Story By: Madison Smith

MONTEVALLO, Ala – The University of Montevallo will officially merge its music and theatre departments into the new Department of Performing Arts after the initial merger was delayed last year.

According to an email sent to students by Dean of Fine Arts, Dr. Sean Atkinson, the merger process will begin this spring, with the consolidated department set to launch at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

The change is set to be administrative and will not affect students’ degree plans, coursework or scholarship opportunities. 

“All degree plans in theatre and music will remain unchanged,” the dean wrote. “No one’s progress towards degree completion will be interrupted by the merger.”

The university also plans to introduce a new Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre management in the fall of 2026 as previously scheduled.

Montevallo Theatre Department rehearsal, Photo provided by Montevallo Theatre Facebook page

Facilities, budget, faculty positions and scholarships are set to stay unchanged. Music and theatre curriculum will continue to be taught by faculty in their respective disciplines. The only instructional change disclosed in Atkinson’s email, is music faculty taking theatre students in their studio lessons.

“For the immediate future, theatre and music will still function independently in terms of events and programs,” the dean wrote, noting that joint ventures “are likely several years away.”

The new Department of Performing Arts will house both programs under one administrative structure while maintaining separate academic tracks for music and theatre students.

Montevallo Wind Ensemble, video provided by the Montevallo music department

Principal clarinetist, Emily Brant, hopes that this merger will bring better recruitment to the College of Fine Arts, “I feel like this merger between the theater and music department can definitely offer some benefits, since it will help us be seen as one united department of the arts. However, I hope it doesn’t cover up the music department and everything we do as well.”

“I feel like this merger between the theater and music department can definitely offer some benefits, since it will help us be seen as one united department of the arts. However, I hope it doesn’t cover up the music department and everything we do as well.”

University of Montevallo Wind Ensemble, Photo Provided by Joe Ardovino

The university is continuing their search for a chair to lead the new department. Finalists are expected to visit campus during the current spring semester to meet with students. 

Administrators said students will have the opportunity to interact with chair finalists during their campus visits. The search is being conducted at the national level.

For the immediate future, music and theatre events and productions will continue to operate independently. Potential collaborations between the programs could be explored in the coming years.