“From the first table read to opening night, “Humbug! The Musical” will be a true collaboration [between] FanX’s creative energy and UVU’s artistic talent [while] elevating the School of the Arts along the way,” said Courtney Davis, dean for the UVU School of the Arts. “We are building and developing new productions with scale and polish and doing it with students at the core of this project. That combination is what makes this show so special.”

UVU’s Office of Engaged Learning and Workforce Development partnered with FanX Studios to create Utah’s next generation of filmmakers, writers, and creative minds. The expansion of the partnership with the School of the Arts will create additional pathways for UVU students to break into the entertainment industry, whether through film, creative writing, theatre, composing music, dance, or other aspects of storytelling.

“This collaboration will enrich our collective craft as we pair professional creative energy with UVU’s artistic talent,” said Katherine Henry Jordan, executive director of the UVU Noorda Center. “Orem is a fantastic place for this project to come together: a thriving arts community, a university full of passionate students, and audiences who show up to support homegrown work. We are building this production with a team of engaged students learning the craft in all areas of the show and are thankful to our community for investing in their success.”

UVU students will work alongside professional actors and director Michael Wilson (SDC, DGA). Wilson is a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning director with work spanning Broadway, off-Broadway, film, television, and major regional theaters across the country.

“I’m thrilled that students and faculty from across UVU have the chance to work with well-known industry professionals to develop a new musical destined for stages across America,” said Deputy Provost Kathren Brown. “This is an incredible opportunity for UVU students to get professional experience while showcasing their talents nationally.”

“Through this next evolution in our partnership, FanX Studios will bring top Broadway talent to UVU’s School of the Arts and the UVU Noorda Center. This will provide experiential programs for the students, faculty, and local community to work with award-winning professionals via integrated curriculum and performance,” said Brent Baum, FanX Studios founder. “The program will culminate in the UVU Noorda Center hosting the first-ever developmental workshop premiere of ‘Humbug! The Musical.'”

For ticket and audition information, please visit https://www.uvu.edu/thenoorda/signature-series/humbug.html.

About Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University believes in the power and potential of every student. Our work is guided by a commitment to exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results. We provide a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. From certificates to master’s degrees, UVU offers flexible, relevant programs grounded in hands-on learning and real-world experiences, ensuring that students graduate with career-ready skills and are ready to receive a strong return on investment. As an open-enrollment university, we invite students to come as they are, and they leave prepared to make an immediate impact in their careers and communities.

About FanX Studios

FanX Studios was founded by industry veterans Brent Baum and Jonathan Schwartz, who both have 30 years of industry-wide experience in Hollywood at DreamWorks, Maverick, Destination Films, and Relativity Media. They are partnered with the FanX system of conventions with multiple locations across the country. Their investments in Broadway musicals have yielded 17 Tony Award Nominations and 4 Tony Award Wins.