Forest Roberts Theatre

Forest Roberts Theatre. It is a 550-seat proscenium stage venue located on the campus of Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. The theatre serves as the primary production facility for the university’s School of Art and Design and its theatre and dance programs. Since its opening in 1971, it has been a cultural hub for the Upper Peninsula, hosting a wide array of academic productions, professional touring shows, and community events.

History

The theatre was constructed and opened in 1971, named in honor of Forest Roberts, a longtime professor and influential chair of the speech department at Northern Michigan University. Its establishment coincided with a period of significant growth for the university's fine arts programs, providing a dedicated, modern facility for theatrical training and performance. Over the decades, the venue has undergone several renovations to update its technical systems and audience amenities, ensuring it remains a viable and contemporary performance space. The theatre's history is deeply intertwined with the development of the performing arts in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Architecture and facilities

The building features a classic proscenium arch design with a seating capacity of 550 across a single orchestra level and a balcony. Backstage facilities include sizable scene shop and costume shop areas, dedicated dressing rooms, and a green room for performers. The technical infrastructure has been modernized to include a computerized lighting control system, a comprehensive sound reinforcement system, and a counterweight fly system for managing scenery. The lobby area often doubles as a gallery space for student and faculty art exhibitions from the School of Art and Design.

Productions and programming

The theatre's season is primarily produced by the Northern Michigan University Department of Theatre and Dance, featuring a mix of classic plays, contemporary dramas, musical theatre, and student-choreographed dance concerts. It also hosts the annual Forest Roberts Theatre Shakespeare Festival, a significant regional event. The venue frequently presents touring professional companies, such as the National Players, and serves as a key site for the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum fundraisers and performances by the Marquette Symphony Orchestra. Student-directed one-act play festivals and senior capstone productions are also staples of its calendar.

Management and operation

The facility is owned and operated by Northern Michigan University, under the administrative oversight of the College of Arts and Sciences. Day-to-day management and artistic programming fall under the purview of the Department of Theatre and Dance within the School of Art and Design. Operations are supported by university staff, faculty designers and directors, and a large cohort of student workers involved in stage management, technical direction, box office management, and usher duties. The theatre collaborates closely with other campus entities like the Lee Hall Gallery and the University Center.

Notable events and recognition

The theatre has been the stage for numerous notable events, including guest artist residencies with figures like playwright Lanford Wilson and performances by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. It garnered significant attention for hosting the world premiere of "The Yooper" in the 1980s, a play focusing on Upper Peninsula culture. The Forest Roberts Theatre Shakespeare Festival has received commendations from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Alumni of the program who began their careers on its stage include television actor John Billingsley and Broadway performer Megan McGinnis.

Category:Northern Michigan University Category:Theatres in Michigan Category:Buildings and structures in Marquette, Michigan Category:Proscenium theatres Category:1971 establishments in Michigan