The University/Resident Theatre Association 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. It was with convincing argument and practice that U/RTA members developed programs employing professional artists to enhance both production and instruction.

One of the first projects U/RTA implemented was the National Unified Auditions/Interviews, or NUA/Is, to help talented student artists benefit from instruction and production programs and to contribute to the creative work of resident theatres.

Theatre companies and universities believing in the objectives of U/RTA have continued to work together and have developed new projects and directions for the organization. U/RTA has a strong commitment to its members, students, faculty, professional artists and the theatre audiences it serves.