Wildcat Performing Arts Academy
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.
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Major for A Day - Fall 2026
Are you a high school student interested in studying music, art, theatre, dance, and more at Northern Michigan University? Join us for our Fall 2026 Major for a Day!
Participating Departments:
- Theatre & Dance
- Art & Design
- Communication & Media Studies
- Languages, Literatures & International Studies
- Health & Human Performance
- Music
Spend the day participating in hands-on workshops, learning from NMU faculty and staff, and hearing directly from current students about their college experience. You’ll also enjoy lunch in the dining hall.
Registration is now closed.
NORTHBOUND Dance Intensive
With NMU Department of Theatre and Dance and The Wildcat Performing Arts Academy
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 8:30 AM-7:45 PM
Registration: $150.00
Take your training NORTHBOUND at the NMU Dance Intensive!
Designed for dedicated dancers in grades 6-12, NORTHBOUND offers an immersive day of technique, choreography, artistry, and professional exploration led by faculty and dance educators from Northern Michigan University.
STEP 1: Fill out the Registration Form
STEP 2: Pay the Registration Fee
STEP 3: Turn in your Required Forms
Participants will select the training level that best matches their experience and take part in six classes spanning ballet, contemporary, and jazz, with multiple approaches to technique and choreography in each discipline. Throughout the day, dancers will be challenged to strengthen their technical foundation, expand their versatility, develop musicality and artistry, and grow as confident, adaptable performers.
The Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Summer Intensives are happening from June 18th-30th, 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
DATES: June 18th-30th, 2027
Musical Theatre Intensive: June 18th-30th
Dance Intensive: June 18th-30th
Production and Design Intensive: June 18th-30th
Applications and Auditions will open soon!
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 18-30, 2027
Location: Northern Michigan University - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Age: Students 8th-12th Grade
Registration Fee: $2,250
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 18-30, 2027
Location: Northern Michigan University - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Age: Students 8th-12th Grade
Registration Fee: $2,250
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 18-30, 2027
Location: Northern Michigan University - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Age: Students 8th-12th Grade
Registration Fee: $2,250
WPAA 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