Theatre and Dance Student Handbook - NMU Theatre and Dance

Degrees Within the Department of Theatre and Dance

Musical Theatre Major - Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

The BFA in Musical Theatre major is a conservatory-style immersive training program in performance for aspiring musical theatre professionals. Students will be trained in all aspects of musical theatre performance including, voice, acting and dance. A unit of ten students will be selected from national auditions each year for acceptance into the program.

Acting Major - Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

The BFA in Acting is a conservatory-style immersive training program in performance for aspiring acting professionals. Students will be trained in all aspects of acting including, voice and movement, script/character analysis, and performance pedagogy. A unit of ten students will be selected from national auditions each year for acceptance into the program. Continuation in the program requires successful completion of a BFA Performance Jury each semester. Full admittance to the BFA programs will be decided by late February each year and the student will be notified by the theatre faculty of their acceptance. All other students will be automatically accepted to the Theatre and Entertainment Arts major pending university admittance and are encouraged to reapply to either BFA programs in following years.

Theatre Technology and Design Major - Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

A focused program of study specializing in the areas of technology and design for the theatre and entertainment world. Admittance into the Bachelor of Fine Arts Theatre Technology and Design program will occur in sophomore year based off of an interview and portfolio submission. When admitted into the BFA, a student will choose one of six different disciplines in which to study. The program culminates in a capstone project resulting in a realized theatrical design.

Theatre and Entertainment Arts Major - Bachelor of Arts (BA)

This degree focuses on the student and their particular needs. It combines both classroom and hands on education to create a well-rounded theatre generalist. The foundation of the curriculum is an equal mix of performance and technical theatre courses giving the student a solid launching pad in which to select their specific theatre electives. The elective requirements allow each student to build their specific education experience along with help from our dedicated faculty.

Dance Major - Bachelor of Arts/Science

The Bachelor Arts/Science in Dance major at NMU focuses on technique, composition, performance, pedagogy, and science to create well-rounded, thinking dance professionals. Whether a chosen focus is on stage or behind the scenes, students will have the option to add on a “track” to the required coursework to create an individualized educational experience based on their needs post-graduation.

Associates of Arts Degree: Performance

This program is designed to educate students looking to learn and gain more experience in performance for live theatre. This program is designed to give students a broad range of aspects in performance pedagogy, historical theatre context and stage directing skills.  The program is perfect for students who wish to work in the field.

Associates of Arts Degree: Theatre Technology

This program is designed to educate students looking to learn the many facets of theatre technology. This  two year associate's degree program is for students intending to work in the many fields of study for technical theatre, but are not looking to specialize in learning about the areas of design for theatre specifically. 

Associates of Arts Degree: Dance

This program is designed to educate students looking to learn and understand the many facets of dance. This two-year associate's degree program is for students intending to work in the many fields of study and practice for dance, without looking to specialize in any one area.

Theatre and Entertainment Arts Minor

Dance Minor

The Department of Theatre and Dance began holding forums in the fall 2020 semester as a way to provide more opportunities for our students to talk to working professionals in the theatre, dance, and entertainment industries. Topics and speakers are chosen by faculty and staff with input from our Student Advisory Board. Though our forums are crafted for our theatre and dance students, any NMU student is welcome to attend. 

For a list of upcoming and past forums, please visit https://nmu.edu/theatreanddance/theatre-and-dance-forums.

Please click here to view a current list of Department of Theatre and Dance Faculty and Staff.

Department of Theatre and Dance Mission Statement

The Department of Theatre and Dance plays a vital role in the cultural life of the Upper Peninsula by:

1. Creating theatrical and dance productions of the highest standard which explore and illuminate the human condition;
2. Providing artistic training and experience for a diverse group of university theatre and dance students;
3. Providing educational programs for our audiences;
4. Providing the community with the resources and consulting skills of the theatre and dance faculty;
5. Providing the opportunity for the Marquette community to participate in theatrical and dance productions.

