Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance has finalized a merger between its Wildcat Performing Arts Academy (WPAA) and Superior Arts Youth Theater (SAYT), which has been part of the Marquette community for more than 20 years and recently performed The Wizard of Oz on campus. WPAA will continue to focus on education and training, with workshops, summer intensives and other programming. SAYT will remain as the performance and design branch as it moves forward under the WPAA umbrella.
The WPAA's Managing Director Jalina McClain and Artistic Director Jill Grundstrom both had about a decade of previous experience with SAYT, as executive/artistic director and resident choreographer, respectively. They said they will continue to honor the original SAYT mission that NMU alumna Nikke (Nason) Soni envisioned while also expanding opportunities for young performers.
“It ensures that those who simply want to experience theater and dance can continue to do so, while also creating a structured pathway for students who wish to train at a pre-professional level in preparation for college or a career in the performing arts,” said Grundstrom. “It also gives us the ability to develop programming for students who may not be cast in a particular production, keeping them engaged and involved in meaningful ways. By strengthening relationships with local schools through the WPAA, this merger enhances access to performing arts education and SAYT productions, furthering our goal of making theatre and dance accessible to as many young artists and enthusiasts as possible.”
“Theater arts offers a unique space where youth feel comfortable to express themselves, and supported in their creative paths, whether that be through performing in front of an audience or running the many systems backstage,” said McClain. “With this merger, WPAA is thrilled to continue expanding access to theatrical arts, ensuring that the youth theater has a permanent home while moving forward with meaningful place-making for the community that has supported SAYT through its many transitions. The program already fosters a sense of comfort, and I'm excited that NMU Theatre & Dance, along with WPAA, can now offer a space where young people can grow, learn and explore their creativity through various levels of training.”
Grundstrom said she and McClain envision a dynamic collaboration, where directors, choreographers and designers will come from NMU, the local community and beyond, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise. She added that a key benefit of the partnership with NMU Theatre & Dance is the ability to introduce SAYT participants to guest artists and educators who are brought to campus, giving them a wide range of experiences and insights.
“One of our key goals with the SAYT merger is to create a strong recruitment pipeline into NMU Theatre & Dance,” Grundstrom said. “At the same time, we recognize that not every participant will pursue a career in the performing arts. Our primary focus is on providing high-quality access to theater and dance—both on stage and behind the scenes—while showcasing the invaluable skills the arts cultivate. Through this experience, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the performing arts and highlight the many ways they can shape personal and professional growth, regardless of a participant's future path.”
“We are incredibly excited about this merger and the bright future it brings for our community's youth,” said the SAYT Board in a statement. “Under WPAA's direction, SAYT will expand resources and new possibilities, creating an even greater impact. We have complete faith in the strong leadership guiding this transition and are confident that SAYT will thrive in its new home, creating more opportunities for our youth than ever!”
The Wildcat Performing Arts Academy was also established as a recruiting tool to introduce students in and beyond the region to NMU Theatre & Dance's more expansive academic program offerings and high-caliber productions. The WPAA held its first summer intensives for high school students in musical theater, dance and theatrical design/production in 2024 and offers related programming throughout the year. Learn more here.
“Not all youth who participate in SAYT will go on to be theater professionals, but all youth who participate in theater will gain valuable experiences from it,” said McClain. “Theater challenges youth to take on different perspectives, improvise solutions, and sharpen up their quick study—skills that are invaluable in every area of life. As WPAA grows, we are excited to provide programming that allows youth to grow in their creative insight and build on life skills that will serve them long into the future."
The Wizard of Oz was the first show produced through the new merger. It is anticipated that SAYT productions will be directed by a mix of NMU faculty, community members and outside talent—similar to its past structure—to provide participants with a well-rounded artistic experience.
According to its website, SAYT began as a civic enrichment program through the City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center. As an NMU intern, Soni mounted a production of Annie Jr. during its inaugural season and was then hired to lead and develop the youth theater program as the arts education director. After a restructuring of the Arts and Culture Center, Lake Superior Theatre served as the umbrella organization to continue youth theater in the community until SAYT became an independent organization in 2015.