Experience the Joy of Live Theatre
Are you an educator in the Marquette area looking for the perfect field trip for your students? Look no further! The Department of Theatre and Dance at Northern Michigan University is thrilled to provide fun and educational student matinee performances for several of our productions each year. These performances offer elementary, middle, and high school students the unforgettable opportunity to view a live theatre production and to learn more about acting, singing, dancing, and various design aspects, from puppetry to lighting to costumes!
Interested in experiencing one of our student matinees? We'd love to have you! Click the links below for more information regarding upcoming student matinees. For specific questions or requests, please email us at nmutd@nmu.edu.
Due to high demand, NMU Theatre and Dance student matinee reservations will be handled slightly differently this season. Once a reservation request is made and confirmed through our Google form and Box Office Manager, full payment will be required within 30 days or the reservation will be canceled. Invoices will now flow through NMU Billing and Accounting.
2026-2027 Student Matinee Dates
Come From Away
Friday, September 25th, 2026 - 10:00am & Friday, October 2nd, 2026 - 10:00am
Forest Roberts Theatre
Come From Away is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.
Approximate Run Time: 1hr 40mins | 15min Intermission
CONTENT WARNING: The core of the musical focuses on the 2001 terrorist attacks, grief, fear, and racial profiling. This production contains adult content such as depictions of intense emotional distress, adult language and mild swearing, adult references and innuendos, and depictions of alcohol use.
*Please take this content warning into account and do your own research when deciding whether or not students should attend this production.
~ TICKETS ON SALE NOW ~
Reserve Your Seats
Reserve tickets for your group today with our easy step-by-step process!
- Fill out our Student Matinee Reservation Form with your group's information including your school's name, your contact information, and your group size.
- Receive an invoice and instructions on how to pay for your tickets via email.
- Pay your invoice by the deadline given in your confirmation email or your reservation will cancelled. All payments must be made at least 2 weeks prior to the student matinee performance.
- Enjoy the show!
Tickets for the following Student Matinees are not yet on sale. Coming in August!
A Christmas Story
Friday, December 4th, 2026 - 10:00am & Friday, December 11th, 2026 - 10:00am
Forest Roberts Theatre
You’ll shoot your eye out!
Unwrap a holiday classic, just like it was the first time. Adapted from the original movie by the composers of La La Land, The Greatest Showman, and, yes, Dear Evan Hansen, this stage musical delighted Clear Space audiences years ago – and is back for a second helping. Ralphie’s got one Christmas wish: a Red Ryder BB gun with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time. But, with a dreaded double-dog dare, a bunny suit, a Cracker Jack prize, and a very grumpy Santa, will he make it til December 25? Relive all the nostalgic holiday fun of the movie… with some new laughs, a big heart, and just the right amount of leg lamp glow to remind you that even if they’re wildly imperfect, our families are who make the holidays special.
Approximate Run Time: 2hrs 30mins | 15min Intermission
CONTENT WARNING: This production contains possible triggering content such as mild stage violence/bullying, a scene referencing Nazis, minor adult humor (the famous fishnet-stocking leg lamp), and mild profanity (such as the phrase "son of a bitch")
*Please take this content warning into account and do your own research when deciding whether or not students should attend this production.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Friday, January 29th, 2027 - 10:00am & Friday, February 5th, 2027 - 10:00am
Forest Roberts Theatre
15-year-old Christopher stands beside his neighbor Mrs. Shears’ dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington the dog.
Christopher has an extraordinary brain and is exceptional at math, but he is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. But Christopher’s detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that turns his world upside-down.
Approximate Run Time: 2hrs 30mins | 15min Intermission
CONTENT WARNING: This production contains adult language and profanity, and depictions of a neuro-diverse individual, child abuse and self-harm, as well as discussions of animal cruelty.
*High School Only - Please take this content warning into account and do your own research when deciding whether or not students should attend this production.
Sister Act
Friday, April 9th, 2027 - 10:00am
Forest Roberts Theatre
Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.
Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act will leave audiences breathless. The cast is chock full of amazing roles for women of all ages, making this a perfect choice for high schools and community theatres. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to REJOICE!
Approximate Run Time: 2hrs 30mins | 15min Intermission
CONTENT WARNING: This production contains fog/haze, flashing lights, strobe effects, adult language and profanity, and adult themes such as depictions of theatrical gun violence, menacing mobsters, simulated gunshots, sexual references and innuendos. The musical features a few adult situations, romantic themes, and innuendo that may go over the heads of younger children but are geared toward a more mature audience.
*Please take this content warning into account and do your own research when deciding whether or not students should attend this production.
Theatre Etiquette
We are so excited to share the experience of live theatre with you and your students, and want to encourage you to share these reminders with them, as well as your chaperones, to ensure that everyone has a great time!
- Please don’t run in the theater or the lobby; walk carefully and use the railings if you are going down the stairs.
- Please do not bring any food, drink, candy, or gum with you into the theatre.
- Once you are in your seat, you may talk quietly until the performance begins.
- Please don’t put your feet up on the seats in front of you or step over seat backs.
- Make sure to silence all cell phones and beeping watches before the performance begins.
- When the lights go down for the performance to begin, please stop talking and turn your attention to the stage.
- Please stay in your seat during the performance unless it’s an emergency.
- Make sure to stay with your group at all times.
- Photography, video recording, and audio recording are not allowed in the theater.
- Have fun! Please feel free to clap after songs and laugh at jokes.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes! If you would like to eat on campus after a student matinee, please contact NMU Dining at dining@nmu.edu or 906-227-2520.
A: Please contact us as soon as possible at nmutd@nmu.edu or 906-227-2760. We will do our best to accommodate changes, but due to high demand cannot guarantee additional seats. Reservations are non-refundable once confirmed and paid for.
Please note that payment is due in full 30 days after the reservation is confirmed by our Box Office. If your reservation is not paid for within 30 days it will be canceled.