Guiding Principles

We believe theatre and dance, at their best, illuminate the human condition.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Northern Michigan University prides itself on its national reputation as an outstanding undergraduate theatre and dance program. As such, our productions are staged as creatively and boldly as resources permit and under no circumstances will we compromise the present level of artistic standards. Instead, every effort will be made to enhance quality.

We create musicals, plays, dance compositions, and experiences, not simply produce them, and place a high value on originality and innovation.

The theatre is an art that is most effective when it asks provocative and essential questions about the human condition rather than attempting to provide specific solutions or answers. With this in mind, our work is not biased toward any particular political, theological, or aesthetic point of view.

Classical works that allow all of us to re-examine our cultural, moral, and aesthetic heritage are an essential component of our work. We believe that realizing the true power of these works requires continual creative and scholarly re-examination, led by the artistry of forward-thinking directors working with innovative designers.

The future of the American theatre depends largely upon the development of the American playwright and choreographer and we encourage the creation of new works through our annual playwriting award competition. The NMU Theatre and Dance faculty actively keeps abreast of new work produced within the non-profit and commercial theatre and we mount productions of the most entertaining, provocative, and educational new plays and dance compositions.

We are committed first and foremost to our students, the individuals evolving into true theatre and dance artists. As such, we select plays and compositions that give our student artists the opportunity to work with the kind of material they will encounter should they embark upon a professional theatre or dance career. We endeavor to present as wide a range of theatre and dance styles, periods, and genres as possible at Northern Michigan University.

To apply to NMU, please visit https://nmu.edu/admissions/apply.

In order to be admitted into the BFA Acting, BFA Musical Theatre, and BFA Theatre Technology and Design, and BA/BS Dance programs at Northern Michigan University, students must complete an entrance audition or interview upon admission to NMU. The Department of Theatre and Dance awards scholarships based on auditions/interviews.

Students applying to the BA/BS Theatre and Entertainment Arts program must complete an interview for scholarship consideration, but do not have to complete an audition/interview for entrance into the program.

To view a full list of entrance audition/interview requirements, please click here.

Details about theatre performance opportunities can be found online at https://nmu.edu/theatreanddance/auditions.

A full list of our audition, casting, and rehearsal policies can be found online at https://nmu.edu/theatreanddance/auditioncastingpolicies.

CO/LAB Company is our resident dance company at Northern Michigan University. It provides student performance and choreography opportunities as well as opportunities to work with faculty and guest choreographers. Auditions for the CO/LAB Company are typically held at the beginning of fall semester each year. Company members are expected to be involved for the entire academic year and should plan on being involved in the annual North Coast Dance Festival at the end of July each year. For more information, please email Karina Johnson at karijohn@nmu.edu. 

Click here to download a PDF version of the code of conduct for all student performers within the Department of Theatre and Dance. The code of conduct can also be viewed below.

NMU Department of Theatre and Dance Code of Conduct: Performance

NMU Theatre & Dance wishes to provide a safe and respectful environment for the artists and students involved in our productions.

As Educators, it is our responsibility to prepare you for the world of professional performance. We are presenting you with a series of expectations, as well as the consequences for choosing to disregard these expectations. While this document is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. Situations not explicitly addressed will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Our department is committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and welcoming environment that respects the dignity of every individual. The Department of Theatre & Dance believes respect comes in many forms and by participating in our productions you agree to the following professional conduct: 

I agree to:

