NYC unified audition event StrawHat is suspending operations per a statement released by its leadership. The event, which has been held for more than 40 years, is currently led by Executive Producer Kirsti Carnahan, Associate Producer Liz Bealko, and Jay Spadone.

"Auditioning has changed and we feel our business model is no longer sustainable," reads the statement. "These early post-pandemic years have introduced the ease of first-pass screening via video, and increased prices for travel and accommodations in New York City for both performers and theatre representatives can be budget-breaking for many. There are several additional factors that went into the decision, but the other major consideration was the inability to formulate a successful succession plan when the pandemic hit. The current producers have run the company for 25 years, and feel it is simply time."

The event, one of a handful of remaining unified auditions, invited actors and prospective technical staffers to NYC for a chance to audition for and interview with theatres from across the country, mostly summer stock companies. The event was first held in 1980, and eventually grew to become a three-day annual event that could see more than 700 auditioners and around 30 theatrical companies representing summer stock, regional theatres, theme parks, and cruise ships.

StrawHats became a mainstay for early-career actors, launching careers for many. In the absence of StrawHats, actors and theatre workers will have the option of attending similar unified audition programs via Southeastern Theatre Conference in Inner Harbor, which additionally offers undergraduate and graduate-level college auditions and interviews. A similar offering via the New England Theatre Conference canceled its 2023 event, directing potential auditioners to StrawHat. That group has not shared further information since that announcement.