Bill Digneit - NMU Theatre and Dance

William “Bill” Digneit, M.F.A. is a creative leader and educator who thrives where innovation, creativity, and education intersect. He currently serves as the Director of SISU: The Innovation Institute at Northern Michigan University (NMU), where he works with students, faculty, and community partners to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. He is also the Department Head and Professor of Theatre & Dance at NMU, where he oversees the academic and production programs, mentors students, and teaches courses that bridge traditional theatre with emerging practices in live event and festival production.

Outside of academia, Bill has spent over a decade as a Production Manager for LDI (Live Design International), managing large-scale events in Las Vegas and Mexico. He also leads the LDI Production Assistant Program, mentoring over 40 emerging professionals annually from across the U.S. as they gain hands-on experience in the live entertainment industry.

Bill is the co-founder of Double Trouble Entertainment LLC, a Michigan-based production company specializing in live and corporate events, nightclub design, and outdoor festivals. He is also a proud co-owner of DIGS Gastropub in downtown Marquette, Michigan—where creativity and community come together around food, hospitality, and the arts.

A passionate advocate for creative entrepreneurship and experiential learning, Bill is committed to pushing boundaries, building strong collaborative teams, and mentoring the next generation of creative professionals. His personal and professional mission is rooted in a simple philosophy: if you take care of your community, your community takes care of you.