Montana Western to Produce 78th Season of Virginia City Players

The University of Montana Western’s Theatre Program has entered into an agreement with the Montana Heritage Commission to operate the Virginia City Opera House this summer. Montana Western will produce the Virginia City Players’ 78th season, maintaining the company’s distinction as the longest continually running summer stock theatre west of the Mississippi.

Virginia City holds a prominent place in Montana’s history, and the Virginia City Players contribute to the region’s longstanding traditions. The area offers a unique destination for visitors, where families and travelers can ride the historic train, explore preserved homesteads and architecture, pan for gold, enjoy local dining, and experience live theatre. The Virginia City Players specialize in turn-of-the-century melodrama and vaudeville.

The theatre will be artistically directed by Stephen Alan Seder, a returning player (2012–2018, 2021, 2022) who has worked as a stage manager, designer, and performer. During his time with the Players, he trained under Bill Koch and the Koch family, gaining extensive experience in theatre operations and developing expertise in melodrama and vaudeville. Seder is now an Assistant Professor of Theatre and the Artistic Director of the BOC Performing Arts Series at Montana Western.

The company will be managed by Adryan Miller Gorder. Gorder has been involved in theatre since childhood, beginning with Missoula Children’s Theatre and continuing through her studies at the University of Montana (2015) and Carnegie Mellon University (2019). A Montana-based scenic designer, her work combines design, construction, and performance to support immersive storytelling. She currently serves as Assistant Professor and Technical Director of the BOC Performing Arts Series at Montana Western.

The cast and crew will include both new and returning players. The season will feature two turn-of-the-century melodramas adapted by Seder: The Bat! A Murder Mystery Melodrama and Xantippe! A Western Melodrama. A special two-week revue, Vaudeville’s Greatest Hits, will be presented mid-summer. The goal of the season is to continue the tradition of high-quality, family-friendly performances established by the Koch family while providing an engaging experience for visitors at the historic Opera House.

Ticket prices are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, military, and college students, and $20 for youth. Season passes are available for $80 (adults), $65 (seniors, military, and college students), and $50 (youth).

Tickets can be purchased online at: umwestern.edu/virginia-city-players

Performance Dates:

• The Bat!  | June 17–July 19

• Vaudeville’s Greatest Hits | July 24–August 2

• Xantippe! | August 5–September 6

Auditions for remaining roles will take place throughout March. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit umwestern.edu/virginia-city-players/get-involved to complete an online form for consideration.

For general questions about the Virginia City Players, please contact Stephen Seder at stephen.seder@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7038.