The William Inge Center partners with Wichita State University to offer a one-unit graduate credit continuing education course during the William Inge Theatre Festival at Independence Community College.

Most class participants attend two full days out of three days of workshops: selecting among workshops that run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday April 22, Friday April 23, and Saturday April 24.

The entire 29th Annual William Inge Theatre Festival runs April 21 through 24, 2010, with Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paula Vogel in attendance all four days.

"This is a fascinating way to earn graduate credit, and we particularly welcome classroom instructors who are looking to take interesting career development courses," said Peter Ellenstein, Artistic Director of the Inge Center. "Students who have taken the course remark that no graduate 'classroom' has ever been as much fun!"

The topics are as varied as the Inge Festival itself, which features more than 50 separate 75-minute workshops. Students immerse themselves in all facets of theater and performing arts. They learn from numerous professional directors, writers, and actors who conduct the workshops and panels discussions. (Click here for a list of special guests to date). "It would be impossible for members of the general public to meet all these extraordinary artists in their home cities, let alone have the chance to share in their expertise," said Ellenstein. "This is an opportunity only available in Independence, Kansas, at the William Inge Theatre Festival."

Most students can complete attendance requirements in just two days—by selecting an entire day of workshops among April 22, 23, and 24.

Cost for the WSU graduate credit is $298.00 and includes workshop tuition, registration fee, concurrent enrollment fee through Independence Community College, and workshop passes. Those who are new graduate students at Wichita State University are also charged a $50 application fee payable to WSU.

The instructor of record is Dr. Brent Jones, Director of Theater at WSU. The course catalog number is THEA 750, Theatre Workshop, CRN #27686.

For enrollment, call the William Inge Center for the Arts at (620) 332-5491.