Theatre and Dance

Frequently Asked Questions

• What employment opportunities can a graduating student expect?

  Our graduates have gone on to find employment in theatre performance, theatre education, media, advertising, design, stage-management, regional theatre, summer stock, and in other related fields and areas outside our discipline.  Training also provides transferable skills in public speaking, communications, collaboration etc., that can contribute to a career in law, business, etc., see following question.

• What if I'm not sure about a future career in theatre?

  Study in the theatre gives you a skill set that is useful in other careers. These skills include focus, immersion in the moment, a sense of understanding presence, listening, communication, discipline, collaboration, productivity, time management, writing and research. Our graduates have also gone on to successful careers in law, business, education, film.

• What's the difference between the BFA Program and the BA Program?

  The BFA is a professional actor training – while BA students will have the opportunity to take many of the BFA courses, the BFA is a fully immersive training with guaranteed performance opportunities. The BFA in acting is universally recognized as a professional degree.

• Can students be involved with Montana Repertory Theatre?

  Yes, the Montana Repertory Theatre places the student experience at the centre of its mission.  Students have the opportunity to audition each year and, if cast, will perform alongside Equity Actors in a national tour of an American classic.  Students also have the opportunity to be involved in the annual Playwrights Colony workshops, the Educational outreach tour of Montana, and in the Visions and Voices initiative.

• What opportunities exist for students outside the School?

  Students are invited to audition for companies around the state as part of Professionals Weekend, and many are subsequently cast in summer stock productions throughout the Northwest.

• What professional affiliations are held by faculty?
  Faculty affiliations include:
  

  • AEA Actor’s Equity Association
  • TCG Theatre Communications Group
  • ATHE American Theatre in Higher Education
  • PSi Performance Studies International
  • The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society,
  • The National Theatre Conference.
  • National New Play Network
  • Voice and Speech Trainers Association
  • URTA University Resident Theatre Association
  • ISTR Irish Society for Theatre Research