LiNK 2015: Theatre Grad School Recruiting in AtlantaThe second annual opportunity to LiNK theatre grad schools and potential students is scheduled for November 13 - 15 at the Atlanta Airport Hilton. USITT and SETC are organizing the event and Focal Press is returning as platinum sponsor. Last year's LiNK premiere drew 48 theatre grad school programs and 80 potential students for two days of interviews, auditions, portfolio reviews, and networking. This year, USITT and SETC hope to increase the number of institutions and potential grad students, said USITT executive director David Grindle and SETC executive director Betsey Horth. "This event is vital to our mission to support continuing education for our members," Grindle said. "We are providing the most affordable, accessible, and convenient opportunity to connect aspiring grad students and theatre schools seeking candidates for their advanced degree programs." "The 2014 participation at LiNK and the feedback from recruiters and applicants was remarkably positive," Horth said. "We plan to build on its success and fold in suggestions to enhance the process and grow the grad school auditions and interviews for 2015. There's also the fun piece -- our Friday night LiNK Soirée is back again, thanks to the sponsorship from Focal Press." LiNK 2015 interviews/auditions will be offered in the areas of acting, directing, stage management, arts management, scene design, costume design, lighting design, sound design, technical direction, stage technology, lighting technology, and costume technology. The fee for students remains $40, less than the cost of one grad school application. At the first LiNK, some students met representatives from dozens of schools in one weekend. Online applications for students open in August. Institutions pay $125 to participate. Registration for institutions is now open at www.usitt.org/link. The timing of the event gives students connections and information early in the school year. The Atlanta Airport Hilton location allows participants to get off a plane and be at the event in minutes. The Hilton is offering hotel rooms for under $100 to LiNK attendees, and those who stay overnight can attend evening gatherings for informal networking. Participating schools last year included Carnegie Mellon University, CALArts, The Ohio State University, University of Alabama, University of Georgia, the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and many more. The first LiNK last year allowed one day of interviews for theatre tech students and one day of auditions for acting and directing students. This year, LiNK will expand to make Sunday morning available for callbacks. 
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