High school theatre is alive and well in Bozeman. With the addition of a second high school six years ago, the Gallatin High School Theatre program is thriving under new leadership, and both Gallatin High School (GHS) and Bozeman High School (BHS) welcome students from either school to audition for their productions.

Each school stages two major productions per year, one play and one musical. By trading off the timing of their productions, the schools give students the opportunity to audition for both programs without having to choose between competing shows. This fall, GHS takes the musical spotlight, while BHS presents a dramatic classic. The schools will switch things up this spring.

Hawks Theatre Co. presents Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, which opened in late October and continues through November 8. Directed by longtime Bozeman High Theatre leader Lila Michael, this fall’s production brings the playwright’s chilling American classic to the stage. Set in 17th-century Salem, Massachusetts, the story begins with accusations of witchcraft that quickly spiral into suspicion, paranoia, and devastating consequences for an entire community. As fear takes hold, reputations and lives are put at risk, and the line between truth and hysteria begins to disappear.

The production uses an intimate black box theatre setting, bringing audiences closer to the action. It’s a fitting choice for a play that reminds us how quickly fear can overwhelm reason and how dangerous a community can become when suspicion replaces evidence.

“I chose The Crucible because it was time for the Hawks Theatre Co. to tackle a modern American classic. This brilliant play from 1953 still rings with truth and passion, and it’s a hell of a ride in the small space in which we are performing,” emphasizes Michael.

There are four remaining performances in November: November 1 at 1 p.m., November 6 and 7 at 7 p.m., and November 8 at 1 p.m. Performances take place at the Bozeman High School Auditorium, with entry from Ruth Thibeault Lane off 15th Avenue. Tickets are $15, and seating is limited for this special black box production.

Meanwhile, GHS Raptor Theatre presents its fall musical, The Wizard of Oz, November 20, 21, and 22 at the Gallatin High School Auditorium. Just over 40 student performers will bring the beloved story to life, following the familiar film version and featuring characters from Dorothy and Toto to the Scarecrow, Glinda, Professor Marvel, and the Munchkins. Audiences can expect familiar songs, colorful characters, and the magic of Oz, with a special Character Brunch on Sunday featuring guests and activities.

About this falls GHS Musical Theatre Advisor Sierra Fein says, “The Wizard of Oz is very exciting for the directors because both Grace and I were in The Wizard of Oz when we were in high school (I played Toto, and she played Glinda). The cast is amazingly talented and looks forward to shining on stage as they bring all your favorite songs to life!”

Performances are Friday and Saturday, November 20 and 21, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 22, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Character Brunch is scheduled for Sunday morning at 10 a.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

As someone who has been embedded in Bozeman’s youth theatre scene over the past six years, I’ve watched these programs grow and have been continually impressed by the talent of our local students. Bozeman High Theatre has a particularly impressive track record under Michael’s leadership. Most recently, 80 students performed in two weekends of Mamma Mia! this spring, selling out the theatre on opening night.

The Crucible is an obvious departure from the fun-loving, brightly costumed dance party of Mamma Mia!, but it will showcase the range and talent of Bozeman’s young performers in ways you might not expect. The students I’ve watched over the years consistently impress me with their preparation, commitment, and ability to inhabit the roles they’re given. Each production reminds me just how much talent is growing right here in our community.

The Bozeman School District has also made finding tickets easier with a shared online ticketing site for both schools’ productions at finearts.ludus.com. For The Crucible, tickets are general admission, with seats chosen upon arrival. The Wizard of Oz offers assigned seating selected when purchasing tickets online.

As a newer program, GHS Raptor Theatre is also building support for the resources that help students grow as performers and theatre-makers. Donations help cover show licensing, costumes and set design, travel and fees for the annual State Thespian Festival, Drama Club expenses, senior recognition, graduation cords, guest presenters, and intensive lessons. These contributions help keep more resources focused on students while expanding opportunities to learn both onstage and behind the scenes.

The program’s current online fundraiser runs through November 6, 2026, and can be found on the BSD7 Fine Arts site at .

Whether you prefer the tension of a classic drama or the familiar magic of a beloved musical, this fall offers a chance to experience the dedication and creativity of Bozeman’s next generation of performers. Supporting student theatre means more than buying a ticket. It means encouraging young people to take creative risks, work together, and discover what they can accomplish onstage. With two schools, two very different productions, and students working across school lines, Bozeman’s theatre community has plenty to celebrate.