The University Resident Theatre Association is the nation's oldest and largest consortium of graduate training programs in theatre. URTA was established in 1969 to work towards the highest standards in theatre production and performance, and to help bring resident professional theatre to the university campus and its community. URTA provides many services to our members and the American theatre community, including: The National Unified Auditions/Interviews (known as the URTAs), offering thousands of candidates the chance to audition and interview for dozens of MFA theatre programs each year. Co-op Advertising, providing deep discounts for schools seeking to advertise in national magazines such as American Theatre, Backstage, and others. Contract Management Program, through which university theaters are able to hire professional, union actors, directors, designers, and stage managers