Technical Theater for Performing Arts Professionals
University of Wisconsin – Madison Department of Theater and Drama’s
FIFTH ANNUAL Technical Theater for Performing Arts Teachers Summer Institute will run June – August 2025!
Specially designed for K-12 teachers of music, theater, dance, art, PAC managers, parents, and others who find themselves needing to design, supervise, or teach technical theater skills. Others who may benefit include those who use technical theater skills for live events, houses of worship, community theaters, technical theater professionals, and college students. All material is presented online, asynchronously, with optional in-person opportunities as may be identified.
Summer 2025 classes: TO BE ANNOUNCED in Spring of 2025
Classes run mid-June through mid-Aug online, asychronous.
Take for 1, 2, or 3 credits.
Tuition depends on residency status, number of credits, and type of student status.
Recommended book list will be sent the week before class starts; books are around $75 for each class and can be obtained from your favorite bookseller.
2 or 3 credit participants will need access to a camera suitable to record short videos.
HOW TO ENROLL:
First, establish “Special Student Status”: https://acsss.wisc.edu/returning-adults/
Most folks are “UNDS” University Special Non-degree Student BUT might also be one of the others student types found here: https://acsss.wisc.edu/special-student-types/
Then complete the free application (takes ~20 minutes): https://acsss.wisc.edu/apply/
Tuiton rates can be found here: https://bursar.wisc.edu/tuition-and-fees/
Classes are available for 1, 2 or 3 credits.
1 credit/audit – hear/see/read everything but no assignments/assessments are due
2 credits – includes assignments/assessments and individualized feedback
3 credits – includes an additional independent activity that is determined between the student and professor. In the past these have included design, research, artistic creation, and similar activities.
Questions about how to enroll? Email Robin dot Fisher at wisc dot edu
Department of Theatre and Drama – School of Education
6173 Vilas Communication Hall
University of Wisconsin-Madison
821 University Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin
53706-1497
608/263-2329 FAX: 608/263-2463
www.theatre.wisc.edu
FYI:
Summer 2024 classes were:
Audio (Course #619 Lec 001) Covers the fundamentals of acoustics, microphone selection and placement, signal flow, sound board operation, sound effects, troubleshooting, and writing cues.
Rigging (Course #619 Lec 002) Covers terms, standards, codes, knots, equipment, techniques, and safety procedures for a variety of common rigging needs including counterweight line set operation and maintenance. Added for 2024 – using ModTruss and SketchUp in the 7-12 classroom
Props (Course #619 Lec 003) Props NEW CLASS! Covers how to identify, select, source, create, modify, and maintain props.
Summer 2023’s classes were:
Theater Safety (Course #619 Lec 001)
Covers common and uncommon safety issues in theaters and event spaces. Historical events to learn from. Physical and emotional safety in the space including fire codes, building codes, life safety codes, OSHA and schools, chemical usage/storage, crowd management, weather and events and much more!
Managing the School Theater (Course #619 Lec 002)
What you need to know to manage a successful educational theater program. Creating theater classes and assessing achievement. Selecting shows for your students’ needs, obtaining rights, casting, funding, producing, working with booster clubs, getting admins to understand, renting your space, where to get supplies, et al.
Lighting (Course #619 Lec 003) Covers terms, color use, fixture selection, photometrics, control boards, programming tips and spot light use, among other topics.
Summer 2022’s offerings were:
Scenic Construction & Painting (Course #619 Lec 001) covers terms, standards, codes, color theory, equipment, assembly techniques, tool usage, and safety procedures for building and painting common scenic elements
Rigging (Course #619 Lec 002)
Sumer 2021’s offerings were:
Lighting
Audio