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!
Major For A Day!
Major for a Day - Start Your Story with NMU Department of Theatre and Dance!
Are you a high school student interested in studying theatre or dance in college? Be a Northern Michigan University Theatre or Dance major for a day! Spend the day attending classes, meeting the faculty and staff, hanging out with current students, and you'll even get some free merch!
***Open to High School Students: 9th-12th Grade***
This year's event will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 8:00am - 3:00pm. Please register for this event using the form below! Registration will close at 5:00pm on Thursday, March 13.
A final schedule will be sent to all registrants on Friday, March 14.
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
Week 1: Classes June 15-22
In week one students will be in classes 9am-5pm honing in their musical theatre skills!
Week 2: Master Classes & Showcase June 22-29
In week two we will put together the skills that were taught in week one for an hour long showcase performance, and throughout the day you will be able to take master classes with industry professionals!
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)
Registration Options:
Week One - On Campus + Meal Plan - $1,000
Week One - Commuter + Meal Plan - $800
Week One & Two - On Campus + Meal Plan - $2,000
Week One & Two - Commuter + Meal Plan - $1,600
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. Ignite your creativity through costume, sound, hair & make-up, lighting, properties, and set design. 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
Week 1: Classes June 15-22
In week one students will be in classes (generally from 9am-5pm) honing in their design and production skills!
Week 2: Showcase June 22-29
In week two we will put together the skills that were taught in week one for an hour long showcase performance.
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)
Production & Design June 15-29, 2025
Registration Options:
Week One - On Campus + Meal Plan - $1,000
Week One - Commuter + Meal Plan - $800
Week One & Two - On Campus + Meal Plan - $2,000
Week One & Two - Commuter + Meal Plan - $1,600
NOTE: Students with limited experience who are curious and passionate about theatre and design are still encouraged to apply!
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
Week 1: Classes July 13-20
In week one students will be in classes (generally 9am-5pm) honing in their dance skills!
Week 2: Master Classes & Showcase July 20-27
In week two we will put together the skills that were taught in week one for an hour long showcase performance and feature special guest instructors in Master Classes!
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)
Registration Options:
Week One - On Campus + Meal Plan - $1,000
Week One - Commuter + Meal Plan - $800
Week One & Two - On Campus + Meal Plan - $2,000
Week One & Two - Commuter + Meal Plan - $1,600
