About Us

Founded in 1908 as the Michigan Union Opera Company, MUSKET was once a small, all-male theatre troupe that specialized in presenting works written by University of Michigan students.  Later realizing the irreverent nature of their gender limitations, the organization shifted its focus in 1956 to include students of all genders and changed their name to "Michigan Union Shows, Ko-Eds, Too", or MUSKET for short.  With this shift also came a change in the organization's content - instead of producing student written operettas MUSKET began presenting Broadway-style musicals, a tradition that has lasted over 50 years.  

Today, MUSKET has become an integral part of the University of Michigan experience.  Whether it be as an actor on stage, a crew member behind the scenes, or an audience member in the distinguished Power Center venue, there are many opportunities for University of Michigan students to become involved.   Each year, MUSKET presents two musical productions: one in the fall semester and one in the winter semester.  MUSKET has presented a wide variety of shows ranging from classics like WEST SIDE STORY and OKLAHOMA to more contemporary works such as HAIRSPRAY and RENT and continues to explore ways in which quality theatre can be presented to the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor community. MUSKET is also proud to lay claim to many alums working in the industry, such as Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Jack O'Brien, Andrew Lippa, and many more. We invite you to check out one of our upcoming productions and be a part of this historic tradition!