A New Chapter for Youth Theater in Marquette

In a move poised to significantly enhance arts education for young people in the Upper Peninsula, Northern Michigan University’s (NMU) Wildcat Performing Arts Academy (WPAA) has officially merged with the Superior Arts Youth Theater (SAYT).This strategic alliance promises to create a more robust and complete platform for aspiring performers, designers, and theater enthusiasts in the Marquette area and beyond.

The merger, finalized in late 2023, aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations.WPAA brings the resources and expertise of a university-level performing arts program, while SAYT contributes a long-standing tradition of community-based youth theater. The combined entity will offer a wider range of opportunities, from on-stage performance to behind-the-scenes technical training, fostering a deeper appreciation for the performing arts among young participants.

Leadership’s Vision: Honoring the Past, expanding the Future

The merger is driven by a shared vision to provide high-quality arts education and cultivate essential life skills in young people. NMU Theatre & Dance faculty member, Shelley Russell, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This merger represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing extraordinary performing arts opportunities for the youth of our community.”

The leadership teams of both WPAA and SAYT are committed to honoring the legacy of SAYT while expanding its reach and impact through the resources of NMU. This includes increased access to facilities, faculty expertise, and a broader network of industry professionals. The goal is to create a seamless transition that builds upon SAYT’s existing strengths while introducing new and innovative programming.

A Dynamic Collaboration: Diverse Perspectives and Expertise

One of the key benefits of the merger is the opportunity for students to learn from a diverse range of instructors and mentors. NMU faculty, community members, and external talent will all contribute to SAYT productions, providing students with a well-rounded artistic experience. This collaborative approach mirrors SAYT’s past structure and ensures that students are exposed to a variety of perspectives and approaches to theater and dance.

This model is similar to successful partnerships seen across the U.S., such as the collaboration between the Children’s Theatre company in Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota. These partnerships demonstrate the power of combining professional expertise with academic resources to create exceptional learning experiences for young people.

Building a Recruitment Pipeline and Cultivating Life Skills

A significant objective of the WPAA-SAYT merger is to establish a robust recruitment pipeline into NMU’s Theatre & Dance program. shelley Russell explained, “One of our key goals with the SAYT merger is to create a strong recruitment pipeline into NMU Theatre & Dance. At the same time,we recognize that not every participant will pursue a career in the performing arts.”

The focus extends beyond pre-professional training to encompass personal progress. Russell added, “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.”

This dual focus aligns with the growing recognition of the importance of arts education in developing well-rounded individuals. Skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and creativity, honed through participation in the arts, are highly valued by employers across various industries.

The SAYT Board echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are incredibly excited about this merger and the luminous future it brings for our community’s youth. 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!”

WPAA: A Recruiting Tool and a Hub for Artistic Growth

The Wildcat Performing arts Academy was initially conceived as a recruiting tool to attract students to NMU’s Theatre & Dance program. By offering high-caliber productions and academic program offerings, WPAA aims to showcase the university’s commitment to the performing arts.

In 2024, WPAA launched its first summer intensives for high school students in musical theater, dance, and theatrical design/production. These intensives provide students with an immersive experience in the performing arts,allowing them to develop their skills and explore potential career paths.The academy continues to offer related programming throughout the year, ensuring ongoing opportunities for artistic growth.

Shelley russell emphasized the broader benefits of theater participation, stating, “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. Theater challenges youth to take on different perspectives, improvise solutions, and sharpen up their rapid 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 emphasis on transferable skills is especially relevant in today’s rapidly evolving job market. Employers are increasingly seeking candidates with strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities – all of which are cultivated through participation in the arts. A 2019 report by the Business Roundtable found that employers highly value these “soft skills,” recognizing their importance in driving innovation and productivity.

“The Wizard of Oz” Marks a New beginning

The Wizard of Oz served as the inaugural production under the newly merged entity, symbolizing a fresh start and a commitment to high-quality theatrical experiences. The production brought together students, faculty, and community members, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the newly formed association.

Future SAYT productions are expected to be directed by a combination of NMU faculty, community members, and external talent, mirroring its past structure and ensuring a well-rounded artistic experience for participants. This approach not only provides students with diverse perspectives but also strengthens ties between the university and the surrounding community.

By involving local artists and professionals in SAYT productions, WPAA is fostering a vibrant and interconnected arts ecosystem. This model is similar to the regional theater movement in the U.S., which emphasizes the importance of local talent and community engagement in creating meaningful theatrical experiences.

SAYT’s Roots: A legacy of Community Enrichment

SAYT’s origins can be traced back to a civic enrichment program through the city of Marquette Arts and Culture Center. nikke (Nason) Soni, then an NMU intern, spearheaded a production of Annie Jr. during its first season and was afterward hired to lead and develop the youth theater program as the arts education director. Following 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 autonomous organization in 2015.

This history underscores the importance of community support in sustaining youth arts programs. SAYT’s journey from a city-sponsored initiative to an independent organization highlights the dedication and passion of individuals and organizations committed to providing young people with access to the arts.

the story of SAYT is a testament to the power of grassroots efforts in fostering arts education. Similar stories can be found across the U.S., where dedicated individuals and organizations have worked tirelessly to create opportunities for young people to engage with the arts.

Potential Counterarguments and Considerations

While the merger is largely viewed positively, some potential counterarguments and considerations should be addressed:

• Concerns about accessibility: Will the merger lead to increased costs for participation, possibly limiting access for low-income families? WPAA and SAYT should prioritize scholarships and financial aid to ensure that all interested students can participate.
• Potential for creative differences: Integrating two distinct organizations with their own cultures and traditions can be challenging. Clear communication and a collaborative approach will be essential to navigate any potential creative differences.
• Maintaining community engagement: It’s crucial to maintain the strong community ties that SAYT has cultivated over the years. WPAA should actively engage with local schools, community organizations, and businesses to ensure that SAYT remains a vital part of the Marquette community.

These considerations are common in mergers of this nature. Addressing them proactively will be crucial to ensuring the long-term success of the WPAA-SAYT partnership.

The Future of Youth Theater in Marquette

The merger between Northern Michigan University’s Wildcat Performing Arts Academy and superior Arts Youth Theater represents a meaningful investment in the future of performing arts education in the region. By combining resources, expertise, and a shared commitment to providing high-quality opportunities for young people, WPAA and SAYT are poised to create a vibrant and thriving arts ecosystem that will benefit the Marquette community for years to come.

As the program evolves, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on student participation, artistic quality, and community engagement. By continuously evaluating its progress and adapting to the changing needs of the community,WPAA and SAYT can ensure that they are fulfilling their mission of making theater and dance accessible to as many young artists and enthusiasts as possible.

The success of this merger could serve as a model for other university-community partnerships across the U.S., demonstrating the potential for collaboration to enhance arts education and enrich communities.