2026 North Coast Theatre and Dance Festival
Tragedy Sound
May 14-16, 2026
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 30 MINS | NO INTERMISSION
Drag Cabaret
May 29-30, 2026
A Pride Celebration Event!
Join NMU Theatre and Dance for a drag cabaret to start Pride Month! Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Marquette and beyond as performers make the stage their own.
PANOWSKI BLACK BOX THEATRE
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2HRS | 15min Intermission
North Coast Dance Festival
June 24, 2026: Jazz Master Class with Nan Giordano of Giordano Dance Chicago; 6:30-8:00PM (Registration is required and will open June 1)
June 25-26, 2026: Performances, 7:30PM
5th Annual Dance Festival
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. We thrilled to welcome back Giordano Dance Chicago, who will be performing two dynamic concert jazz pieces, Dumb Luck! (musical theatre) and Sabroso (ballroom), and professional ballet dancers, Julia Feldman and Mate Szentes.
This event is generously supported by the Siril Endowment for the Arts.
FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1HR 15MIN