1. Plan ahead:
   • Eat before rehearsal.
   • Be off-book/know choreography by date assigned. Do not use the rehearsal process for line memorization. Memorization is to be done on your time, rehearsal is for exploration and discovery.
   • Performers are expected to arrive early to physically/vocally warm themselves up.
2. Attend every assigned rehearsal/performance/training unless excused by the Director.
   • If an emergency arises and you must miss rehearsal, let your PSM know ASAP. Your absence will not be excused until cleared by the Director.
   • We will be going off of the availability listed on your audition forms and will consider any additional absences to be unexcused unless you have received Director’s approval.
3. Be ready to work at the assigned rehearsal/performance times.
4. Remain present in the building until I have been dismissed from rehearsal.  
5. Enter the space with a positive attitude ready to work:
   • Park your personal issues at the door.
   • Treat all Company members with patience and respect.
6. Rehearsals and performances take precedence over all other extracurricular/vocational activities.
7. Never arrive at a rehearsal or performance under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
8. When a Director/Choreographer/Production Stage Manager gives you a note, work to implement it as soon as possible.
9. Accept artistic responsibility and never blame others for my own failure.
10. Never criticize another colleague’s work either in-person or via social media.
11. Accept both public praise and constructive criticism graciously.
12. Respect and protect the set, properties, costumes, and equipment:
    • Do not touch any props that don’t involve you in the production. Period. Ever.
    • Pre-set your props before each performance, and return them to the props table after each performance.
    • Do not touch any costume pieces that are not yours. 
    • Hang your costumes up properly, as you first found them, after each performance.
    • Clean up after yourself. Do not leave half full Starbucks cups (don’t forget your name is on the cup) etc. lying around backstage.
    • Eat food and non-water items in designated eating areas only.
13. Stay positive throughout the process: rehearsal, tech, performance.
14. Respect all members of the Department of Theatre & Dance.
15. Adherence to this Performance Code of Conduct will influence Practicum grades.

Furthermore:

• Digital devices are prohibited on stage and backstage at all times unless contributing to the work of the production.
• Cell phones are permitted, in silent mode, in the auditorium during rehearsals and in the dressing room and green room during performance:
  • As long as it is not disruptive.
  • As long as you do not miss any entrances/cues.
• Guests are not allowed backstage or in the dressing room without first obtaining permission only from the Production Stage Manager.
• You are required to provide escort for any permitted guest.

While this document is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. Situations not explicitly addressed will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The following 3-strike policy will be the process for any company member(s) found in violation of the above Code of Conduct:

• The first transgression will result in a verbal reminder.
• The second in a verbal warning.
• On the third, your role in the production will be re-cast or re-assigned.

NMU Faculty and Staff reserve the right to immediately dismiss a company member for any major violation of the above Code of Conduct. While this document is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. Situations not explicitly addressed will be handled on a case-by-case basis

NMU Student Handbook: www.nmu.edu/studenthandbook. 

NMU Equal Opportunity Resources: https://nmu.edu/equalopportunity/index.php/.

Show Title:___________________________________________________________

Role(s):_______________________________________________________________

Signature:________________________________ Date:_____________________

Design and technical assignments are assigned before the start of the academic year, or as needed to fill vacant assignments. Production assignments are determined from an interview process including a portfolio presentation conducted late in the spring semester prior to the next production season. Department of Theatre and Dance students are encouraged to accept any design or technical theatre position offered to them. BFA Theatre Technology and Design students must accept any design or technical theatre position offered to them. Once accepted, student designers must adhere to the NMU Department of Theatre and Dance Design/Tech Code of Conduct.

Click here to download a PDF version of the code of conduct for all student designers and technicians within the Department of Theatre and Dance. The code of conduct can also be viewed below.

NMU Department of Theatre and Dance Code of Conduct: Theatre Technology and Design

NMU Theatre & Dance wishes to provide a safe and respectful environment for the artists and students involved in our productions.

