Take the next step in launching your theatre career
beyond college.

Audition and interview at festival with casting directors and artistic representatives of Equity and non-Equity theatre companies, potential summer employers and graduate schools in our region. This is your opportunity to make a first impression and pave the way for connections that could shape your future. At the very least, you will sharpen your audition and interview skills, get a head start on your headshot, resume and portfolio preparation, and receive feedback on your presentation.

All students interested register by filling out the form below. Actors will be assigned audition times. Design, Technology & Management students sign up at the DTM desk at the festival. Our schedule for the Festival in Madison is:

  • Friday, Jan. 9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Next Steps auditions for actors
    Auditionees will be given 3 minutes to perform a monologue or song, or both.
    There will be no piano available. Please bring music on your phone or other device.
  • Friday, Jan. 9, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Next Steps Interviews for design, technology and stage management. Drop-in coordinated through DTM. Sign up sheets available at the DTM desk at the Festival. There will be 20-minute time slots for each interview.

Deadline for Next Steps registration is midnight December 20, 2025. For those registering for MTI &/or for Irene Ryans who might also want to audition in the Next Steps program, it is strongly recommended that you register early for Next Steps in order to secure priority scheduling. You may also cancel your Next Steps audition if necessary, so register if you are even considering auditioning.

Please contact Kim (kinstenes@carthage.edu) for DTM questions or Alan (kopischa@uwgb.edu) for actor questions.

All students interested in interviewing or auditioning please submit your Headshot/Resume/Portfolio HERE by Jan. 7, 2026. You may still audition/interview if you have not uploaded at the time of your interview, but it is very helpful to the theatre/university reps to do so ahead of time.

Registration for Next Steps 2026 is currently full. If you did not get a slot, you can join the waitlist by arriving Friday morning and speaking to staff.

Alan Kopischke (he/him)

Alan Kopischke (he/him)

Next Steps Coordinator

University of Wisconsin Green Bay
Assistant Professor of Theatre
TH 391
2420 Nicolet Dr, Green Bay, WI 54311
 (920) 370-1034

Kim Instenes

Kim Instenes

Co-Vice Chair Design, Technology, & Management

Carthage College
Assistant Professor of Costume Design
Department of Theatre

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