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.
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!
NMU TD Kids Home for the Holidays Experience!
Join us for our NMU TD Kids Workshop - Home for the Holidays Experience, taking place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 7 — before our Home for the Holidays Saturday Matinee!
This workshop is for children of all ages. WPAA’s goal for NMU TD Kids is to provide a fun, interactive introduction to the world of theatre arts, specifically geared toward youth ages 4-12. The workshop will offer educational arts experiences from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tickets are $30.00 per child with an accompanying adult.
Children will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on activities, including art crafts, games, movement stories, and learning choreography from our Home for the Holidays performers!
To Note: No prior experience in dance, music, or theatre is needed to attend. We simply want youth to have fun while learning more about theatre arts. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite dance attire or a fun holiday outfit that allows them to move and create art!
Event Schedule:
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Workshop stations and light refreshments will be set up throughout the Forest Roberts Theatre lobby, offering opportunities for youth to engage in ornament making, snowflake creation, gift bag design, and photo ops with our performers!
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Movement story time will take place onstage inside the theatre. Youth are highly encouraged to participate! We ask that children wear socks or “inside only” dance-specific shoes for this portion of the event.
Following the event, from 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. A very special guest will be available for photo opportunities in the lobby. Families are encouraged to stick around to take photos before the performance.
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 15-29, 2025
Location: Northern Michigan University - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Age: Students in 8th grade (2024-2025) through current 12th Grader (class of 2025)
Audition information will be coming soon!
Design & Production 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. Explore the technical and business sides of theatre with classes in stage and production management, technical direction, and marketing. Ignite your creativity through costume, sound, hair & make-up, lighting, properties, and set design. Then, join forces with fellow campers to bring your visions to life on the stage. 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 15-29, 2025
Location: Northern Michigan University - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Age: Students going in 8th grade (2024-2025) through current 12th graders (class of 2025)
Audition information will be coming soon!
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: July 13-27, 2025
Location: Northern Michigan University - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Age: Students in 8th grade (2024-2025) through current 12th graders (class of 2025)
Audition information will be coming soon!