Focal Press to Sponsor Weekend LiNK to Theatre Students, Grad Schools, 11/14-16

LiNK, the new interview weekend connecting theatre programs and potential students, received a boost from Focal Press as a Platinum Sponsor. LiNK 2014 will be held November 14-16 at the Hilton Atlanta Airport hotel.

The affordable opportunity to LiNK graduate theatre programs and conservatories with students seeking advanced degrees is a joint effort of USITT and SETC.

Schools offering graduate degrees in acting, directing, design, technology, and management will meet with and interview potential students, who will be able to submit portfolios online for review before the in-person event.

Focal Press, a leading publisher of books on theatre and other creative enterprises, is helping launch the program with a generous contribution.

"Focal Press is overjoyed to be 'linking' with USITT and SETC as the Platinum Sponsor for the inaugural LINK event," said Stacey Walker, Acquisitions Editor at Focal Press.

"Our mission to spread knowledge and education about Theatre practices across the spectrum of students, instructors, and professionals perfectly dovetails with this venture, and we couldn't be more honored or excited to be a part of it!"

Schools already signed up to participate include the Stella Adler Studio of Acting/Art of Acting Studio, Boston University, Rutgers University, the Savannah College of Art and Design, and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. A list of can be found at www.usitt.org/link14.

Schools interested in participating may register here. The online process for students will open August 1.

Online applications via LiNK are designed to be simple and easy to complete. USITT is keeping costs low to encourage students to explore their options. The cost for students is just $40. The Focal Press sponsorship will help keep LiNK affordable, USITT Executive Director David Grindle said.

USITT has negotiated special rates at the Hilton Atlanta Airport hotel, and plans a social event for Friday night to allow students to interact informally with faculty, staff, and fellow students.

USITT, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, and SETC, the Southeastern Theatre Conference, are working together to offer LiNK as an extension of their mission to create opportunities for performing arts professionals in all stages of their careers.

USITT, the national non-profit serving backstage professionals in the performing arts and live entertainment, is constantly seeking new ways to better serve its members. USITT membership offers entry to a supportive network of theatre technology professionals and access to low-cost training and creative opportunities. For more information, visit www.usitt.org.