Theatre and Dance - NMU Events and Announcements

Theatre and Dance

2025 Panowski Playwriting Award Winner!

Becky, Billie, and Mariel are three lifelong friends in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. When the three young women accept a dare and embark on a canoe trek in frigid waters, they find themselves stranded in the middle of Lake Superior. Dangerous conditions prevail, forcing them to face the choices they've made and the trappings of life in their hometown. A story about female friendship, motherhood, and the secrets we keep.

PANOWSKI BLACK BOX THEATRE

APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1HR 30MINS | NO INTERMISSION

Theatre and Dance

Celebrate the achievements of fellow Wildcats at the James Awards. These Theatre and Dance Alumni Awards honor graduates at all stages of their careers who have demonstrated excellence in Theatre, Dance, and Entertainment Arts.

Theatre and Dance

One night only! Join us in celebrating the work of our graduating seniors during this culminating showcase-style performance!

Theatre and Dance

Kick off your heels, crank up the volume, and join the rebellion! Based on the hit 1980 film and featuring an original score by country music legend Dolly Parton, 9 to 5: The Musical is a high-energy, laugh-out-loud tale of friendship, revenge, and female empowerment in the workplace. 

Music & Lyrics by Dolly Parton and Book by Patricia Resnick

CONTENT WARNING: This production contains adult themes, including sexual harassment, misogyny, mild sexual references, mild adult language, simulated violence, and depictions of marijuana use. 

Perfromance Dates & Times:

• Thursday, April 9 -- 7:30pm (Opening Night Party)
• Friday, April 10 -- 7:30pm
• Saturday, April 11 -- 1:00pm (Theatre For All)
• Saturday, April 11 -- 7:30pm
• Thursday, April 16 -- 7:30pm
• Friday, April 17 -- 7:30pm
• Saturday, April 18 -- 1:00pm
• Saturday, April 18 -- 7:30pm

Theatre and Dance

Join the CO/LAB Dance Company for a unique night of dance! This mixed bill performance features a first act of student and faculty choreography, followed by a second act world premiere contemporary ballet showcasing the music of legendary musician Johnny Cash. Set to some of his most popular tunes, enjoy vignettes illuminating the variations of human relationships and experiences through dance!

Approximate Run Time: 1 hr | 15 min Intermission

Theatre and Dance

December 4-6 and 11-13, 2025

Composer & Lyricist: Johnny Marks

The beloved holiday classic comes to life on stage!

Straight from the screen and onto the stage, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™: The Musical brings the timeless TV special to life in a magical production full of heart and holiday cheer. Featuring classic songs like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” this family favorite includes all your treasured characters—Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and of course, Rudolph himself.

Shunned for his glowing red nose, Rudolph sets off on a journey to find a place where he truly belongs. Along the way, he meets other misfits with stories like his own—and discovers that being different is exactly what makes him special. When a fierce snowstorm threatens Christmas, it’s Rudolph’s uniqueness that lights the way and saves the day.

This heartwarming holiday musical is a joyful celebration of acceptance, friendship, and the courage to be yourself. Perfect for audiences of all ages, Rudolph reminds us that sometimes, the things that set us apart are the very things that make us shine.

Bring this uplifting tale to your stage—and let the spirit of the season soar!

FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE

APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 80MINS | 15min Intermission

Theatre and Dance

This cult classic humorously pays homage to B movies from the science fiction and horror genres spanning the 1930s to the early 1960s. The plot follows a newly engaged couple who, after being caught in a storm, find themselves at the mansion of a flamboyant transvestite scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter. There, they encounter his latest creation, Rocky—a Frankenstein-like figure who is a fully grown, physically perfect muscle man with blonde hair and a tan.

• Thursday, October 23rd | 7:30PM | Opening Night Party
• Friday, October 24th  | 7:30PM
• Friday, October 24th | 10:30PM
• Saturday, October 25th | 7:30PM
• Saturday, October 25th  | 10:30PM

FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE

MEANT FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE | APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1 HR 45 MINS | NO INTERMISSION

Theatre and Dance

We invite the young dancer in your family to apply for our Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Summer Dance Intensive! This year our transformative program offers a diverse range of classes including ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, composition, choreography/repertoire, conditioning, injury prevention and treatment which will culminate in a guest performance in the North Coast Dance Festival alongside Giordano Dance Chicago, Ballet Project OC, and the NMU CO/LAB Dance Company, and a final performance showcase! This intensive is perfect for dancers looking to hone in their skills, level up their performance, and make connections to the professional industry - we are here to help you grow! Participants will also get the chance to partake in exciting local activities throughout the week. There are options to attend for one or two weeks and this year we have opened enrollment to include those heading into 8th grade! Those participating in the second week will learn choreography for the Showcase from some of our guest instructors and NMU Faculty.

Dates: July 13-27, 2025
Week 1: Classes July 13-20: In week one students will be in classes from 9am-5pm honing in their dance skills!
Week 2: Workshops & Showcase July 20-27: In Week Two, students will build on the skills developed in Week One, culminating in an hour-long showcase performance. This exciting week also includes special sessions with renowned guest instructors:
 

• Nan Giordano – Artistic Director, Giordano Dance Chicago, leading a Giordano Jazz class
• Ally Helman – Artistic Director, Ballet Project OC, teaching Balanchine-style ballet technique
• Jimena Flores Sanchez – Former company member, Moulin Rouge National Tour, offering a Moulin Rouge dance workshop
• Adina Belanger – Choreographer for Just for Kix
• Meg Schneider – Certified Athletic Trainer and Dance Medicine Specialist (Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Chicago Bulls LuvaBulls Dance Team and 312 Crew)
• Aurelia Fure – Circus Artist, Actor, Aerialist

Location: Northern Michigan University - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Age: Students in 8th grade through current graduates from the class of 2025!

Further information and our free application can be found HERE! 

Please contact wpaa@nmu.edu for more information. Registration closes on Thursday, July 10 at 5:00PM.

Theatre and Dance

Giordano Dance Chicago Masterclass: July 23, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Forest Roberts Theatre Stage

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR DANCE PARTICIPATION REQUIRED BY 7/21/25. REGISTER HERE.

Please join NMU Theatre and Dance, North Coast Dance Festival, and the Siril Endowment for the Arts for a jazz dance class and talkback led by Nan Giordano of Giordano Dance Chicago on Wednesday, July 23rd from 6:30-8:00PM in the Forest Roberts Theatre! This class will be open to dancers ages 13 and up with at least 5 years of previous formal dance training or at least one year of formal university dance training. We welcome observers of any age into the theatre to experience the joy of the Giordano Technique! There is no fee for participation or observation of this class! Pre-registration for class participation will close on Monday, July 21st at 5:00PM EST. Class size is limited--registering early is encouraged.

Theatre and Dance

Join us for the 4th Annual North Coast Dance Festival, a spectacular celebration of dance! Professional dancers from across the country will gather alongside the NMU CO/LAB Dance Company for engaging educational experiences and mesmerizing performances. Don't miss this unforgettable event filled with grace, talent, and artistry.

We are thrilled to welcome Giordano Dance Chicago back this summer to perform two new, exciting jazz dance pieces choreographed by Al Blackstone and Ray Leeper. We will also welcome back Ballet Project OC, who will be performing the pas de deux from George Balanchine's Stars and Stripes and Ally Helman's Pitseleh. NMU's CO/LAB Dance Company will preview a new work by Karina Johnson set to the music of Johnny Cash.

This event is generously supported by the Siril Endowment for the Arts.

FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE

APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1HR 30MIN | 15min Intermission