Ronnie Avansino, a senior at the University of Montana, is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Technology from the College of the Arts and Media, according to a May 5 announcement. Avansino has specialized in stage management with additional focus on scenery and props during their time at UM.
Avansino’s story highlights how students can find new passions through hands-on learning experiences. The University of Montana offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through its colleges via established admissions processes, according to the official website.
Originally from Reno, Nevada, Avansino first attended UM as part of a performing arts camp when they were 14 years old. Later awarded a Western Undergraduate Exchange scholarship and drawn by opportunities such as the Davidson Honors College’s Presidential Leadership Scholarship, Avansino decided to attend UM after applying to several schools throughout the West. “I applied to 10 schools throughout the West, and because of the DHC, I chose the University of Montana,” said Avansino.
Early in their college experience, faculty guidance led Avansino toward technical theater work after starting out interested in acting. “Getting here and finding myself more drawn to the technical classes… three weeks in, I switched over to the tech side,” said Avansino. Their practical experience includes participation in sixteen productions at UM across various backstage roles such as dramaturg, prop person, wig stylist, set designer, lighting technician, board operator and stagehand.
A significant moment came when serving as stage manager for “Anything Goes” in fall 2025—a production involving over eighty students including performers and technicians. “It’s the stage manager’s job to uphold the integrity of the show…and keep with how the director originally built it,” said Avansino about this responsibility.
Faculty members have recognized Avansino’s leadership qualities developed during these experiences. Assistant Professor Jordan Draper said: “Ronnie is a natural leader and teacher…It’s a job that requires one to take lead of a room full of big personalities.” Professor Heidi Eggert also praised their dedication: “No one can replicate Ronnie’s experience in our school…This is how real learning happens.”
After graduation this spring—an event followed quickly by work as assistant director for “The Merchant of Venice”—Avansino plans further theater work including positions with Montana Shakespeare in Parks before considering opportunities on the East Coast.
The University accommodates more than 11,000 students while offering virtual tours for prospective applicants; it functions as a public research university emphasizing academic excellence and hands-on education within an inclusive atmosphere according to its official website.