Frequently Asked Questions
- Are the dates for the course flexible?
- How do I get there?
- Where will we stay?
- How many plays will we see, and how much will they cost?
- How will I get around?
- Who can apply?
- What is the cost of the course, and what does it cover?
- What does the course involve?
- What if I get sick or need medical attention in Edinburgh?
- Who are the Professors?
- How do I apply?
- Are there deadlines?
- Can graduate students and post-grads apply?
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Are the dates for the course flexible?
The student program takes place August 9-22, 2010. For post-grads taking the course for credit, these dates are the same. Everyone else has the option to attend the program for either one or two weeks. Participants may also choose to travel before or after the program.
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How do I get there?
You can fly from any major city to Edinburgh via London or Amsterdam. The program director can help you book your flight and make sure you are getting a good rate. If you are already abroad, look for discount airlines like Ryan Air, Easy Jet, or BMI or book the train (well ahead of time for a good price) from London.
To keep costs down, participants book their own tickets. You will be met at the airport unless arrangements are made beforehand. Pack lightly--you can wash clothes in your apartment. (You are allowed only ONE carry-on for any flight to or from the UK). Bus transportation from the airport is included, but be prepared to carry your own bags.
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Where will we stay?
You will be sharing a 2-5 bedroom self-catering apartment within walking distance of city center. The apartments are well-appointed with a washing machine, linens, fully equipped kitchen, television and wi-fi. Very few accommodations in the Old Town have elevators, so prepare for walking up 2-3 flights of stairs. If you need a first floor apartment or elevator, we can arrange for special accommodations. You will be able to view your accommodations online and see where they are located on a map. You can also contact the director if you have particular requests.
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How many plays will we see, and how much will they cost?
The program provides at least 10 theatre tickets for participants, and the director will help you choose and purchase any additional tickets for your second week--either before the trip, or once there. Full ticket prices range from $25.00 to $45.00, but are only $15.00-$25.00 for seniors (anyone over 60 years old). It is possible (though not necessary!) to see 4-5 plays a day, beginning at 11am and going until after midnight. However, you must pay for all performances that are not designated to be seen with the group.
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How will I get around?
Everything is within walking distance from your apartment. A $5.00 daily bus card will get you even further, including to the coast and back. Local taxis are not expensive and may be a good idea if you are out late. The city center is known for its safety, although using good sense in any urban area is a must.
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Who can apply?
ANYONE currently registered at a college or University. Credits generally transfer through Interntational Programs agreements with other colleges. (Community members or post-graduates interested in sharing this experience with students are also welcome to apply.)
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What is the cost of the course, and what does it cover?
The course fee for 2010 is $3500. This covers access to online course materials, lodging for two weeks, at least 10 theatre tickets, city tours and an all-day the Scottish Highland tour, emergency medical insurance, a group dinner, and transfers from the airport. Because accommodations must be booked so far in advance, a non-refundable $700.00 deposit is due when you reserve your spot in the class. You are responsible for your own airfare and meals. For couples sharing a double bedroom, the cost is $5,500. Surplus funds in the program at the end of the year go to scholarships for undergraduates.
The cost does not include airfare, meals, and the additional tickets you will need to complete the required number of performances (20). Most students will want to see more than 20 performances in two weeks, so plan accordingly. Using the apartment kitchen facilities saves money on meals.
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What does the course involve?
You will be assigned online readings and short writing assignments before coming to Edinburgh. You will learn different approaches to the study of drama and performance, and you will write about your experiences in a daily journal. We will meet on site each day to discuss plays we have seen, to plan, and to report on performances viewed outside the group. (Because several of the plays we see will have scripts as programs, we will be able to read some of the drama we see.)
Before arriving in Edinburgh, you will choose a particular viewing focus for the festival and begin research related to writing a final paper in that area. Journal entries will be due weekly in Edinburgh, and the final paper is due no later than September 30. The course is also open, in consultation with the professor, for honors credit. Graduate students may apply to take the course for graduate credit as an independent study.
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What if I get sick or need medical attention in Edinburgh?
The Royal Infirmary Hospital treats patients free in their emergency room, and UMASS carries emergency medical insurance for anyone participating in an approved program. You should check with your own insurance company, however, before you leave to see what your coverage may be.
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Who are the Professors?
Prof. Jenny Spencer will be joined by Theatre Professor Harley Erdman for the 2010 program. Jenny has been to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival over eight times and is thoroughly familiar with the city and the Fringe operation. Her areas of expertise are British and American drama, political theatre, performance theory, and feminist theory. Harley will be making his first trip to the Fringe, but comes with a wealth of experience as a theatre historian.
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How do I apply?
You may download the necessary forms from this website (click "Apply" in the top menu).
In the initial application, you are asked for a statement of purpose (i.e., why you are interested in taking the course and what you think you will get out of it) and to comment on your background (do you have any academic or practical background that might be useful in this course?) You also need to send a transcript or resume, and the names of a reference that we may contact about your work.
If accepted into the program, you fill out the official application form and send it with your non-refundable deposit of $650.00, made out to the University of Massachusetts, to Jenny Spencer or Julie Burrell in the English Department. International Programs will bill the remainder in April.
If you have questions, email jspencer@english.umass.edu or jmburrel@english.umass.edu
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Are there deadlines?
Applications are on a rolling basis, and are now being accepted for the 2010 summer program. This year, we hope to include 6-8 participants in our program, and slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A non-refundable deposit of $700.00 is required to hold your place in the program.
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Can graduate students and post-grads apply?
Graduate students are welcome to take the course for graduate credit through UMASS independent study with the instructor, or with a faculty sponsor from their own institution. Full-time students should contact the instructor, since they may be eligible for student program rates. The course is also open to those who may not wish to take the course for credit.