The Montana Repertory Theatre is delighted to announce the return of its First Reads staged reading series, featuring three captivating plays that promise to engage and entertain audiences. Staged readings allow us to test these stories in the community before adding sets, costumes, or other theatrical elements, enabling the audience and actors to immerse themselves in the text and envision future productions. 

All readings are free and open to the public in The Copper Room at the Missoula Public Library at 2:00 pm on February 3, February 17, and March 2, 2024.

The First Reads series underscores Montana Repertory Theatre's commitment to bringing thought-provoking and entertaining theatre to the Missoula community. We invite you to join us for these unique and engaging performances.

The Thin Place by Lucas Hnath

Directed by Mason Wagner 

Saturday, February 3rd, at 2:00 pm

In The Thin Place, the delicate boundary between our world and the ethereal one blurs, revealing a captivating narrative. Linda possesses the unique ability to communicate with those who have passed away. If you believe, she can make you hear them, too. Join us on February 3rd as we delve into a world where the supernatural and the ordinary collide, leaving you questioning the boundaries of reality.

Zoey’s Perfect Wedding by Matthew Lopez

Directed by JM Christiansen

Saturday, February 17th, at 2:00 pm

Warning: Strong Language is used in this performance.

Saying “I do” was the easy part – this hilarious commentary on commitment is every bride’s worst nightmare. Disaster after disaster follows her down the aisle, from brutally honest boozy speeches to a totally incompetent wedding planner and friends too preoccupied to help with the wreckage around them. It is a wildly funny play about love, relationships, expectations, and the courage it takes to find what truly makes us happy.

Dance Nation by Clare Barron

Directed by Michael Beverley

Saturday, March 2nd, at 2:00 pm

Somewhere in America, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers plots to take over the world. And if their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at

Nationals in Tampa Bay. It is a play about ambition, growing up, and how to find our souls in the heat of it all.