In 2018, a group of Chicago theatre artists came together around a simple but urgent belief: our community deserved better when it came to auditions.

We wanted more opportunities for artists who weren’t being seen. More access for performers without EMC points. More diversity, more equity, more inclusion in ways that were real and actionable.

So we created the Chicago Theatre Access Auditions, or CTAAs.

That first year, our goal was clear. We wanted to shine a light on non-union performers in Chicago who were at a disadvantage when it came to EPAs, and create a space where Equity theatres could discover incredible talent they might otherwise miss. We believed that access could be expanded, talent pools could be deepened, and everyone would be better for it.

And then Chicago showed up.

Actors showed up.

Equity theatres showed up.

The community showed up.

We were blown away by the response.

So we did it again in 2019. More people welcomed in. More people seen. More opportunities.

Then again in 2020.

And then, like everything else, we paused.

COVID hit, and the world stopped. During that time, we did what so many organizations did. We reflected. We asked ourselves not just when we would come back, but how we would show up when we did.

Two major truths became clear.

Our original name no longer fully served our mission.

We could do more together than we could apart.

So we joined forces with the Chicago Inclusion Project, reimagined what these auditions could be, and launched into the next chapter.

Enter The Chicago Inclusion Auditions.

While the name and organizers have evolved, the heart of the event remains the same. A one-of–kind day filled with fun, community, delicious snacks, and the extraordinary talent that only Chicago can bring.

The first round of The Chicago Inclusions Auditions took place in May 2025, and next will happen in May 2026,

Each year, the event brings together 150+ Chicagoland actors for a by-application, one-day audition experience in front of dozens of Equity and select Non-Equity theatres, casting directors, and agents. Invited actors receive a guaranteed audition time and 90 seconds to share their unique brand of amazing.

At its core, this event has always been about one thing: making the industry better by widening the door.

We are so glad you are here with us.