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.

NMU Hosts High School Dance Intensive and North Coast Dance Festival

Jun. 18, 2025 —
Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will host its Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Summer Dance Intensive for high school intermediate- to advanced-level dancers July 13-27. Participants will attend sessions led by prominent industry professionals from Giordano Dance Chicago, Ballet Project OC of California, a former Broadway touring company member and others. They will also perform alongside the two visiting ensembles and NMU CO/LAB Dance Company during the North Coast Dance Festival, which consists of a masterclass and two public performances.  

'Love Letters' Play at NMU June 26-28

Jun. 10, 2025 —
Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney, a past nominee for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play features two characters—Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III—whose 50-year correspondence chronicles their evolving relationship and shared confidences. It has been described as “a tender, tragi-comic and nuanced examination of the shared nostalgia, missed opportunities and deep closeness of two lifelong, complicated friends.” Showtimes are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26 through Saturday, June 28, in Forest Roberts Theatre.  

NMU Music Department Hosts Summer Concert Series

May. 30, 2025 —
The Northern Michigan University Department of Music is launching a new series titled Summer Concerts at Reynolds, which will take place on Tuesdays in June and July in Reynolds Recital Hall. This year's series will highlight the department's faculty, all of whom are highly trained professional musicians, in addition to teaching full time. One or more faculty members will be featured during each performance.

NMU Theatre & Dance Presents Panowski Playwriting Award Winner

May. 7, 2025 —
Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present “Six Men Dressed Like Joseph Stalin” by Dianne Nora, winner of the Panowski Playwriting Award. With the former USSR as its backdrop, the dark comedy revolves around two men—loosely inspired by real figures—who bear such a strong resemblance to Stalin that they are forced into dangerous service as political decoys to thwart his enemies and alleviate fears for his safety. Performances are scheduled at 7:30 pm. Thursday, May 15, through Saturday, May 17, in NMU's Panowski Black Box Theatre.

NMU Hosts First 'Water is Life' Festival

Apr. 17, 2025 —
Northern Michigan University's Center for Native American Studies will host Marquette's first "Water is Life Festival" on Friday, April 25. The event will bring together Indigenous teachers, local and regional musicians, performance artists, visual and material artists, and grassroots environmental advocates from throughout the Upper Peninsula. Admission to all activities is free.