​What is the CISCOTT schedule like?

This schedule is an EXAMPLE of the typical CISCOTT day and is subject to change. After the first two days, the morning classes will be eight CISCOTT participants teaching classes and assisting each other. Sunday is traditionally our day off.

9:00AM - 12:00PM:  Morning classes

12:00PM – 1:30PM:  Lunch

 1:30PM - 5:15PM:  Class and Peer Time

 5:15PM - 6:45pm:  Dinner

 7:00PM – 9:00PM:  Master Classes and/or Social Engagements (Like board games!)

 

Are there any scholarships for CISCOTT?

Yes! There is one 1800 dollar, “full-tuition” scholarship and one 900 dollar "Half-tuition" scholarship available. Additionally, there are a few 270 dollar housing scholarships depending on yearly donations. As part of the application, you will be asked if you would like to apply for a scholarship. If yes, you will be asked to provide a Statement of Diversity. (1-2 pages, 1,000 words or less, 12pt. font, double spaced)

 

A diversity statement is a personal essay that is a depiction of your past experiences and explains how these experiences have contributed to your personal and professional growth. We are also interested in how you not only bring your own diversity to your artistry, but how you support diversity in your classroom as well.

 

What is housing like?

CISCOTT provides dormitory housing in Corbin-Olson Hall on Western Illinois Campus within walking distance to all classrooms and theatres. Every attendee will receive their own room. Mini fridges and Microwaves are typical, but not a guarantee. For a virtual tour of the accommodations go to: 

https://www.wiu.edu/student_success/housing/residence_halls/corbin.php

 

I am a teacher with less stage combat experience, is CISCOTT for me?

The Teacher Trainer is not meant to teach stage combat techniques, but how to teach them. So, while you would still probably benefit from the course, if you don’t have enough stage combat fundamentals this workshop will be very challenging. Especially, since you will be asked to teach at least four classes in stage combat. We would recommend looking into our sister workshop, The Central Illinois Stage Combat Workshop, where you will learn the fundamentals of performing many different weapons styles to compliment your teaching skills.

 

I want to attend, but the schedule seems really intensive. Would there be time for me to do other work/life things?

The CISCOTT is meant to be intensive. It will be long days and a lot of information. With that said, we do understand that many of you are full time artists and teachers. The class time from 9am-5:15pm is often required. We do not recommend missing any of this time, though we are flexible. It simply will not serve you or your peers to miss. The masterclasses in the evenings are often more flexible though you will be missing material crafted specifically for you taught by masters in their field. There will be evenings that are meant to help build peer groups and camaraderie, often game nights or movie nights, that again are flexible. You will not be successful if you are pulled in too many directions while you are at the intensive. One or two evenings for a second remote job or personal time should be fine. After that, it will become exponentially more difficult. 

 

Is this only for SAFD (Society of American Fight Directors) members?

No. This is a Teacher Trainer for people who have studied stage combat and want to improve their teaching abilities. Our instructors are from SAFD, DAI, FDC and/or have no affiliations to organizations at all, as well as our former student teachers. We only care that you have a teacher’s heart and a desire to grow in the stage combat field. 

​

If I have my own housing will that reduce my tuition?

Yes. Housing is 270 dollars of your tuition. So if you opt out of provided housing that would reduce your tuition by 270 dollars.