The University of Montana Western’s Theatre Program is proud to welcome Shakespeare in the Schools (SIS) for a one-day showing of Richard III on Tuesday, December 10, 2025, in Beier Auditorium. Performances will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., with a free workshop offered at 11:30 a.m. between shows.
Now in its 33rd season, SIS presents Richard III to middle and high school students in an engaging live format, accompanied by interactive workshops and post-show talkbacks designed to deepen students’ understanding of Shakespeare’s work. This production marks the first time SIS will stage one of Shakespeare’s histories for school audiences.
Directed by Riley O’Toole, Associate Artistic Director of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (MSIP), this performance marks his directorial debut with SIS. O’Toole brings a fresh perspective to the play, emphasizing its emotional depth, moral complexity, and historical significance in a way that resonates with younger audiences.
Student and school group pricing is available. Please contact Assistant Professor of Theatre Stephen Seder at stephen.seder@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7038 to reserve seats, as space is limited.
Tickets can be purchased through the University of Montana Western box office webpage: umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/box-office. Tickets are $16 for general admission, $12 for seniors (65+), youth (18 & under), and military, $10 for UMW faculty/staff, and free for UMW students with a student ID.
To learn more about the Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series and this year’s productions, visit umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series.
Free Workshops (11:30 a.m.)
My Kingdom for a Horse! – Storytelling in Stage Combat
For every minute of combat you see on stage, there is an hour of rehearsal in which actors build trust, safety, and specific storytelling. Stage combat requires extraordinary care, community, and collaboration. This workshop invites students to experience the precision and storytelling that go into creating onstage violence. This workshop enrolls a maximum of 30 students and requires a large open space (outside, gym, open cafeteria, etc.). If these safety requirements are not met, the teaching artists will provide an alternate workshop.
To Save Her Life – Acting Fundamentals
Some of the characters in the play make astonishingly cruel, shocking, or heartbreaking choices—why? Through a series of games, students will learn foundational acting techniques and then apply them as a method of textual analysis. The workshop culminates in an opportunity to share low-stakes performances of scenes from Richard III.
To reserve a spot in either workshop, please email stephen.seder@umwestern.edu.
