Theatre Archives | Visual and Performing Arts News

Jeff Sherwood, Assistant Professor Visual and Performing Arts, Elected to United States Institute for Theatre Technology Board of Directors

Published March 20, 2025

Congratulations to Assistant Professor Jeff Sherwood (Visual and Performing Arts) on being elected and named a Director on the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) Board of Directors. USITT is the national professional organization for the theatre design, technical production, and live entertainment industry, whose membership includes thousands of individuals, companies, and institutions.

According to its website, USITT was founded in 1960 as an organization to promote dialogue, research, and learning among practitioners of theatre design and technology. Today it has grown to include members at all levels of their careers and has embraced the new technologies being used in entertainment. USITT is now the leader in life-long learning opportunities for the entertainment design and technology industry.

As a member of the Board of Directors, Professor Sherwood is charged with the responsibility to advise, govern, oversee policy and direction, and assist with the leadership and general promotion of the Institute so as to support its mission and needs, according to the Institute Bylaws. His three year term will begin July 1, 2025.

This year the USITT 65th Annual Conference and Stage Expo held March 5-8, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio, hosted over 6,300 professionals, students, and educators, and offered more than 400 presentations, demonstrations, and celebrations of work by top artists and experts in the field.

At the Annual Conference, Professor Sherwood served on the USITT National Conference Committee as the Main Stage Sound Coordinator of the 2,000-seat ballroom keynote space which involved planning and supervising the design and installation of the sound system, and mentoring over 50 conference assistants (early career professionals and students from institutions across the country) in sound engineering and operation of the six conference-wide Main Stage events.

Each year, Michigan Tech students are led by VPA faculty to the USITT conference through the study away professional development career course. This year’s trip included 25 students across the Sound Design, Audio Production and Technology, and Theatre and Entertainment Technology degree programs, half of which participated in portfolio presentations and review sessions. The students were led by VPA faculty Kent Cyr, Mary Cyr, Terry Dana Jachimiak II, and Christopher Plummer. Professor Plummer oversees mentorship for the USITT Sound Commission.

For the third year in a row, Michigan Tech students were invited to a special meeting with recruiters and representatives from Disney Live Entertainment who recognize the strength of our program and have been impressed with the work of Michigan Tech Visual and Performing Arts alum who now work at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and other areas of the greater Walt Disney Company.

Congratulations to Professor Sherwood and all of our Visual and Performing arts students, alum, faculty, and staff who continue to build Michigan Technological University’s high reputation.

Conference Assistants Operating Sound and Video for USITT Main Stage Event

Jeff Sherwood with sound equipment — Jeff Sherwood Mentoring Sound Students at USITT Main Stage Opening Night Event

USITT Incoming Board Members Jeff Sherwood, Jeff Bazemore, Eben Alguire. Also Jonathan Allender-Zivic (not pictured)

Welcome to Threading Empathy: Where Fashion, Technology, and Culture Collide

Published January 14, 2025

By Tanya Maki

Theatre

In a world driven by innovation, Threading Empathy emerges as a groundbreaking fashion show and competition. This isn’t just a showcase of style—it’s a bold exploration of how empathy can be woven into the very fabric of our wearable creations.

Imagine smart textiles and 3D-printed couture that embrace inclusivity and sustainability, or wearable tech that connects us to the world in meaningful ways. Threading Empathy is where these possibilities come to life.

“How do you feel about robots and fashion?”
This competition began with a simple question: “How do you feel about robots and fashion?” One afternoon, Jason Archer, Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Technologies, sparked an exciting idea—integrating fashion, technology, and empathy as the central theme for our next fashion show. This led to a dynamic collaboration with IPEC and the Colleges of Computing, Humanities, and Visual and Performing Arts, bringing together a diverse community of creative minds.

Experience the Future of Fashion: February 13-15
Threading Empathy will feature a dynamic runway show and gallery exhibition that redefines the boundaries of artistry and technology. February 13-15, audience members will witness the power of creative expression in the digital age as designers, engineers, artists, and innovators unite.

To attend, reserve your tickets at events.mtu.edu/event/mtt-fashionshow

The Competition: Showcase Your Creativity, Innovation, and Empathy
At the heart of Threading Empathy lies an exciting competition. Each creation in the fashion show will be judged for their ingenuity, craftsmanship, and ability to embody the spirit of empathy through the lens of technology and fashion.

