain periods. Exact hours to be determined with their supervisor. While remote work may be considered (candidate must have access to reliable internet), the ideal candidate will be able and willing to work in-person at the URTA offices in New York City at least part time (hybrid schedule to be determined with supervisor).
Candidate must be willing and able to work on-site at URTA’s annual recruiting event (January-February, 2026) as needed. Travel, irregular and overtime hours may be required. Business travel, accommodations, and per diem will be provided for on-site event work.
DIVERSITY and INCLUSION
As an organization made up of educators and artists focused on the discovery and fostering of new talent, we acknowledge and value the absolute necessity of applied efforts in diversity and inclusion. We assert that these values are essential as an active practice on every level of recruitment, hiring, teaching, and production.
COMPENSATION
$20 – 22 / hour (pending experience/qualifications). Employer sponsored medical plan available, and paid time off related to service time.
HOW TO APPLY
Email cover letter and resume to: info@urta.com with Events Assistant in subject line.
No phone calls please.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Open until filled. For best consideration, apply by July 18.
EMPLOYMENT DATES
Projected contract dates August, 2025 – March, 2026. Exact start and end dates to be determined.
To apply for this job email your details to info@urta.com