Arts and Culture

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present its inaugural CO/LAB Company full-length performance, a vibrant dance showcase featuring a variety of styles and three pieces choreographed by NMU students. The schedule includes 7:30 p.m. performances Feb. 2-4 in Forest Roberts Theatre, and a 1 p.m. sensory-friendly Theatre for All matinee on Feb. 4.

A new exhibition titled "It's All Downhill: Alpine Skiing in the U.P." will open at the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University on Saturday, Jan. 21. It focuses on the region's skiing roots introduced by Scandanavians and the Alpine ski hills that have operated across the U.P. for the past 80 years. 

Northern Michigan University 1998 alumnus Kelsey Mann is directing "Inside Out 2," the sequel to the Academy Award-winning best animated feature. The movie is slated for release in June 2024. It will follow the original human, Riley, as a teenager encountering new emotions. The returning voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith and Lewis Black will introduce familiar characters Joy, Sadness and Anger.

An exhibition of creative works by Northern Michigan University School of Art & Design faculty will open with a free, public reception from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at NMU's DeVos Art Museum. The Faculty Biennial Exhibition highlights diverse achievements in all media and concentrations.

Two Northern Michigan University alumni collaborated on a 20-minute independent documentary titled The Iron Town, which delves into Negaunee's mining history, current issues, and the key role that outdoor recreation is playing in guiding the city's future. Both will discuss the making of the film, with a screening to follow, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. The project premiered at the 2022 Fresh Coast Film Festival. 

Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum is hosting the School of Art and Design's Fall 2022 Senior Exhibition. The works of graduating students from all concentrations will be shown. The exhibition will end with a closing reception from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, with awards being presented at 8 p.m. that same night. The event is free and open to the public.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance is bringing back its “Letters to Santa” program starting Monday, Nov. 14. These letters can be found at either Forest Roberts Theatre or the Northern Center. Anyone who fills it out and sends the letter will get a signed postcard from Wildcat Willy in a holiday suit with a promo code for a buy-one-get-one coupon to use for a future show.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Jeff Vande Zande will give a reading from his newly published fifth novel, "Rules of Order," at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at Peter White Public Library. The 1993 graduate had previously published a short story collection and was inspired to expand upon one of the pieces contained within it. Soon after Vande Zande began the project, his writing intensified during the early stage of the pandemic. He managed to complete a book-length draft in only six weeks.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University is featuring an exhibition titled “Above/Under the Surface: The Fisheries of the Upper Great Lakes” through December in its Gries Hall gallery. The exhibition looks at the changes that have taken place in the fish populations and the impact of human beings on native fish species. Admission is free.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present its first-ever devised production, in which the entire creative team develops the script and show collaboratively. The world premiere of Finding Home celebrates members of historically marginalized communities who have shared their experiences at NMU and in the Marquette area. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4-5 and 9-12 in the Panowski Black Box Theatre. A sensory-friendly performance will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5.