In this two-man musical spoof, a pair of aspiring playwrights perform a backers’ audition for their new, ill-advised project – a big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johann Gutenberg. With an unending supply of enthusiasm, Bud and Doug sing all the songs and play all the parts in their crass historical epic, with the hope that one of the producers in attendance will give them that elusive Broadway contract.
GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL! is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
Missoula Repertory Theatres’ Monster + Farmer: A Frankenstein Tale
Step into the world of Riley, a teenage science whiz living on a Montana ranch near the Mission Mountains. When she picks up a copy of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” Riley is inspired to craft a DIY creature of her own – all chronicled on her YouTube channel! When her creation goes haywire, Riley and her brother Aidan must minimize the chaos (and save the cows!), while all the world watches through their smartphones. MONSTER + FARMER is about creation and connection in an increasingly digital world.
This dynamic and educational theatre experience includes a captivating performance, enlightening talkback session, and optional workshops tailored to enhance students’ understanding and engagement. Suitable for 6th graders and above, our performance promises to ignite curiosity and foster meaningful discussions.
Free Workshops:
3:30 PM – Stage Combat
The Witching Time: Shadow Immersive
November 4th and 5th | Beier Auditorium | Rated PG
Historical Research and Guidance provided by Dr. Jessica Fowler
Art direction and technical design by Nathaniel Freeman and Adryan Miller-Gorder
Facilitated by the students from THTR 120: Introduction to Actingand THTR 276: Play Production and Introduction to Directing.
With dramaturgical support from HSTR 494: Witches of the Atlantic World.
Immersive Exhibit:
Sessions start at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM each day.
Audience members will be guided through the exhibit in groups of 10, with tours starting every 7 minutes. Due to limited tickets, attendees are highly encouraged to arrive early or purchase tickets online in advance to secure a spot in one of the groups.
Synopsis:
Enter a mesmerizing world of immersive shadow theatre, where the captivating stories of real-life witches unfold through interactive media, live performances, dance, and enchanting melodies. Spectators will explore the untold narratives of these witches through short vignettes held in repetition like echoes of history laid bare. Audience members will be transported back in time to witness these stories of courage and resilience that reverberate through the ages.
Shakespeare in the Schools’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream
For its 32nd season, Shakespeare in the Schools (SIS) will presentA Midsummer Night’s Dreamto middle and high school students in the way it was meant to be presented – in an engaging live performance. Accompanied by a lively post-show talk back and related and active workshops, SIS reaches countless communities throughout Montana and Wyoming each fall with professional programming. This refreshing and entertaining production features professional actors and work from professional designers. Come enjoy one of Shakespeare’s favorite comedies!
Free Workshops:
Take pains; be perfect. – Creating Clear Characters
Every actor in the Montana Shakespeare in the Schools Midsummer you will see plays multiple characters. This is not only a practical solution that lets us tell big stories with a small touring cast, but it is also a storytelling choice that adds depth and meaning to the characters onstage. In this acting-focused workshop, students will explore acting techniques and text from the play to practice creating and embodying multiple clear and distinct characters.
Then to the wood – Telling Stories through Design
The history of Midsummer in performance spans from blank stages to opulent recreations of full forests. The stark contrast between the city and the woods, and between the humans and the fairies, offers rich opportunities to tell stories through theatrical design elements. In this design- based workshop, students will consider the ways in which design elements – including scenery, costumes, sound, and lighting – tell stories onstage. Students will have the opportunity to design their own versions of the city and the forest for an imagined production of Midsummer.
Missoula Children’s Theatres’ Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Missoula Children’s Theatre presents SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS, an original adaptation of the classic fairy tale. A young princess named Show White finds herself in peril when her step-mother, the Queen, is told by her Magic Mirror that the princess is fairer than she! Aided by her two Henchmen and a band of evil Bats, the Queen plots to get rid of Snow White. Snow White escapes from the Queen and from the Black Forest Creatures with help from Witless the Woodsman, and finds a home with the Seven Dwarfs. When the Queen learns of Snow White’s whereabouts, she attempts to poison Snow White. But the Queen’s evil plans are thwarted when Snow White’s fearless Forest Friends, her father King Backwards, the Seven Dwarfs and the Prince come to her rescue.
Jasper in Deadland
April 16th – May 2nd | Beier Auditorium | Rated PG-13
Jasper is lost in the living world. When you’re failing classes, kicked off the swim team, and your family is on the skids, life can feel like it’s going to hell. Yet, in all the disappointment, Jasper has her best friend, Agnes. In one night of teenage passion, Jasper and Agnes consummate a years-long friendship. But in the morning Agnes is gone, telling Jasper to meet her at their cliff. When she arrives there’s no sign of her best friend, only a swirling vortex to another world in the water below. Jasper dives into Deadland.
Jasper in Deadland features a thrilling pop-rock score from Ryan Scott Oliver, with a compelling book by Hunter Foster.
Come celebrate the end of each Block with Improv Comedy featuring select members from UMW’s Drama Club. We will play different games each week along with audience favorites like Scenes From A Hat, World’s Worst, and Whose Line!
Special Ticket Price: $10 per/person Free Admission for all UMW Students
Proceeds from all ticket sales support University of Montana Western theater productions.
Ticket Prices:
General Admission: $16
Senior (65+), Youth (18 & under), and Military: $12
UMW Faculty/Staff: $10
UMW Students: FREE ADMISSION with Student ID
Season Tickets:
Regular Season Pass: $72 per person
Discount Season Pass: $54 per person (seniors, military, youth)
UMW Faculty/Staff Season Pass: $45 per person
UMW Faculty and Staff season passes can also be purchased for their immediate family members. Passes can be purchased online or at the box office during the first four shows of the season. Once purchased a season pass gives the holder admission to every performance in the season. Which means they can see our shows as many times as they like!
To keep our ticket prices low, theater productions at the University of Montana Western rely on the generous support of our donors for the majority of our operating costs. Donations are tax-deductible.
Get Involved!
Summer Film-Acting Intensive | August 1-8
Unlock the secrets of film acting in this immersive ten-day intensive at the University of Montana Western! Led by the Scott Trost and Stephen Alan Seder, this series of experiential workshops takes you deep into the heart of the Meisner Technique while focusing on the art of filmmaking.
Join us this summer for an exciting week of theatre games, activities, and workshops for all ages! This series will help performers deepen their understanding of acting while sharpening their techniques and skills. Younger students will build confidence, explore imagination, and engage in creative dramatics. Older students will focus on character development, diction and enunciation, movement, and memorization techniques. Adult students will explore advanced methods such as developing genuine reactions, trusting impulses and physicality, and using given circumstances for emotional preparation. These workshops are open to performers of all ages and experience levels, providing a fun and supportive environment to grow as an artist.
Parents must complete this Pre-Registration Form. We will not host open auditions this year. Students who are selected will have their first rehearsal at 4:00 PM on January 27th. Registration is open to youth K-12. A maximum of 64 students will be allowed into the production.
For more information about the theatre program and how to get involved, please contact stephen.seder@umwestern.edu.
