Northern Michigan University - Forest Roberts Theatre

Northern Michigan University (NMU) in Marquette is home to one of the most dynamic undergraduate theatre and dance programs in the United States, offering a rich environment for students passionate about performing arts. The Department of Theatre & Dance provides a hands-on learning experience, integrating rigorous academic training with practical opportunities across a 13-show season. Students can engage in every aspect of production, from acting and choreography to technical design and management, fostering a well-rounded skill set. The program’s commitment to excellence is supported by experienced faculty, many of whom have worked with renowned companies and Broadway stages, ensuring students receive professional-level guidance.

The curriculum at NMU Theatre & Dance is designed to cater to diverse interests, offering both Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees, alongside Associate of Arts (A.A.) options and minors. The B.F.A. programs, including Acting, Musical Theatre, and Theatre Technology and Design, are audition-based and emphasize intensive, pre-professional training. Meanwhile, the B.A. in Theatre and Entertainment Arts allows for a customizable education, blending performance and technical courses to create versatile theater generalists. Dance students can pursue a B.A. or B.S. with specialized tracks like Dance Science or Arts Administration, enhancing their career prospects in a variety of dance-related fields.

Students at NMU benefit from unique opportunities such as the North Coast Dance Festival and the resident CO/LAB Dance Company, which provide platforms to perform alongside visiting professionals and showcase original choreography. The department’s facilities, including the Forest Roberts Theatre and the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre, offer state-of-the-art spaces for mainstage productions and experimental works. Offstage involvement is encouraged through roles in marketing, costume shops, and electrics, giving students practical experience that builds marketable skills. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared for careers in traditional theater venues or innovative new territories.

The program’s inclusivity and community focus are evident in its support for student-driven initiatives and collaborations with the local Marquette theater community. Majors are required to participate in juries each semester and complete a field studies experience, such as the New York Field Studies or Stratford Summer Tour, to broaden their perspectives. These requirements, combined with a strong emphasis on diversity and hands-on learning, help students develop resilience and creativity. The department also hosts the Mildred and Albert Panowski Playwriting Award, encouraging new works and fostering a culture of innovation among its students.

Career preparation is a priority, with NMU Theatre & Dance alumni finding success in professional theater, education, and related fields. The program offers internships and practicum experiences that connect students with industry opportunities, while courses in stage management, lighting design, and entertainment arts management equip them with practical tools. The supportive community and extensive performance opportunities ensure that graduates leave with a strong portfolio and the confidence to pursue their artistic passions, whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in emerging performance spaces.

Degree Programs and Majors

Undergraduate Programs

• B.F.A. in Acting
• B.F.A. in Musical Theatre
• B.F.A. in Theatre Technology and Design
• B.A. in Theatre and Entertainment Arts
• B.S. in Dance
• B.A. in Dance
• Associate of Arts in Theatre Performance
• Associate of Arts in Theatre Technology
• Associate of Arts in Dance

Minors

• Dance Minor
• Theatre and Entertainment Arts Minor