Visual and Performing Arts - NMU Events and Announcements

Visual and Performing Arts

Ready to unleash your inner Spielberg? Join us at the 24-Hour Film Challenge happening April 11th-12th in the School of Art & Design! 

When: Friday, April 11th, starting at 3 PM
Where: Art & Design Building, Room 67
Who: All NMU students, regardless of your filmmaking skills
Deadline: 3 PM on Saturday!

Grab your friends (3-4 people per group), or come solo, and get ready for some cinematic magic! You'll all receive the same prompt to kickstart your creative juices.

We've got you covered with access to editing software, studio space, and equipment - yes, you can even use your smartphone! You'll have the run of the place from 3 PM to 6 PM on Friday. After that, it's all on your crew until the studios reopen at 12 PM on Saturday. 

New to moviemaking? Fear not! We've got support available to newbie filmmakers during those hours. 

We'll screen the films at 3:15 in Art 165, followed by awards and prizes worth over $400 in filmmaking gear for people in the top three teams! Huge thanks to the School of Art & Design for sponsoring the prizes!

Visual and Performing Arts

30 Years Later: Remembering Haywire

Part of NMU's 125th Anniversary Celebration

Friday, April 4 at 7:30PM
1100 Jamrich Hall

In the spring of 1995, the Forest Roberts Theatre’s production of Haywire achieved national acclaim, being selected as one of only five productions—out of more than 900 submissions—to perform at the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. This original musical, depicting life in an 1880s logging camp, was penned by NMU theatre professor Dr. Shelley Russell, with an original score composed by NMU music professor Dr. Rob Engelhart.

As part of NMU’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, the NMU Department of Theatre and Dance, in collaboration with the Department of Communication and Media Studies, will commemorate the 30th anniversary of this distinguished production. Join us on Friday, April 4, at 7:30 PM in 1100 Jamrich Hall for a special program that will honor the creators and feature selected scenes and musical numbers from the production by alumni and current students. We welcome the NMU and Upper Peninsula community to share in this evening of storytelling, music, and celebration. 

The event is a fundraiser for the NMU students selected to compete in this year’s American College Theatre’s regional showcases. Tickets are Pay as you May and are available now at tickets.nmu.edu. 

Visual and Performing Arts

Lyrics by Tim Rice | Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

A thrilling rock opera based on the last week of Jesus’ life, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years.

What’s the buzz? The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.

The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” A true global phenomenon and perfect pick for schools, community theaters and professionals alike, Superstar continues to touch new generations of audiences and performers.

MEANT FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE

APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2HRS | 15min Intermission

• Thursday, April 10th, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Opening Night Party
• Friday, April 11th, 2025 | 7:30 PM
• Saturday, April 12th, 2025 | 1:00 PM | Theatre For All
• Saturday, April 12th, 2025 | 7:30 PM
• Thursday, April 17th, 2025 | 7:30 PM
• Friday, April 18th, 2025 | 7:30 PM
• Saturday, April 19th, 2025 | 1:00 PM
• Saturday, April 19th, 2025 | 7:30 PM

Visual and Performing Arts

Senior music student Erik Meilstrup will be culminating his NMU music career in a senior recital on Sunday, April 6 at 3:00 p.m. Come to Reynolds Recital Hall to support and celebrate!

Visual and Performing Arts

Dr. Stephen Grugin's annual Trombone Choir Concert will take place in Reynolds Recital Hall on Thursday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. Come see what fun music a group of 'bones can make! Admission is free for everyone.

Visual and Performing Arts

NMU Department of Music's MU174 Opera Theater Workshop class will show off what they've learned this semester on Tuesday, April 15 in Reynolds Recital Hall. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is free for everyone!

Visual and Performing Arts

A staged reading of Coming to See Aunt Sophie, by Arthur Feinsod, explores the life and actions of Jan Karski, a member of the Polish Resistance who raised awareness of the horrors of the Holocaust during World War II. The reading will be followed by a brief discussion with the playwright about his inspiration and the importance of remembering history. Members of the broader Marquette community are welcome to attend. 

This event is sponsored by the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, the Department of Theatre and Dance, and the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Visual and Performing Arts

As part of NMU's 125th Anniversary and in conjunction with the NMU Jazz Festival, Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center Director Dan Truckey will present a lecture on the history of jazz at the university. He will explore the little-known history of the first jazz performers in Northern’s dance halls, gymnasiums, and auditoriums. From early big bands to legends like Louis Armstrong and Herbie Hancock, this presentation will cover it all. The event is free and open to the public.

Visual and Performing Arts

Senior music student Andrea Weaver celebrates her university music career with a final recital! Join us in supporting Andrea on Saturday, March 15, at 2:00 p.m.

Visual and Performing Arts

CONTEST:  Calling All Artists!

Share your Talent & celebrate the diversity in STEM disciplines. Win CASH prizes!

Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome.  Any displayable medium is eligible.

Submissions due Feb. 25th

There’s still time to enter! Go to https://forms.gle/YEGz7gdQ4jgTEGeu5 to register your entry!

Exhibition: Feb 25-27th 

Stop by to view the art contest entries and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award! 

Display case across from Atrium (vending machines)