For new Ylioppilasteatteri members, autumn season starts immediately after the entrance exams with an introduction period. That includes both getting familiar with the space and practices of the theater and some artistic workshops. After the introduction new members take part in the new member’s performance from the end of September all the way to December. Rehearsals and performances take up to 4–5 nights a week from 5pm to 9.30pm, and occasionally we also rehearse on weekends. The new members also get a chance to take part in Mustikkamaa kesäteatteri performance from May until mid-August. The first year in Ylioppilasteatteri requires a lot of commitment – but also gives a lot!

Ylioppilasteatteri doesn’t have membership fees – instead, every member is required to volunteer at the theatre (approximately 1h/month) and take part in the maintenance throughout the year. New members should also take part in general meetings of the theatre every month.

Ylioppilasteatteri is different from other student theatres due to its professional leadership. The members choose an artistic director for a three-year period. The artistic director/-s take care of the main productions and lead the house together with a professional producer and the board of the theatre. Currently the artistic directors of Ylioppilasteatteri are actor Anna Kankila and dramaturg Ronja Louhivuori.