Drama Institute 2013

How to write a 10-minute play

Teach your students about plays and playwriting! Developed for middle and high school drama, English, and writing teachers, this workshop features five days of hands-on, practical work in teaching playwriting to young people. You'll be guided through the basic elements of writing drama: creating characters; developing conflict; articulating theme; structuring plot; writing monologues, dialogue and short scenes; and crafting 10-minute plays. You'll also learn techniques to help students share their work in class and support others with positive feedback.

Features of the Drama Institute

• Led by experts in current practices and philosophies of theatre production and education
• Endorsed by academic departments at UW-Madison
• Addresses Wisconsin Teacher Standards and professional-development requirements for educators and theatre practitioners
• Summer schedule allows educators to participate fully
• Intensive institute features one full week on-site (credit students work independently offsite for the remaining three weeks)
• Tailored curriculum benefits English, literature, and writing teachers in addition to drama and theatre teachers

Register online»

About your 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 where she was a founding member of the Irondale Ensemble.

Cost & tuition

All participants pay $355 until May 15 and $385 afterward. Those registering for university credit pay tuition as well. Tuition for university credit is billed separately. Credit fees for summer 2013 are: 1 credit tuition: $435.44, 2 credit tuition: $867.88, 3 credit tuition: $1,300.32. Click here for further UW-Madison tuition and fee information»

Credit and noncredit options

Drama Institute classes may be taken for UW-Madison graduate-level credit or Continuing Education Units (CEUs) 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 that 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.

Housing

A block of rooms has been set aside at the UW-Madison Short Course Dorms in  Humphrey and Jorns Halls on Babcock Drive.  Single rooms are $42 per night while doubles are $30 per night.  All rooms include a refrigerator and internet connection.  Each floor has a kitchenette area with microwave.  A computer lab is also available with computer access and free printing. The campus bus picks up at the corner and is free.  Parking permits for a car near the dorms would be an additional $12/day. Rooms in the Drama Institute Block must be reserved by June 1.  Contact Mary via email at dorms@cals.wisc.edu  or by phone at (608) 262-2270 (press 0 to bypass the voicemail message and be connected directly with Mary).

Registration details

Register online» Or you may register by phone by calling 608-262-2451 (TTY 608-265-2370). 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.

Questions? Email Sarah Marty or call her at 608-263-2790.