The NMU Wildcat Performing Arts Academy offers comprehensive training, mentorship, and exposure in various arts disciplines such as dance, acting, vocal training, and theatre production. By providing a nurturing environment for artistic development, we aim to equip students with the skills and confidence necessary for success in the performing arts and beyond.
SUMMER APPLICATIONS AND AUDITIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
The Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Summer Intensives are happening from June 14th-28th, and you can audition/apply today!
Join us for two inspiring weeks of creativity at NMU WPAA's Summer Intensives - Musical Theatre, Dance, and Production and Design! These immersive two-week intensives are open to those in 8-12th grades. Led by NMU Theatre & Dance Faculty and guest artists, students will participate in a wide variety of dynamic theatre, dance, and production design classes designed to challenge and inspire students of all levels.
This is an ideal opportunity for students considering theatre or dance as a college major!
LOCATION: Northern Michigan University
Open to students in grades 8th-12th
For Early Bird pricing applications are due by December 31, 2025!
DATES: June 14th-28th
Musical Theatre Intensive: June 14th-28th
Dance Intensive: June 14th-28th
Production and Design Intensive: June 21-28th
More Info Below!
Musical Theatre Summer Intensive
A Stage Is Waiting For You!
This transformative program offers a diverse range of classes including musical theatre dance styles, choreography, acting, stage movement, and voice work which will culminate in a final performance showcase. You'll also get the chance to participate in exciting local activities throughout the week!
Dates: June 14-28, 2026
Location: Northern Michigan University - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Age: Students 8th-12th Grade
Registration Fee: $2,250
Musical Theatre Audition Information
Eligibility
Open to students in grade 8 (for the 2025-2026 school year) through grade 12 (graduating class of 2026).
Submit your audition materials by December 31 for early rates!
Early audition submission (by December 31) locks in the early bird rate of $2,000.00 for students staying on campus, and $1,300.00 for commuter students!
After December 31 rates are $2,250.00 for on campus participants and $1,500.00 for commuter students.
Audition Videos
Students must submit three separate video files. Please submit no more than the video files requested. Details below.
Video 1 - Student Introduction (Maximum 60 seconds)
- A brief close-up shot in which you state your full name, current city, state, and country.
- A brief description of your experience:
- Years you’ve been in theatre/musical theatre.
- Specific training, if applicable.
- Who you’ve trained with/worked with: current teacher(s), music director(s), director(s), and choreographer(s).
- A brief statement about why you want to attend the Intensive.
Video 2 - Acting and Singing (90 seconds combined maximum)
- A song and monologue or two contrasting songs (90 seconds combined)
- Please treat this as a professional audition, your video quality doesn’t have to be perfect but we are looking for a professional audition video.
Video 3 - Dance (60 seconds maximum)
- Video that shows you dancing in a production, video of you doing a solo dance number, OR a video of you completing this Hairspray Combination
- If the video is of an ensemble or group work, please indicate who/where you are in the video. Costumes are allowed. We are trying to get a sense of who you are.
- If the video is of an ensemble or group work, please indicate who/where you are in the video. Costumes are allowed. We are trying to get a sense of who you are.
Tips for your Audition Videos
Acting
- Make sure that your face is clearly visible and the background is simple, uncluttered, and not too bright (e.g., in front of a window).
Dance
- Please dress so we can see your movement and body clearly. Baggy clothing can obscure the movement and lines of the body.
- Ensure you have enough distance between you and the camera so that we can see your whole body.
Additional Attachments
Resume
- Things to include on your resume:
- Include your contact information, dance training and education, performance experience, special skills, notable awards, relevant certifications, and a summary highlighting your most relevant achievements.
Headshot
- If you do not have a headshot please upload a recent professional photo of yourself.
Dance Summer Intensive
Rise to the challenge!
This transformative program offers a diverse range of classes including ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, contemporary, hip-hop, composition, choreography/repertoire, conditioning, injury prevention and treatment which will culminate in a guest performance in the North Coast Dance Festival and a final performance showcase! This intensive is designed for the intermediate-advanced-level dancer.
You'll also get the chance to participate in exciting local activities throughout the week!
Dates: June 14-28, 2026
Location: Northern Michigan University - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Age: Students 8th-12th Grade
Early Bird Fee (apply by December 31): $2,000
Registration Fee: $2,250
Dance Intensive Audition Information
Eligibility
Open to students in grade 8 (for the 2025-2026 school year) through grade 12 (graduating class of 2026).
Submit your audition materials by December 31 for early rates!
Early audition submission (by December 31) locks in the early bird rate of $2,000.00 for students staying on campus, and $1,300.00 for commuter students!