Cash prizes:
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $100

Honorable mentions will be awarded for innovative approaches and exceptional creativity.

Participation and Design Guidelines
Threading Empathy invites participants of all skill levels to bring their unique visions to life. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a curious novice, this is your chance to explore uncharted territory.

Ways to participate:

Empathy Through Design: Create a garment or accessory that captures the essence of empathy as it relates to human connection, inclusivity, or shared experience.

Innovative Textiles and Technologies: Experiment with smart fabrics, conductive threads, or 3D printing to merge craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies.

Robotic Fashion: Design garments or accessories for robots, combining futuristic aesthetics with functional innovation.

And here’s the best part: No prior experience in sewing, coding, or designing is required. The only limits are your creativity and imagination.

Complete this form to participate.

Join the Movement
Threading Empathy is more than a fashion show—it’s a conversation about the future of fashion and its power to inspire connection. By participating, you become part of a visionary community redefining style, sustainability, and technology.

Whether you’re showcasing your design on the runway or cheering from the audience, you’re contributing to a collective celebration of empathy, artistry, and limitless possibility.

Mark your calendars and prepare to witness fashion reimagined. Let’s thread empathy into the future—one design at a time.

What: Fashion Show: Threading Empathy
Where: McArdle Theatre
When: February 13-15, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

Get tickets to attend or sign up to participate by visiting events.mtu.edu/event/mtt-fashionshow

VPA Students and Faculty attend Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival

Published January 30, 2024

By Tanya Maki

News

By Visiting Assistant Professor Terry Dana Jachimiak

From January 9 to 13, several faculty and students from the Department of Visual and Performing Arts embarked on an exciting journey to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for Region III. This festival, widely known as KCACTF, stands as a beacon for emerging talent in the realm of theater arts. It’s a vibrant stage where students get to shine, compete, and nurture their artistic skills on a regional platform.

Behind the scenes, two VPA faculty members, Associate Professor Kent Cyr and Assistant Professor Jeff Sherwood, played integral roles in the festival’s planning and execution. Cyr, with a remarkable six-year stint as the Festival Technical Director, provided invaluable support to numerous college theater productions within the region. His expertise ensured the seamless execution of performances on the festival stages. Sherwood, in his capacity as Co-Vice Chair of Design, Technology, and Management, contributed to the festival’s success by overseeing various technical theater aspects, including the National and Regional Design competitions, Design Storm, and Stage Management Fellowship and Initiative. To add to their contributions, Sherwood, Cyr, Distinguished Professor Christopher Plummer, and Visiting Assistant Professor Terry Dana Jachimiak II led workshops for eager students hailing from Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and parts of Ohio.

For the attending students, this festival was a treasure trove of experiences. They had the opportunity to participate in professional workshops, attend juried shows, network with professionals from all corners of the country, and showcase their own work in various competitions. It was a whirlwind of creativity and camaraderie.

The accolades poured in for our Michigan Tech University students, validating their exceptional talents. Evelina Cremeens earned the Regional Sound Design award for her outstanding work on *Hamlet*. Conner Pierson, collaborating with a talented team from different colleges and universities, clinched an Honorable Mention in the Design Storm category. Sommerdai Kier and Riy Dalman dazzled everyone by winning multiple awards, including the Fastest Sound setup and the coveted Gold Award in Tech Olympics. Tara Estrada’s swift knot-tying skills also earned her a first-place finish in the Fastest Knots section of Tech Olympics.

Christopher Plummer was also recognized at the festival and received the 2024 KCACTF Region III Michigan Faculty Service Award.

The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival showcased the incredible talents of our students and highlighted the dedication and expertise of our faculty members. It was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the thriving theater community at Michigan Tech.

Tara Estrada presenting Costume Design.

Sommerdai Kier presenting Costume Design.

The Rozsa Heats Up a Chilly Week, Announcing Three Hot Upcoming Shows

Published January 22, 2024

By Tanya Maki

Theatre

The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts is injecting a spark of excitement into this blustery week by announcing three thrilling events: a rollicking Mardi Gras feast fueled by New Orleans jazz, a play directed by Michigan Tech Theatre’s newest faculty member, and a bespoke museum experience crafted just for the Keweenaw. Tickets are on sale now!