As Educators, it is our responsibility to prepare you for the world of professional design and technical work. We are presenting you with a series of expectations, as well as the consequences for choosing to disregard these expectations. While this document is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. Situations not explicitly addressed will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Our department is committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and welcoming environment that respects the dignity of every individual. The Department of Theatre & Dance believes respect comes in many forms and by participating in our productions you agree to the following professional conduct: 

I agree to:

1. Meet all assigned deadlines
2. Attend all assigned production meetings unless excused by your immediate supervisor
   • If an emergency arises and you must miss a meeting let your supervisor and the production manager know ASAP
   • Excused absences include but are not limited to: Classes, University recognized events & holiday, and agreements between yourself and your supervisor.
   • Shop employees must clock out for production meetings
3. Be ready and prepared to work at the assigned rehearsal/performance/shop start times
   • If arriving late, you must contact your direct supervisor, Stage Manager, or Production Manager
   • Late arrivals are subject to the 3 strike policy outlined below
4. Enter the space with a collaborative attitude, focused, and ready to work:
   • Treat all Company members with patience and respect
5. Scheduled work calls, rehearsals and performances take precedence over all other extracurricular/vocational activities
6. Never arrive at a work call, rehearsal, technical rehearsal or performance under the influence of drugs or alcohol
7. Accept artistic responsibility and never blame others
8. Never criticize another colleague’s work either in-person or via social media in a non-constructive way
9. Accept both public praise and constructive criticism with grace and humility
10. Respect all members and patrons of the Department of Theatre & Dance
11. Adherence to this Theatre Technology & Design Code of Conduct will influence Practicum grades and is subject to the 3 strike policy as outlined below

Furthermore:

• Use of digital devices are prohibited on stage and backstage at all times unless contributing to the work of the production
• Digital Devices are permitted, in silent mode, in the auditorium during rehearsals and in the dressing room and green room during performance:
  • As long as it is not disruptive
  • As long as you do not miss any cues
  • In accordance with NMUTD’s Social Media Policy as stated in the NMUTD Student Handbook
• Guests are not allowed backstage or in the dressing room without first obtaining permission only from the Production Stage Manager.
  • You are required to provide escort for any permitted guest.

While this document is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. Situations not explicitly addressed will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The following 3-strike policy will be the process for any company member(s) found in violation of the above Code of Conduct:

• The first transgression will result in a verbal reminder.
• The second will result in a verbal warning, and concurrent production assignments will be reviewed by the faculty, who will assess whether they need to be reassigned.
• On the third strike, your role in the production will be re-assigned, and your academic standing will be reviewed by the faculty and staff of NMU Theatre and Dance.

All strikes will be followed up via email to ensure strikes are tracked and that all parties understand the nature of the transgression.

NMU Faculty and Staff reserve the right to immediately dismiss a company member for any major violation of the above Code of Conduct. While this document is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. Situations not explicitly addressed will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

NMU Student Handbook: www.nmu.edu/studenthandbook. 

NMU Equal Opportunity Resources: https://nmu.edu/equalopportunity/index.php/.

Show Title:___________________________________________________________

Position:______________________________________________________________

Signature:________________________________ Date:_____________________

Coming soon!

Click here to view the jury process for students in the BFA in Musical Theatre program.

Click here to view the BFA Tech and Design jury process.

Click here to view the jury process for students in the BA/BS Dance program admitted during the 2021-2022 academic year (4 juries).

Click here to view the jury process for students in the BA/BS Dance program admitted during the Fall 2022 and later academic years (5 juries).

Due to the cumulative nature of Department of Theatre and Dance classes, attendance is mandatory. Failure to attend class will result in not only missing the material for that class, but an inability to keep up with subsequent classes. If you are absent or late, it is your responsibility to catch up on what you missed, not the instructor’s. Each individual instructor may decide the repercussions of excessive absences and/or tardies.

Click here to download a PDF version of the code of conduct for all student performers within the Department of Theatre and Dance. The code of conduct can also be viewed below.

NMU Department of Theatre and Dance Code of Conduct: Performance

NMU Theatre & Dance wishes to provide a safe and respectful environment for the artists and students involved in our productions.

