Arts and Culture

World-Premiere Ballet at NMU

Jan. 16, 2019

Northern Michigan University Theater and Dance will present the world premiere of the full-length ballet, East of the Sun, West of the Moon. This twist on the classic Scandinavian folk tale features original choreography by director Jill Grundstrom and original music composed by Griffin Candey. The production is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, through Saturday, Jan. 26, in Forest Roberts Theatre. Admission is $15 for general public, $10 for students and $5 for NMU students. All theatre and dance majors and minors are invited to attend free of charge.

FRT ballet

Klamer Caps Off NMU Experience with Illustration Honors

May. 21, 2026
Northern Michigan University May BFA graduate Lexi Klamer scored some impressive achievements in her final semester. She was selected for the Society of Illustrators (New York) 2026 Student Scholarship Competition, and received the $2,000 Nancy Lee Rhodes Roberts Scholarship for a gouache-on-paper work titled Pond Water Souls. Klamer was one of only 216 artists from more than 4,550 entries selected for an exhibition in the society's museum, which she attended shortly after  commencement.
Klamer with her gold award certificate in front of two pieces she created for the NMU School of Art & Design Senior Exhibition.

Drag Cabaret at NMU May 29-30

May. 21, 2026
Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will usher in Pride Month with a Drag Cabaret at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, May 29-30, in the Panowski Black Box Theatre. Thursday's show will be followed by an opening night party with appetizers, beverages and a meet and greet with the cast and team  
Drag Cabaret graphic with pink letters

NMU Presents 'Tragedy Sound' Play Based in the U.P.

May. 7, 2026
“Tragedy Sound,” a play about three lifelong friends from the Upper Peninsula who become stranded on Lake Superior after accepting a reckless dare to embark on a canoe trek, is the most recent work by 1996 Northern Michigan University alumna and Mass City native Karen Saari. The winner of NMU's Panowski Playwriting Award will be presented at 7:30 p.m. May 14-16 in the Panowski Black Box Theatre.
Playwright and NMU alumna Karen Saari, and a "Tragedy Sound" graphic

Superior A Capella Thriving

Apr. 20, 2026
Northern Michigan University's Superior A Cappella, a mixed-voice, student-run ensemble, has grown from its humble beginnings into a thriving musical group, bringing together up to two dozen students each semester. It performed various selections from pop musicals such as “Frozen” and “Wicked,” along with a mix of rhythm and blues songs, at its winter semester concert April 15. 
Superior A Cappella

Library Mural Project Nears Completion

Apr. 10, 2026
A collaborative mural is nearing completion in the newly-remodeled Lydia M. Olson Library at Northern Michigan University. The artwork, by graphic design and ecology student Sydney Kuipers, depicts a variety of animals native to the Upper Peninsula arranged in a geometric-like pattern. It is located front and center along the wall near the information services desk. Campus and community members have assisted in painting the mural.
Olson Library Mural Design