Triple-Threat Training at UM

Do you love musical theatre? At the University of Montana there are several curricular paths to studying musical theatre. No interview or audition is required for initial entry into the BA Theatre degree where students complete foundational courses in acting, dance, singing, and theatre production. Student pursuing other majors may also choose to Minor in Musical Theatre.

Students have successfully completed their first year of study are invited to audition for the BFA in Musical Theatre. The BFA is a unique and fully interdisciplinary degree drawing on the strengths of the Dance, Music, and Acting programs. The School of Music and the School of Theatre and Dance are partners in this dynamic and rigorous training program—preparing students for careers in musical theatre.

Why choose UM?

  • Training in the triple-threat skill set
  • Required courses in acting, singing, and dance every semester
  • Multi-faceted courses in acting and professional skills
  • Specialized musical-theatre repertory classes in auditioning and duet and ensemble work, often including end-of-semester showcases
  • Voice lessons blending classical technique with contemporary commercial music styles
  • Dance courses in ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, modern dance, and choreography
  • Development of solid musicianship skills in music theory & sight singing, piano, and choir
  • Master classes with musical theatre professionals and Broadway performers
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Performance Opportunties

This degree is built on the tradition of a performance-based BFA. BFAs are guaranteed three performance roles in UM productions. Venues include the Montana Theatre, the Masquer Theatre, and other venues both on and off campus—including potential employment with regional theatre companies. All performance opportunities in the School of Music and the School of Theatre and Dance are open to anyone who auditions, with priority given to students whenever possible.

The School of Theatre & Dance mounts multiple mainstage performances each year. The mainstage season is selected to meet the curriculum needs of our student body and to encourage attendance by the local Missoula community. They include the opportunity to collaborate with graduate student directors, faculty and student designers, and student choreographers and dancers.

From time to time, faculty, grad students, and guest directors work with actors on projects open to the public in a less-structured format than a mainstage-season show.

Training culminates in senior projects and a showcase overseen by faculty mentors.

The Cabaret entertains audiences through musical theatre song and dance revues—developing students’ connection to character and emotion in song.

Montana Repertory Theatre is the professional theatre-in-residence at the University of Montana. Montana Rep provides paid professional opportunities for students as performers and technicians working alongside professionals in their local and touring productions. Montana Rep works under an agreement with Actors' Equity Association and is a member of The Theatre Communications Group (TCG).