As Educators, it is our responsibility to prepare you for the world of professional performance. We are presenting you with a series of expectations, as well as the consequences for choosing to disregard these expectations. While this document is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. Situations not explicitly addressed will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Our department is committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and welcoming environment that respects the dignity of every individual. The Department of Theatre & Dance believes respect comes in many forms and by participating in our productions you agree to the following professional conduct: 

I agree to:

1. Plan ahead:
   • Eat before rehearsal.
   • Be off-book/know choreography by date assigned. Do not use the rehearsal process for line memorization. Memorization is to be done on your time, rehearsal is for exploration and discovery.
   • Performers are expected to arrive early to physically/vocally warm themselves up.
2. Attend every assigned rehearsal/performance/training unless excused by the Director.
   • If an emergency arises and you must miss rehearsal, let your PSM know ASAP. Your absence will not be excused until cleared by the Director.
   • We will be going off of the availability listed on your audition forms and will consider any additional absences to be unexcused unless you have received Director’s approval.
3. Be ready to work at the assigned rehearsal/performance times.
4. Remain present in the building until I have been dismissed from rehearsal.  
5. Enter the space with a positive attitude ready to work:
   • Park your personal issues at the door.
   • Treat all Company members with patience and respect.
6. Rehearsals and performances take precedence over all other extracurricular/vocational activities.
7. Never arrive at a rehearsal or performance under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
8. When a Director/Choreographer/Production Stage Manager gives you a note, work to implement it as soon as possible.
9. Accept artistic responsibility and never blame others for my own failure.
10. Never criticize another colleague’s work either in-person or via social media.
11. Accept both public praise and constructive criticism graciously.
12. Respect and protect the set, properties, costumes, and equipment:
    • Do not touch any props that don’t involve you in the production. Period. Ever.
    • Pre-set your props before each performance, and return them to the props table after each performance.
    • Do not touch any costume pieces that are not yours. 
    • Hang your costumes up properly, as you first found them, after each performance.
    • Clean up after yourself. Do not leave half full Starbucks cups (don’t forget your name is on the cup) etc. lying around backstage.
    • Eat food and non-water items in designated eating areas only.
13. Stay positive throughout the process: rehearsal, tech, performance.
14. Respect all members of the Department of Theatre & Dance.
15. Adherence to this Performance Code of Conduct will influence Practicum grades.

Furthermore:

• Digital devices are prohibited on stage and backstage at all times unless contributing to the work of the production.
• Cell phones are permitted, in silent mode, in the auditorium during rehearsals and in the dressing room and green room during performance:
  • As long as it is not disruptive.
  • As long as you do not miss any entrances/cues.
• Guests are not allowed backstage or in the dressing room without first obtaining permission only from the Production Stage Manager.
• You are required to provide escort for any permitted guest.

While this document is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. Situations not explicitly addressed will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The following 3-strike policy will be the process for any company member(s) found in violation of the above Code of Conduct:

• The first transgression will result in a verbal reminder.
• The second in a verbal warning.
• On the third, your role in the production will be re-cast or re-assigned.

NMU Faculty and Staff reserve the right to immediately dismiss a company member for any major violation of the above Code of Conduct. While this document is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. Situations not explicitly addressed will be handled on a case-by-case basis

NMU Student Handbook: www.nmu.edu/studenthandbook. 

NMU Equal Opportunity Resources: https://nmu.edu/equalopportunity/index.php/.

Show Title:___________________________________________________________

Role(s):_______________________________________________________________

Signature:________________________________ Date:_____________________

Click here to download a PDF version of the code of conduct for all student designers and technicians within the Department of Theatre and Dance. The code of conduct can also be viewed below.

NMU Department of Theatre and Dance Code of Conduct: Theatre Technology and Design

NMU Theatre & Dance wishes to provide a safe and respectful environment for the artists and students involved in our productions.

