UMArtsandMedia

Congratulations to Ronnie Avansino, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Technology and serving as the College of the Arts and Media’s Graduation Convocation keynote speaker.

Be sure to follow the link to learn more about Ronnie; she’s going places.

Setting the Stage: UM Graduate Going Places With Theatre Design Cue the lights, set the stage and take a look behind the scenes of Ronnie Avansino, a University of Montana senior about to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Technology from UM’s College of the Arts and Media.

The School of Theatre and Dance celebrates significant interdisciplinary accomplishments by its students and faculty in collaboration with the Franke Global Leadership Initiative.

Following the presentation of their GLI Capstone Project, KNOW FEAR, at UMCUR, Morgan Davis, Barrett Clement, Sophie Sproull, Fiona Carson, Cosley Bruno, and Penny Meredyk, in collaboration with faculty mentor Mark Plonsky, were awarded top honors, receiving the Best Capstone Project award.

Congratulations, UM School of Theatre and Dance students and Professor Plonsky!

Want to hear a story? Obituaries are one of the oldest forms of journalism. Listen to the new podcast series from the University of Montana School of Journalism and the Montana Media Lab, featuring Jule Banville and Jad Abumrad.

A new podcast from the University of Montana is transforming how we tell one of journalism’s oldest stories: the obituary.

“The Obit Project,” a 12-episode series from the Montana Media Lab, pairs student journalists with professional mentors to create richly reported audio obituaries. These stories go beyond dates and facts to explore the meaning, memory, and humanity behind each life.

What began as a classroom assignment in feature writing has evolved into a powerful storytelling experiment - one that challenges students to listen deeply, report thoughtfully, and connect with people in moments of loss.

🎧 New episodes are released weekly and available on major podcast platforms, with select stories airing on Montana Public Radio.

Listen and hear how UM students are redefining storytelling.

https://bit.ly/UMobitproj

Congratulations, Michael Cassens!

The Office of Research and Creative Scholarship (ORCS) has recognized Cassens, Assistant Professor of the School of Media Arts and Director of UM Esports, as one of four "ORCS Stars of the Year, individuals whose work exemplifies excellence, innovation, and meaningful impact."

Graduating this spring? Want a chance to win Zootown Festival passes or a portable speaker? Take 5 minutes to complete the UM Graduation Survey and be entered to win. Your story inspires the next generation of UM Alum.

Free career-ready outfits and headshots at the Griz Career Closet Pop-Up, Thursday, April 23.

Identify and challenge misinformation in both media and everyday life and fulfil a general education requirement with "Journalism 102Y: Calling Bu****it", offered this summer from June 22 to July 24.

This online critical‑thinking course teaches you how to recognize data‑driven deception, misleading statistics, and manipulative information practices. Learn how to analyze and debunk misinformation, focusing on data visualization, statistical traps, big data, and scientific misconduct.

University of Montana School of Journalism

Turn your summer into a creative experience with the College of Arts and Media. Complete your general education requirements while exploring exciting and inspiring courses. Register today!

Congratulations, UM School of Theatre and Dance Adjunct Professor Mark Plonsky! Thank you, Mark, for being inclusive of all ages and abilities.

Read about "Theatre of Change: UM Scholars and Students World to Bring the Stage and Dance to Traditionally Excluded Groups" in Vision Magazine.

https://medium.com/vision-magazine-2026/theatre-of-change-58c4f3ab640b

UM School of Music, University of Montana School of Journalism

Theatre of Change UM Scholars and Students World to Bring the Stage and Dance to Traditionally Excluded Groups

The UM School of Theatre and Dance is offering Introduction to Dance online this summer, 5/18-6/19. This course satisfies the Expressive Arts general education requirement.