Washington Alliance for Theatre Education

A Statement of Support from Dr. Terry Bergeson

"The Arts are an essential part of public education.  From dance and music to theatre and the visual arts, the arts give children a unique means of expression, capturing their passions and emotions, and allowing them to explore new ideas, subject matter, and cultures. They bring us joy in every aspect of our lives.

Arts education not only enhances students' understanding of the world around them, but it also broadens their perspective on traditional academics.  The arts give us the creativity to express ourselves, while challenging our intellect.  The arts integrate life and learning for all students and are integral in the development of the whole person.

The Arts communicate and speak to us in ways that teach literacy and enhance our lives.  We must continue to find a place for arts programs and partnerships not only for what it teaches students about art, but for what it teaches us about the world we live in."

Dr. Terry Bergeson

State Superintendent of Public Instruction

November 2001                         

Professional Affiliations

MAKING THE DIFFERENCE FOR US ALL

Sometimes I am asked, "Why should I join WATE?  What will I get out of it?"  It is a question that I am usually at a loss to answer because I believe that those people who ask it are looking for tangibles.  They want things like discounts, magazine subscriptions, garments, and gadgets.  And frankly, to me, those things seem small and trite.  What I need from a professional organization is the intangibles.  Belonging to a group of people that share a common interest.  Sharing information with people who will either be able to use my "sage" advice, or pass it on to some other information starved neophyte.   To me, belonging to and being active in a professional organization only enhances your credibility and knowledge base in any chosen field.   It is sort of like accreditation.  I find out about workshops, cutting edge study, technologies, and new books and resources.  I meet top professional in our field and gain ever new and broadening insights into our profession.

Since I have become involved with WATE, I can't imagine having a program that doesn't tap into that wealth of knowledge to benefit my students.  I am richer for the association, and my students are as well.  As theatre teachers, we often wrap ourselves into the coccoon of of producing our current play, getting ready for the next play, or closing down the one that just finished.  We get so isolated that we feel that there is no one else out there who could possibly understand what it  means to put on the plays for the schools.  You would be suprised to find the treasure of people out there who really want to reach out to YOU!

Are you a member of an active, engaging, and productive professional group of your peers?  If not, and you are involved in theatre arts education, JOIN WATE today!  The opportunities for networking are endless, as well as the camaraderie.  WATE enjoys first hand knowledge of the information coming to us from Olympia and Washington, D. C.  We have trained personnel on the CPBA's that must be given this year.  WATE has existed and will exist to give the best service we can to our fellow theatre arts teachers.  Share with us the wealth of your treasure trove of knowledge, the freshness of your new ideas, and the enthusiasm of your successes.  And ,yes, you can gripe on occasion, too.  Come on!  We're waiting to hear from you!!!

New York State of Mind??

Hey, anybody out there intersted in taking a summer trip to New York the summer of 2008.  Just THEATRE TEACHERS.  If so, e-mail Bryan at onyxstar12@aol.com by November 1, 2007 so that planning can begin.

Central Washington University Masters in Theatre Production: 

A Demanding, Rigorous, Worthwhile Education Option for Theatre Teachers

For many drama teachers, finding a masters program that works well with our teaching schedule as well as our production schedule is a difficult choice.  During those years where we have to take classes to keep out certifications, usually means that elements of our teaching or production schedule get shortchanged.  This doesn't have to happen anymore.  Central Washington University's Masters in Theatre Production may prove be the answer for that you have been looking.  Lasting around four to five weeks, it is an intensive, demanding seven-day-a-week, program that will leave you exhausted, but fulfilled.  It is offered entirely in the summer, with a curriculum that offers excellent theoretical experiences, as well as, useful hand-on activities that can be used immediately in your classrooms.  The classes are small (only 12-15 students admitted to the program annually).  The content is dense and the expectations are high.

If you are looking for a few easy classes, I would not recommend it, but if you are seeking a masters that will challenge and inform your teaching, then this program is something worth looking into.  The instructors are top-notched, collegial, demanding, and knowledgeable.  A more worthwhile program will be hard to find.  Give them a call today or e-mail today to find out if it is the program for you.  www.cwu.edu.         Bryan Jackson

EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY THE HOME FOR WATE STATE DRAMA FESTIVAL

WATE would like to thank EWU for the support that it has given to the Drama Festival over the years and is pleased that Eastern Washington University in Cheney is the permanent home for the Festival.  Every year that the festival has been at Eastern it has been a successful event.  The University's administration, theatre department faculty and students have seen to it that WATE is welcomed and supported.  WATE is proud to make Eastern its home. With festival groups ranging from 300 to 800 students from around the state, Eastern's introduction for them to college campus life is invaluable.  Workshops and adjudications will be presented by community artists, companies, and Eastern students; most volunteering their expertise and time.  A very special thanks goes to Gene Engene, Don McLaughlin, Linda Douglas, student majors of Eastern's Theatre Arts Program, and the Eastern administration for their invaluable contribution to making the festival a success and for making us feel welcomed.

See the Festival page of this website for more information.  Register information will be available around December 31, 2007.  WATE members receive a cost break when they register early.

Drama Teacher Wellspring, a Great Value

The Wellspring is an annual event for teachers who are both novice and experienced at teaching theatre, feeling alone in their building or district, seeking resources, refreshing ideas or affirmation, and professional collaboration with other theatre teachers.   The Wellspring is on September 29, 2007 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Watch for the postcard and mark it on your calendars. Bring a friend.  Brunch is provided and 3 clock hours are available. See the "Contact Us" tab above or the postcard coming in the mail to make contact with your local WATE representative for more information. 

BOARD MEMBERS WANTED!!

Middle School and Elementary Teachers are Needed!

WATE is still looking for board members to represent WIAA Districts 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9.  Please check your WIAA handbook to verify your district.  But generally speaking, we would really like representatives for the northwest (Bellingham area), southwest (Vancouver area), Seattle area, the Peninusla, Tri-Cities, and the Palouse.   Members are asked to attend four board meeting yearly (Sept, Jan, Apr & June) and help with the planning and implementation of board actions.  Board members are a vital link between the executive board and the drama teachers in their areas on important drama/arts issues.  The WATE board is a frontline conduit for information from OSPI regarding Classroom Based Assessments in the Arts, EALRS, State Drama Festival, inservices, and the ARTSTIME conference, just to name a few.  If you are interested in being a board member, even if it is not from one of the need area, contact Cynthia Chesak, Bryan Jackson, Scott Shoemaker, Bill Campbell, or Vance Jennings.  See the "Contact Us" section of the website for phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

Newsletter Submissions

    If you have any questions about WATE or about this newsletter, please contact Bryan Jackson, Newsletter Editor at onyxstar12@aol.com.  If you would like to submit an article, idea, or pertinent information for our members to this newsletter, send it as an attachment to my e-mail address.  The deadline for submissions for the next newsletter is November 30, 2007.