Hi, my name is Ronnie Avansino. I am from Reno, Nevada, and I'm in my senior year, studying for the BFA in Design and Technology for Theatre alongside a Certificate in Dance Wellness. I found my way to Missoula, thanks to the Davidson Honors College and its Presidential Leadership Scholar Program.
During my tenure at UM, I found a lovely home within the School of Theatre and Dance, sharpening my skills as a Theatre Practitioner and Artisan, specifically behind the scenes in Stage Management. At the University of Montana, I have been lucky to have the opportunity to fill many roles and assignments for several theatrical productions, musicals, and other live performing arts events.
A Peek Behind the Curtains
The shining lights, gorgeous costumes, and incredible scenery are built, and the actors get ready to perform as the curtain goes up —but someone has to put all the pieces into place! That is my area of expertise, my world, or more specifically, my program at the University of Montana. My primary concentration within the Design and Technology Program and School of Theater and Dance is Stage Management, and I have a secondary concentration in Scenery & Props.
My Experience as a Stage Manager
Stage managers are the people behind the scenes who connect actors, directors, designers, and crews. They ensure that every person working on a production is safe, comfortable, and confident creatively. Being a Stage Manager has been an absolute joy, and getting to help create an incredible environment alongside beautiful art has truly been a dream.
My Experience in Scenery & Props
I have been lucky to serve as the Prop Shop Staff this year for the University, working throughout the week to ensure that the inventory is properly updated and that theatre artisans from all across the Missoula community can get and use the props they need to build their shows.
Additionally, I have been lucky to be mentored by the incredible Adjunct Professor Jay Michael Roberts, a Griz Alum with an MFA in Scenic Design. Jay has been an unbelievably wonderful role model, teaching me about scenic painting, architecture, and being the grounding, supportive voice. Jay has designed amazing scenery for UM shows such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and most recently Anything Goes.
Some of my Favorite Classes
Throughout my program, I have taken the most amazing classes that focus on practical application and on learning the necessary skills for a successful career in the arts. These classes are always very directly translated into experience, as what I’ve learned has been a part of the 15 shows that I have helped build. It is gratifying to see the real-world application that stems from classroom instruction.
Classes that I have taken include scene, lighting, and costume shop: the purpose of these classes is to construct scenic elements, sew and build costumes, and hang and focus lighting instruments that are actually used in the productions put on by the school. Other classes include Scenic Construction, Hand/Computer Drafting, Stage Management, and Lighting Design.
My Latest Projects
My time at the University in the School of Theatre and Dance has presented me with so many incredible opportunities. My latest project was working as the Stage Manager for the musical, Anything Goes, featuring music and lyrics by Cole Porter.
This opportunity has been nothing short of amazing: learning how to balance a large cast (22 people!), grandiose tech (400 cues, 450 costume pieces, and 12-foot platforms), and exciting blocking, singing, and choreography. It’s a huge project, but I am so grateful to be trusted with it, something I couldn’t have done without the training I have received so far.
Outside of working at the school, my studies have helped me professionally. I have had the opportunity to work for incredible companies, such as Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. In addition to growing as a student, my professional career has already begun!
What’s Next?
After Anything Goes runs its course, I will continue to work as the primary Prop Shop Staff within the Theatre, and I will serve as a dramaturg for Murder on the Orient Express next semester. However, come May, I am graduating with my Bachelor’s in Fine Arts, and after one more summer of more local professional theatre, I will be moving to New York in September of 2026!
While Missoula to New York is a big jump, I couldn’t be more excited to dive headfirst into the field that I love so much. With the incredible training and hands-on academic experience that I have received from the School of Theatre and Dance at UM, I couldn’t feel more ready to head to New York and pursue theatre!
