Academic Programs - NMU Theatre and Dance

At NMU, we offer dynamic degrees in Musical Theatre, Acting, and Theatre Technology and Design, where the stage is truly your classroom. Whether you’re ready to dive deep into an audition-based Bachelor of Fine Arts or explore your passion with a minor, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant, hands-on learning experience. With a thrilling 13-show season, you’ll have countless opportunities to shine—on stage, behind the scenes, or in the director's chair. At NMU, your creativity takes center stage!

• Acting (BFA)
• Musical Theatre (BFA)
• Theatre Technology and Design (BFA)
• Theatre and Entertainment Arts (BA)
• Theatre Performance (Associate of Arts)
• Theatre Technology (Associate of Arts)
• Theatre and Entertainment Arts Minor

At NMU, our dance program is your gateway to a professional career. Led by faculty who’ve worked with world-renowned companies and graced Broadway stages, this audition-based program is designed for serious dancers ready to take their craft to the next level. You'll immerse yourself in commercial and concert dance styles, all while shaping your own path. Want more? Add a specialized track in Dance Science, Arts Administration, or create a custom cluster for a truly personalized education. Here, your passion meets pre-professional training, preparing you to own the spotlight in any dance industry!

With extensive opportunities to travel nationally and internationally with faculty, students will experience the full expanse of possibilities in dance. Whether you are interested in working in traditional dance venues or exploring new territories, students are challenged to move the art of dance into the future and consider opportunities, spaces, and careers beyond what currently exists.

NMU Theatre and Dance is home to CO/LAB Dance Company (the NMU Theatre and Dance resident dance company) and North Coast Dance Festival (NCDF, which takes place annually in the summer). Dance majors are required to audition for the Company which presents at least one concert during the academic year and performs alongside visiting professionals during NCDF. Students will have opportunities to choreograph on the Company and are eligible to have their piece selected for performance in the NCDF.

• Dance (BA)
• Dance (BS)
• Dance (Associate of Arts)
• Dance Minor

One of the finest and most active undergraduate theatre and dance programs in the country can be found at Northern Michigan University. If you’re interested in pursuing a theatre or dance-related career, and are willing to work hard to gain the necessary experience and skills, then a theatre or dance degree from NMU may be for you!

As a student in the Department of Theatre and Dance, you will have the opportunity to become involved in many aspects of NMU's theatrical productions, from performing, directing, or choreographing to working on production, design, and technical teams. These are all experiences from which you will gain critical knowledge and acquire marketable skills and competencies.

The Department of Theatre and Dance also offers offstage employment opportunities in our marketing office/box office as well as our costume, scene, and electrics shops. Learn more below:

• Marketing office employees help design programs and other print materials, create exciting social media posts, and handle all marketing and advertising for the Theatre and Dance Department.
• Box office employees sell tickets, work as house managers and ushers, and warmly welcome patrons to NMU Theatre and Dance.
• Costume shop employees create and alter costumes for all of our productions. From sewing to sizing, the costume shop makes sure our actors are always looking fabulous!
• Scene shop employees paint and build all of the sets and scenic elements for every show. 
• Electrics shop employees light up the stage! They take care of the lighting and sound elements of each production.