My MT daughter is graduating this year, and although my D plans all her auditions herself – I like to know dates and expenses ahead of time. Here’s my question – StrawHats and NETC auditions look to be on the same weekend this year. StrawHats, March 16, 17,18 and NETC March 17, 18, 19, as posted on their websites. Is this likely to change? Also curious where your MT kids are auditioning this year!
I just found that StrawHats and NETC have indeed been on the same weekends in the past, so those dates are not likely to change. Still curious, where is everyone auditioning this year?
UPTAs - Memphis, Tennessee, February 2-5. Registration is open now. Current college students and those w/o equity cards or masters degrees, or who have not participated in the UPTAs for the previous 5 years need to submit prescreen video.
Anyone with kids who have graduated been to UPTAs? Good/bad % of applicants booking work? Seems similar to NETC etc, any quirks that one needs to know about?
Our D went to UPTAs last year as a college senior. Received several opportunities from being there. Also saw some of the same people at SETC. Sometimes she was called back both places. In one case, not called back at UPTAs but called back at SETC. If you fit the UPTAs requirements and can go, it is worthwhile. But I believe UPTAs is only for graduating seniors and beyond, not current college students. Double check to be sure. SETC is for all ages. Be aware they both require prescreens. Many of the opportunities at UPTAs were for year round employment, not just summer work, thus the reason not suitable for or open to current college students who have to go back to school in the fall)
@vvnstar is correct about graduation status for UPTA qualification. College students must be graduating by 9/1/18 - validated by theater department head - and be available for year round work in order to attend.
I have personal experience at UPTA, SETC, NETC, Strawhat as a casting director and/ or actor, and peripheral experience through colleagues, at OTAs, MWTAs, Outdoor Drama, etc…
SETC and UPTA generally offer the opportunity to be seen by the largest number of companies. SETC requires a pre-screen in a Southern state, and in order to attend UPTA you have to be graduating, or be out of school.
All of the combined auditions asked about here (as well as others not yet asked about) are legit. Many/ Most require an administrative application fee.
Many of the questions posted have been basically about the ROI on attending a particular audition conference (generally one with a fee). From my experience as a performer, professional artistic/ casting director, and professor in a competitive MT/ TH program, the answer is “It depends.” There is no guarantee that anyone will book any work from any audition, but someone will likely book work from each audition. However, there are no guarantees. Companies also pay to attend combined auditions, and they will not audition people if they are not casting, or seeking actors for future replacements, or not looking to see younger talent to add to their files. In the professional world ROI can often be more of a slower burn. It is all about building relationships. Of course, some book high level work right out of the gate… I have students who have, and alums heave as well. However, I am 45, a graduate of what is often mentioned as a “top” MT program, and have friends and colleagues who span 40 years in the industry… no guarantees, but all of the education and experience are a huge ROI…
Thinking Outside the Box – x
Creative Problem Solving – x
Working Collaboratively in Teams – x
Meeting Deadlines – x
There is a huge ROI to the experiences within the degree. An arts degree is an degree! 
<3 <3
D has submitted her prescreen for UPTA, but her roommate has not … yet, and based on a conversation last night, will not be able to film until the weekend. I know some combined auditions, like Strawhats, fill up SUPER quickly, @KatMT, any thoughts on that for UPTA? Obviously the kid will fill and submit in his own time, this is just my own curiousity. Like I said, this is a new one for us (D will be graduating in the spring) so I am gathering general knowledge
What we tell our students to do is to complete the registration, and then submit the video later separately if it is not ready at the same time. Because of the video screening for UPTA my impression is that being “first in line” is not as important. A video that is screened as the top will get a slot even if just submitted at the deadline. I imagine that the timing comes more into play if your video is on the cusp between getting passed or not.
Thanks for sharing everyone!
A1 Auditions is another combined audition opportunity. I believe it requires a pre-screen, but fees are refunded if an appointment isn’t scheduled.
I understand that A1 Auditions are new – I look forward to hearing about them. My daughter pre-screens for SETC in Kentucky – those applications will open on Friday, 9/15, and the Pre-screens will take place in November . . .all the way in Eastern Kentucky this year.
My son did A1 Auditions last year and they came to his school for live prescreens this year and he was invited back again this year. If you click on the submit application button you can see if they will be going to your son/daughter’s school for live prescreens, otherwise they accept a video submission. Last year he got in with a video submission. The Muny and other top theatres are in attendance that don’t attend SETC or Strawhats and supposedly they have even more coming this year so there might be more overlap. I think they lean towards juniors and seniors as well as they are looking for a diverse pool of actors.
Does anyone have any tips for getting a slot at the MidWest Theatre Auditions (MWTA)? My son told me that it fills up before he can even finish typing his info in the online app. The last two years he has tried applying right when it opens with no luck. Maybe he just doesn’t type fast enough? 
My daughter is a sophomore has an appointment for a live prescreen at her school this weekend. So there’s at least some hope for underclassmen LOL.
@CTDramaMom “Break a leg” to your daughter this weekend!
@MilMom MWTA slots go very quickly! I’d suggest applying as soon as the application goes live – this year November 1st 10:00 a.m. central time. Your son should have all his information ready – recommender and credit card info. They used to have to write a narrative of their experience, but they don’t have to do that anymore (unless that’s changed again). Also, if he doesn’t get a slot before they all disappear, I recommend checking back. If people don’t fill out the applications correctly, they lose their slots, and the slots become available to the next person who submits. Sometimes extra slots are opened up closer to the audition time – so watch their facebook page because those slots will also disappear quickly. Last year they posted the weekend of auditions that they had room for “walk-ins” to be seen – hard to plan for if you have to travel.
Thanks @janne006. I’ll give him your suggestions.
Thanks, @janne006!
The NETC 2018 application is now available online.
If you receive an email back from the MWTA confirming that your application was successfully submitted, does that mean you’ll likely get a slot? It says in the email that you’ll be notified by Dec 1 if your application is “approved.”