As Educators, it is our responsibility to prepare you for the world of professional design and technical work. We are presenting you with a series of expectations, as well as the consequences for choosing to disregard these expectations. While this document is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. Situations not explicitly addressed will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Our department is committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and welcoming environment that respects the dignity of every individual. The Department of Theatre & Dance believes respect comes in many forms and by participating in our productions you agree to the following professional conduct: 

I agree to:

1. Meet all assigned deadlines
2. Attend all assigned production meetings unless excused by your immediate supervisor
   • If an emergency arises and you must miss a meeting let your supervisor and the production manager know ASAP
   • Excused absences include but are not limited to: Classes, University recognized events & holiday, and agreements between yourself and your supervisor.
   • Shop employees must clock out for production meetings
3. Be ready and prepared to work at the assigned rehearsal/performance/shop start times
   • If arriving late, you must contact your direct supervisor, Stage Manager, or Production Manager
   • Late arrivals are subject to the 3 strike policy outlined below
4. Enter the space with a collaborative attitude, focused, and ready to work:
   • Treat all Company members with patience and respect
5. Scheduled work calls, rehearsals and performances take precedence over all other extracurricular/vocational activities
6. Never arrive at a work call, rehearsal, technical rehearsal or performance under the influence of drugs or alcohol
7. Accept artistic responsibility and never blame others
8. Never criticize another colleague’s work either in-person or via social media in a non-constructive way
9. Accept both public praise and constructive criticism with grace and humility
10. Respect all members and patrons of the Department of Theatre & Dance
11. Adherence to this Theatre Technology & Design Code of Conduct will influence Practicum grades and is subject to the 3 strike policy as outlined below

Furthermore:

• Use of digital devices are prohibited on stage and backstage at all times unless contributing to the work of the production
• Digital Devices are permitted, in silent mode, in the auditorium during rehearsals and in the dressing room and green room during performance:
  • As long as it is not disruptive
  • As long as you do not miss any cues
  • In accordance with NMUTD’s Social Media Policy as stated in the NMUTD Student Handbook
• Guests are not allowed backstage or in the dressing room without first obtaining permission only from the Production Stage Manager.
  • You are required to provide escort for any permitted guest.

While this document is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. Situations not explicitly addressed will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The following 3-strike policy will be the process for any company member(s) found in violation of the above Code of Conduct:

• The first transgression will result in a verbal reminder.
• The second will result in a verbal warning, and concurrent production assignments will be reviewed by the faculty, who will assess whether they need to be reassigned.
• On the third strike, your role in the production will be re-assigned, and your academic standing will be reviewed by the faculty and staff of NMU Theatre and Dance.

All strikes will be followed up via email to ensure strikes are tracked and that all parties understand the nature of the transgression.

NMU Faculty and Staff reserve the right to immediately dismiss a company member for any major violation of the above Code of Conduct. While this document is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. Situations not explicitly addressed will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

NMU Student Handbook: www.nmu.edu/studenthandbook. 

NMU Equal Opportunity Resources: https://nmu.edu/equalopportunity/index.php/.

Show Title:___________________________________________________________

Position:______________________________________________________________

Signature:________________________________ Date:_____________________

A full list of our audition, casting, and rehearsal policies can be found online at https://nmu.edu/theatreanddance/auditioncastingpolicies.

NMU Theatre and Dance encourages the sharing of authorized content from our official curated Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok accounts. This content is designed to engage with our audiences and present NMUTD in its best image as to assist with NMUTD’s endeavors for ticket sales, recruitment, and education.

NMUTD prohibits all faculty, students, and production personnel from posting photographs, video or audio recordings, or textual content relating to NMUTD productions without authorization from the Director of Theatre or Marketing Supervisor. Prohibited materials include but are not limited to photos, videos, audio recordings, or textual representations of:

• Rehearsals

• Performances

• Designs or design-related materials

• Backstage areas such as stage wings, dressing rooms, green room, tech booth, etc.

After the final performance of a production, any photographs, video or audio recordings, or textual content related to the production that positively represents NMUTD and/or its students is permitted to be posted on students' social media accounts. Negative reflections of NMUTD and/or its students should be brought to the attention of a supervisor or the Director of Theatre so that they may address the issues experienced and improve the environment and experience for all parties involved. 

