Drama Institute for Theatre and Classroom Educators

Drama Institute workshops are led by experts in current practices and philosophies of theatre production and education are endorsed by academic departments at UW-Madison, and address Wisconsin Teacher Standards and professional development requirements for educators. While providing specific tools that allow the educator to face challenges in the classroom and rehearsal process, each class directly focuses on the ability to collaborate with peers and education professionals and provides evidence of activities related to goals that apply to classrooms or learning communities.

Features of the Drama Institute:

CEUs and the option to enroll in 1-3 University Credits
Fulfills requirements as mandated through Professional Development standards
Summer workshops allow educators to participate
One week on-site with credit students working independently for the remaining three.
Tailored curriculum to address participants' individual learning objectives and professional development needs

Workshops 2012

Production & Design Sampler
in cooperation with the UW-Madison Department of Theatre & Drama
July 16-20, 2012 in Madison, WI
M-F 9 am to 5 pm
See below for description and registration information
Fundamentals of Directing
with Liz Fentress
July 23-27, 2012 in Madison, WI
M-F 9 am to 5 pm
See below for description and registration information

About the 2012 workshop

Production & Design Sampler
In cooperation with the UW-Madison Department of Theatre & Drama

Instructor: David Stewart (and guest design faculty)
July 16-20, 2012. M-F 9 am to 5 pm
*Early bird workshop fee: $355 (plus additional $50 material fee, payable with registration). Workshop fee after June 21: $385 (plus $50 materials fee, payable with registration).

Join other theatre directors and designers, technicians and educators for an intensive one week workshop where participants will learn best practices in the management of all production design areas. Each day, students will receive guided instruction through hands-on activities that will save you time, energy and frustration once you return to your theatre or educational program. Everyone will work in lighting, sound, costume/make-up and basic scenic design.

Registration coming soon

Fundamentals of Directing
with Liz Fentress
July 22-27, 2012
M-F 9 am to 5 pm
Location: Madison WI

This class offers a hands-on, practical approach to directing and acting by taking theatre directors through the entire process of producing a play. Participants work through basic elements of production from choosing the best script for your resources, creating a dynamic and richly effective production concept, working effectively with all design and production resources, casting the best possible actors for the roles and

perfecting the tools necessary to create the best production from process to completion. Students will walk away from this class feeling confident, inspired, resourceful and eager for their next “impossible task!”

Instructor Liz Fentress has extensive experience in professional, community and educational theatre as a producer, director, actor and teacher. A native of Northern Wisconsin, Liz currently makes her home in Louisville, where she directs and acts with Stage One, and is a teaching artist for Actors Theatre of Louisville. Liz has also consulted with dozens of theatres through the Kentucky Arts Council’s Peer Advisory Network. Liz graduated from UW—Madison, and the Webber-Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She began her career touring with the Guthrie. Later Liz moved to New York were she was a founding member of the Irondale Ensemble. Visit Liz’s website at www.lizfentress.net.

*Plus additional $50 material fee

Registration coming soon

General information

Parking: Drama Institute participants will be able to park onsite for both Drama Institute 2012 sessions.

Housing: Details will be posted in early February in regards to housing/hotel options for each session. The cost of housing is not included in the workshop fees listed above.

Credit and noncredit options: Drama Institute classes may be taken for UW-Madison graduate-level credit, or Continuing Education Units (CEU), or for noncredit. An additional fee for tuition will be charged to students enrolling for university credit. Participants taking the workshop for credit will be assigned additional projects or assignments to meet the graduate level requirements which are due within three weeks of the last class meeting. To enroll for credit, you must be admitted to the university as a University Special Student.

Instructions on how to apply as a Special Student will be mailed upon receipt of your workshop registration. The Special Student application must be completed online at least three weeks before class begins. Please be sure to complete all information on the application or processing will be delayed. Special Students pay for workshop fees and for credit class tuition separately.

Fees & tuition

All participants pay the workshop fee. Only those registering for university credit need to pay tuition.

Workshop fees: See individual workshops for associated fee.

Tuition fees: Tuition for university credit is billed separately. Credit fees for summer 2012 are: 1 credit tuition: $405.71, 2 credit tuition: $808.42, 3 credit tuition: $1,211.13.

For UW–Madison tuition and fee information, visit http://registrar.wisc.edu/tuition_&_fees.htm

What participants say about the Drama Institute

“Everything about this week is fantastic. I wouldn’t dream of starting my season without having been to the Drama Institute.” ~ Participant from Appleton, WI

“I will forever look at the process of "theatre making" through a whole new set of eyes.” ~ Participant from Oshkosh, WI

"I can’t believe how I have expanded my view of teaching in the classroom. Learning through the Arts is the best professional development work I have done in over 20 years!” ~ Participant from Jacksonville, FL

How to register

You may register by phone by calling 608-262-2451 (TTY 608-265-2370) or online. See class descriptions for links to online registration. Registrations are limited to assure maximum opportunity for individualized instruction and participation.

What happens when you register?

Once we receive your registration we will send you a packet of materials. These include information about lodging, important information about university credit, and any additional materials for your class.

If you are taking the workshop for credit, you must complete and return the University Students and Guest Application included in your mailing. The University of Wisconsin-Madison will bill you separately for credit tuition.

Arrive a bit early on the first day of class for check-in.

Refund policy
All registrations are subject to the following refund policy:

If you cancel your registration more than one week before the start of class, you are eligible to receive 80% of your registration fee.
If you cancel your registration less than one week before the start of class, your registration fee will not be refunded.

Tuition refunds are handled through Student Services at 608-263-6960.

Do you have questions?
Call Sarah Marty, theatre education programs, 608-263-2790 or email: smarty@dcs.wisc.edu