Senior Showcase - NMU Theatre and Dance

Michael Ahlstrom- Michael Ahlstrom is a senior at Northern Michigan University graduating with a BFA in Acting. After finding his love for acting and theater in his second year of college, Michael changed his major and since has participated in multiple shows all of which he is very proud of.

Gianna Daprai- Gianna Daprai is a senior at Northern Michigan University pursuing a B.S. in dance and a B.S. in environmental science with a concentration in natural resources. She has been dancing ever since she could walk, and trained at various dance studios, competition teams, and varsity dance team. She has performed in many shows at NMU, including Cabaret (Lulu), The Producers (ensemble), Co/Lab Dance Company Performances (2021, 2023, 2024), The North Coast Dance Festival (2023), and Alice In Wonderland (Cheshire Cat, ensemble). While at NMU, her role in the arts was not only as a performer but also as a choreographer and president of the Co/Lab Dance Company. She has choreographed multiple contemporary pieces, of which were featured at the North Coast Dance Festival (2023) and the Detroit Dance City Festival (2024), and has choreographed various styles for multiple productions at NMU. 

John Fuller- John is a senior at NMU who wants to pursue  film and voice acting upon graduation. He will be substitute teaching until he can land "that dream job."

Lia Hielkema- Lia is a Musical Theatre and Political Science double major with a concentration in pre-law. She is a senior this year and this is her third year at NMU. Previous notable roles include “Regina” Rock of Ages, “Radio Voice” Grease, “Marcy Parks” The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, “Poppy” The Brink of Womanhood: an Original Musical, and “Aunt March” Little Women. Lia also founded NMUDoIt with Ryan Zepp to serve as NMU’s premiere theatrical production company in February of 2024.  Catch Lia performing in Little Shop of Horrors this summer at the Tibbits Opera House.

Emma Elaine Houston- Emma Elaine Houston graduated with a multimedia journalism degree and a dance minor from Northern Michigan University. She has been dancing for 19 years and, from a young age, knew dancing professionally was a goal. Emma has trained with companies like Joffrey School of Dance and Artistry in Motion, and continued her training with Karina Johnson and the NMU Co/Lab dance company. Emma would like to thank her family, Karina Johnson, and the NMU Theater and Dance Department for the endless support. She is eager to see what the next chapter of life holds for her. 

Maisie James- Maisie James is a member of the first graduating cohort of the Acting BFA at NMU. She has watched this department grow from Timberline to Superstar, and she could not be more proud of this wonderful and crazy group of talented people. Some of her notable roles over the years include Frenchy (Grease), Hannah (Puffs), and working as Assistant Director of Cabaret. She would like to thank everyone who has helped her grow here as an artist, whether it was endless duets in the practice rooms or a shoulder to cry on backstage, the community here has shown up and shown out 110%. She hopes you enjoy the show, and come see her Directing debut for The Rocky Horror Show in the fall! 

Rhiannyn McCauley- Rhiannyn McCauley was never a student at Northern. We don't know who she is or where she came from. She emerged from the forest one day and just started doing things, but she was pretty good so we accepted her. If you know anything about her, or would like to give her a job, please reach out to NMUTD. Rhiannyn McCauley is a real person with a mysterious background who is definitely not an AI robot. 

DaShawn Mitchell- DaShawn’s performance career began in 6th grade as an instrumentalist, by seventh grade he began singing and honing his craft, unsure of where he wanted to go but knew singing would be a part of it in some capacity. His theatrical debut came his freshman year, where he quickly fell in love with theatre. By his junior year he was set on pursing a degree in theatre and by his senior year he was committed to northern’s new BFA program, where he grew in ways he never imagined.

Maya Moreau- Maya Moreau is a Musical Theater BFA, nationally recognized as an Irene Ryan Fellow through the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. You may recognize her from NMUTD Productions of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2022), Salome(2023), Anything Goes (2024), Much Ado about Nothing (2025)- and many more! Maya takes pride in her interdisciplinary studies throughout college. She is looking forward to her internship at a non-profit arts organization this summer teaching Music, Theater, and Dance to children. 

Wyatt Schmitt- Wyatt Schmitt is a graduating senior from NMUs Acting BFA program. He was a part of many shows at Northern but his favorite production was “The Producers.” Wyatt gives a huge thanks to his professors and friends for supporting him through his NMU journey.