Visual and Performing Arts - NMU Events and Announcements

Visual and Performing Arts

Join us on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 7:30 pm for a night of band! This concert will feature multiple guest artists including Dr. Christopher Schoelen from NMU, Dr. Timothy Oliver from University of Mississippi and Dr. Derek Jenkins from Missouri Western State University.  Repertoire includes works by Ticheli, Boysen, Chance, and a world premiere by Derek Jenkins!

This concert is extra special as it is the final concert for 19 incredible musicians who are wrapping up their time with the NMU Bands. These seniors are performing their final concert with the group before graduating or student teaching in the fall.

Visual and Performing Arts

CO/LAB Dance Company is NMU’s resident on-campus dance company — an exciting opportunity to train in an environment modeled after a professional company while building your artistry, versatility, and collaborative skills. Company members participate in weekly company class and rehearsals every Friday from 1–5pm, working with faculty and guest artists to create and perform original work.

Auditions: Friday, April 24 at 1:00PM in McClintock 117. All participants should complete the audition form as soon as possible.

Commitment: Full academic year
2026–2027 Season Performance: March 18–20, 2027

Featured repertoire for the 2026–2027 season includes:

• A classical ballet production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream choreographed by Karina Johnson
• A contemporary ballet set to excerpts from Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons choreographed by Christopher Houston

In addition to Friday rehearsals, company members participate in:

• Pre-semester Choreography Bootcamp: August 17–21, 2026
• Additional rehearsals as season performance approaches: typically weekday evenings (except Sundays), 7–10pm
• All rehearsals required, including tech and dress rehearsals

CO/LAB offers a focused, supportive environment designed to help you grow as a performer while experiencing the expectations and rewards of company life. This is a fantastic opportunity to work closely with peers and faculty, develop professional habits, and perform in a fully produced concert as part of NMU Theatre & Dance’s vibrant season.

Audition specifics and a link to fill out your audition form (which must be completed in advance) are included HERE.

Learn more about NMU Theatre and Dance and CO/LAB Dance Company!

Visual and Performing Arts

Join us for the 5th 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.

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

FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE

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

Visual and Performing Arts

A Pride Celebration Event!

Join NMU Theatre and Dance for a DRAG CABARET to get us ready for Pride Month! Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Marquette and beyond as performers make the Panowski Black Box Theatre stage their own.

PANOWSKI BLACK BOX THEATRE

APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1HR 30MINS

Visual and Performing Arts

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

Visual and Performing Arts

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.

Visual and Performing Arts

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

Visual and Performing Arts

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

Visual and Performing Arts

The NMU Percussion Ensemble has been rehearsing all semester! They are excited to welcome Scott Pellegrom, a drum coach and clinician who specializes in creativity and improvisational techniques, to their program!

Join us for this free concert on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 3:00 pm!

Visual and Performing Arts

The NMU Opera Theatre Workshop will present scenes from Street Scene, an American opera by Kurt Weill, on Thursday, April 2, 2026. This performance features student performers alongside collaborative pianist Father Ryan Ford.

The NMU Opera Theatre Workshop is a one-credit course that meets on Thursdays.