Statement of Intent

The intent of this policy is to ensure that our audiences are receiving a cohesive message and content from NMUTD that displays how proud we are of the work done here as well as the students that make it happen. While social media posts may seem innocuous, we ask that you understand that posts may contain information about or depictions of castmates that they may or may not have consented to, unfinished design work that designers are not ready to share with the public, or reveal some of the magic that we hope to surprise audiences with.

Click here to access the NMU Student Handbook.

Click here to view a list of NMU Equal Opportunity resources and NMU policies and procedures. This includes NMU's non-discrimination policy and relationship violence, sexual misconduct, and stalking policy, as well as many other university resources.

The Forest Roberts Theatre, affectionately known as the FRT, is one of the finest university theaters in the nation. The performance space boasts computerized lighting control and sound systems maintained from both an overhead and ground-floor booth, a full-size orchestra pit, and seating for 515 patrons. Backstage, you'll find a massive fly space, four props and scenery decks, two 25-mirror dressing rooms, a green room, an electrics shop, and plenty of costume storage. This is our mainstage proscenium theater at NMU.

Theatre and dance majors and minors put what they learn in performance and technical theatre and dance classes into practice onstage and backstage in up to seven major productions per year, and classes are often taught in the FRT itself. Click here to learn more about the Forest Roberts Theatre!

The James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre is a wonderfully versatile space and the smaller of our two theaters at NMU. Located in room 105 of the McClintock Building, the Black Box provides a more intimate playing space for performers and audience members alike without neglecting any of the technology available in a larger theater.

With seating for up to 100 patrons, the Black Box is an interesting, one-of-a-kind space in which to watch and produce theatre, and is a favorite of Department of Theatre and Dance students. The Black Box is also home to many theatre classes. Click here to learn more about the Black Box Theatre!

The Panowski Dance Studio, affectionately nicknamed "Studio P," was opened in 2017 and is located in room 125Q of the McClintock Building. All dance classes are held in the studio and there are many offerings, including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and more! The space is also used for choreography rehearsals and occasionally some theatre classes. Click here to learn more about Studio P!

NMU's scene shop, located in room 107 of the McClintock Building, is managed and supervised by our Technical Director. The scene shop is responsible for the construction, painting, load-in, and strike of all scenery and props for the entire theatre season and employs 10-15 students at any given time. Click here to learn more about the scene shop!

NMU's costume shop is managed and supervised by our Costume Shop Supervisor and is located in room 112 of the McClintock Building. The costume shop employs 5-10 students at any given time and these student employees pull, construct, and alter each costume for every production in the season, and also help with quick changes and caring for costumes during a run. The costume shop is also where performers can be measured and fitted for costumes once cast in a production. Click here to learn more about the costume shop!

NMU's electrics shop, located offstage left in the Forest Roberts Theatre, stores all of our lighting instruments and any lighting and sound equipment that is not currently in use. At any given time, the electrics shop employs 5-10 students, who are responsible for hanging, cabling, focusing, and striking all lighting instruments  for all productions in the season, as well as setting up any sound and media equipment. The electrics shop is managed and supervised by our Lighting Supervisor and our Sound and Media Supervisor. Click here to learn more about the electrics shop!

Take a virtual tour of our NMU Theatre and Dance facilities here!

For student employment information and opportunities, please visit https://nmu.edu/theatreanddance/employment.

The official Facebook page for the Department of Theatre and Dance at NMU can be found at facebook.com/NMUTheatreandDance.

The official Instagram page for the Department of Theatre and Dance at NMU can be found at instagram.com/nmu.theatre.and.dance. Our handle is @nmu.theatre.and.dance.

The official Twitter page for the Department of Theatre and Dance at NMU can be found at twitter.com/NMUtheatredance. Our handle is @NMUtheatredance.

The official TikTok page for the Department of Theatre and Dance at NMU can be found at tiktok.com/@nmu.theatre.and.dance. Our handle is @nmu.theatre.and.dance.

Please check back for more information on NMU Theatre and Dance merchandise!