• Are middle school theatre teachers eligible for the program?
  
  YES. More than one-third of our participants are from middle schools with active theatre programs. Our program may assist in the preparation of moving toward teaching at the high school level and will definitely enhance skills used in school theatre programs at all levels. More importantly the Institute can provide education opportunities for those seeking advanced training or further professional development, with or without pursuing a degree.
   
• Are junior college theatre teachers eligible for the program?
  
  Definitely YES. Several community college teachers seeking an advanced degree in theatre and professional development have attended our program with great success. Where you teach is not as important as a love for theatre and a desire to build your program with the addition skills you will acquire at the Institute. 
   
• May I still participate in your program if I am not currently teaching theatre?
  
  YES! Although many of the courses are designed for theatre teachers, and much of the material is geared towards teaching, we do have other professional attend to improve their skills as enrichment students. Special permits may be required but we welcome participation from serious mature Thespians. 
   
• Can a teacher with only one year of experience in the classroom participate in the Institute and pursue the MA degree?
  
  YES! Participation in courses is open to teachers at any level. Most teachers find our program most beneficial once they have a few years of teaching at the middle, high schools or even junior college levels.
   
• When is the enrollment deadline?
  
  Enrollment for each course is required by the first day of the course, spaces are limited so early registration is encouraged. Registration begins in early-May.
   
• How much work is required at my home school during the academic year?
  
  All course work is completed during the summer residency at CWU. With a workshop intensive format, we deliver the courses completely in residence. We do anticipate that the texts for each course have been read prior to attending the course. There is not a lot of extra reading time in the schedule. Syllabi and required textbooks are listed on-line by April 1 each year; many are listed in January for the literature courses.
   
• Do I take the GRE?
  
  No, we do not require GRE scores  for admission to the program or participating in any of the courses offered as enrichment.
   
• What about financial aid?
  
  Financial aid is based on information supplied on the FAFSA. (/http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) You should contact a CWU financial aid counselor for complete information. (http://www.cwu.edu/financialaid/)
  It is important to know that financial aid is typically dispersed in two payments. The first disbursement is on or about the first day of classes which covers tuition. The second payment, for the remainder of the award, is typically dispersed near the end of class work. Because of the truncated time frame of the summer intensive format some federal restrictions apply, see a financial aid advisor for details of what may effect you.
   
• What is the fee structure for out-of-state students?
  
  No, there is no out-of-strate tuition premium for summer programs. Institute students pay the in-state tuition rate during the summer months.
   
• Can music teachers enroll in your program?
  
  Yes, several music teachers have learned new and exciting skills to enhance their contributions to their school's theatre program.  But if you are seeking professional development as a music teacher the Summer Master of Music Education may be the best choice for you.  Better yet, bring a theatre and music teacher from your school to CWU for the summer and take home the best of both programs!
   
• Do you work on semester or quarter hour credits?
  
  CWU is a quarter hour based institution, as are most other four year colleges in the State. Any semester credit hours transferred into the program are adjusted accordingly
   
• Do I have to stay off campus?
  
  NO, but you may choose to do so. However, students enjoy the networking opportunities available in residence living, and as long as you book in advance all Institute participants are generally in the same complex which allows ample networking and experience sharing. Most students also find that pricing for the residence apartments is reasonably priced and accommodates a limited stay much better than renting an off-campus apartment or hotel costs.
   
• I have heard about a marvelous Recreation Center, is it available for Institute participants?
  
  Definitely YES! The state-of-the-art exercise and fitness facility (www.cwu.edu/rec/) is available at daily rates or for a modest fee for the entire summer, and is just a short distance from the residence complex used by Institute participants. A morning workout has never been better!
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About Central
Central Washington University is one of six state-assisted, four-year institutions of higher education in Washington. A regional comprehensive university, CWU offers baccalaureate and graduate degrees in more than 100 academic programs to over 9,600 students. Throughout its history, the university has distinguished itself in many ways, most notably through its quality teaching and academic programs, its student-centered orientation, and its commitment to research, outreach, international experiences for faculty and students, and provision of life-long learning opportunities to the citizens of Washington. The university is composed of the College of Arts and Humanities, College of the Sciences, College of Education and Professional Studies, and College of Business. CWU's faculty, numbering more than 500, have compiled an impressive record of teaching, scholarship and service. The main campus is located in Ellensburg, a community of approximately 17,000 that enjoys one of the finest living environments of the Pacific Northwest. In the shadow of the Cascade Mountains and only minutes from the Wenatchee National Forest, Ellensburg is situated in the Kittitas Valley, an agricultural region 110 miles east of Seattle, the cultural center of Washington State. Further information about the university is available at www.cwu.edu. For more information about Ellensburg, see www.ellensburg-chamber.com.