After December 31 rates are $2,250.00 for on campus participants and $1,500.00 for commuter students.
Audition Videos
Students must submit three separate video files. Please submit no more than the video files requested. Details below.
Video 1 - Student Introduction (45-60 seconds)
- A brief close-up shot in which you state your full name, current city, state, and country.
- A brief description of your training and background in dance including current teacher(s), the genres of dance you are currently studying or have studied, and number of years of dance training in each genre.
- A brief statement about why you are passionate about dance, and why you want to attend the Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Summer Intensive.
Performance Section – Video 2 & 3 - Solo, Preferred Movement Technique (2 minutes maximum).
- A solo of you in your preferred movement technique. These videos should showcase the skills that best represent you as a dancer, highlighting your strengths.
- Please treat this as a professional audition, your video quality doesn’t have to be perfect but we are looking for you to present as a professional dancer.
Tips for your Audition Videos
- Please dress so we can see your movement and body clearly. Baggy clothing can obscure the movement and lines of the body.
- Ensure you have enough distance between you and the camera so that we can see your whole body.
- Provide clear, audible, views within the aforementioned videos
Resume
- Things to include on your resume:
- Include your contact information, dance training and education, performance experience, special skills, notable awards, relevant certifications, and a summary highlighting your most relevant achievements.
Headshot
- If you do not have a headshot please upload a recent professional photo of yourself.
Production & Design Summer Intensive
Endless Opportunities!
At this intensive participants will dive into the thrilling world of theatrical design and production with hands-on workshops led by seasoned professionals. Ignite your creativity through costume, sound, lighting, and management. Don't miss your chance to shine – enroll in the Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Summer Intensive and embark on a journey that will fuel your passion for theatre and leave you with memories to last a lifetime!
Dates: June 21-28, 2026
Location: Northern Michigan University - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Age: Students 8th-12th Grade
Registration Fee: $1,450
Production & Design Application Requirements
Eligibility
Open to students in grade 8 (for the 2025-2026 school year) through grade 12 (graduating class of 2026).
Submit your audition materials by December 31 for early rates!
Early audition submission (by December 31) locks in the early bird rate of $1,200.00 for students staying on campus, and $850.00 for commuter students!
After December 31 rates are $1,450 for on campus participants and $1000.00 for commuter students.
Application Materials & Videos
Students must submit video and portfolio samples. Please submit no more than the files requested. Details below.
Video 1 - Student Introduction (Maximum 60 seconds)
- Please provide a statement of intent, by video. The statement should include the following:
- A brief introduction of yourself
- Why you are interested in the Wildcat Performing Arts Academy: Production & Design Intensive
- Why you are passionate about theatre –
- Highlight any design and production experience you have had
Production and Design Portfolio Samples
Upload no more than five samples of your work using the following guidelines:
- Size:
- Uploads can be multiple pages long
- Samples:
- Photos or videos of your completed work
- Production or Design specific paperwork
- Design presentations
- Unrealized Designs (designs you have done that were never onstage)
- Items that may be included in a Theatrical Portfolio
- We understand that there is a wide variety of production examples throughout the technical theatre and production realm, we are looking for samples that you are proud of.
- NOTE: If you have not done specific production work but have been a creator of some kind you may upload samples of anything you have created (art, managerial paperwork, robotics work, costume creation, photography, podcasts, video production, etc.)
Resume
- Things to include on your resume:
- Production experience
- Classes taken in art, design, CAD, computer software, programming, microsoft office, google suite, or any other relevant training
- Clubs and organizations you have participated in
Headshot
- If you do not have a headshot please upload a recent professional photo of yourself.
Some of the programming offered throughout the year:
- Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Intensive workshops and classes geared toward middle and high school students*
- These opportunities will have varying time commitments, from an hour long class to classes spanning a full day or full weekends as well as week-long intensive experiences.
- NMU TD Kids Pre-performance workshops geared toward youth ages 12 and younger
- An opportunity to engage with the company prior to the show, immersing yourself in the world of theater, dance, and music through interactive activities!
- Education Expeditions (School Outreach/Run-Outs)
- WPAA comes to your community: school, library, community center, theatre, find a space for us to join you!
- Doing a performance of a dance or theatre work with our students
- Providing 2-6 workshops encompassing theatre arts: dance, movement, voice, acting, production and more!
- Workshops can host up to 30 students per classroom/space
- WPAA comes to your community: school, library, community center, theatre, find a space for us to join you!
- Talk-back opportunities after select NMU Theatre and Dance productions
- Enjoy an after performance Q&A with the company and get to know the ins and outs of what went into a production!
Questions?
Email us at wpaa@nmu.edu