Michigan Tech Music presents “Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday” — Get ready for an epic Fat Tuesday, fueled by live jazz and a New Orleans-inspired dinner hosted by Michigan Tech Jazz’s own Workshop Brass Band, freshly back from their NOLA tour! The party starts February 13 at 7:30 p.m. backstage at the Rozsa.

Michigan Tech Theatre presents “Imagining (Im)Possibilities: Museum Explorations” — Experience a captivating 30-minute tour through the world of immersive museum exhibits. Explore the magic behind museum design and dive into spectacular sets crafted by talented theatre students, each one transporting you to a unique space through interactive displays. Tours run February 15-17 from 7-9:30 p.m. in McArdle Theatre.

Michigan Tech Theatre presents “Purple Hearts” by C.S. Wallace, directed by Nich Radcliffe — Witness the heartbreaking, inspiring and sometimes funny story of three men who, in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor, find themselves trapped aboard the now-sunken USS West Virginia. Inspired by true events, this award-winning play directed by new Michigan Tech faculty member Nich Radcliffe (VPA) is sure to move you. Attend the show April 10-13 in McArdle Theatre.

Get Tickets
Don’t miss your chance to experience these exciting events! Tickets for all three are available online 24/7, or at the Rozsa Box Office in person or by calling 906-487-1906 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are part of this season’s new Pay As You’re Able ticketing.

To learn more, visit the Rozsa website, email rozsa@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1906.

Auditions for Purple Hearts – January 29 and 30

Published January 8, 2024

By Tanya Maki

Theatre

Auditions for Purple Hearts by Burgess Clark, Directed by Nich Radcliffe, will be held January 29, 30 with callbacks February 1.

Monday, January 29 – 6-9pm.
Tuesday, January 30 – 6-9pm.

Performance Majors: Prepare two contrasting monologues.
All Others: Prepare one monologue two minutes or less.

Don’t have a monologue? No problem! We’ll give you something to read. Email Nich Radcliffe <nradclif@mtu.edu> with question or to book an audition time!

Vienna-Prague-Dresden | Led by Lisa Gordillo, Mary Cyr, and Kent Cyr

Published May 30, 2023

By

Temple of Tyn Prague — Temple of Tyn at Old Town Square in Prague (Courtesy of: Denis Poltoradnev-Unsplash)

Imagination. Creativity. Local and world histories. Art. Theatre. Music. Design. Michigan Tech’s first arts-focused study abroad is an immersive experience. Students from many campus majors are taking part: from Theatre and Sound Design, Humanities, and Chemistry, to Biomedical and Environmental Engineering. The trip focuses on art, theatre, architecture, and culture, with a special emphasis on the Prague Quadrennial, one of the largest theatre design events in the world. Students explore world heritage sites, study works of art in museums and galleries, attend performances, and reflect on local/global history, culture, and connection. The trip is open to all majors and is designed for students whose interests benefit from creativity and new perspectives – in other words, everyone. Follow us on the trip blog and on Instagram.

St. Vitus Cathedral rises above the Vitava River in Prague (Courtesy of: William Zhang-Unsplash)

Prague Astronomical Clock (Courtesy of: Jack Hunter-Unsplash)

See ‘A Christmas Carol’ This Weekend at the Rozsa

Published December 2, 2022

By Tanya Maki

Announcements

After a heartwarming opening night, you have three more chances to see “A Christmas Carol,” written by Charles Dickens, adapted to the stage by Romulus Linney and presented by Michigan Tech Theatre this weekend.

The beloved holiday classic, directed by Trish Helsel, boasts a Tech Theatre Company cast of nearly 40 local youth, Keweenaw community members, and Michigan Tech faculty, staff and students. “A Christmas Carol” will lift holiday spirits at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Dec. 2) and tomorrow (Dec. 3), with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday (Dec. 4).

From the first “Bah, Humbug!” to the final, “God bless us, everyone,” this performance will delight audiences of all ages as they join Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey of transformation and redemption.

“The Charles Dickens classic has long been a Christmas favorite; the story is much more universal in its message,” says Helsel, professor of theatre at Michigan Tech. “I chose this stage adaptation because it does not paint Ebenezer Scrooge as a villain, but rather someone broken by a series of devastating life events. Our production focuses on Scrooge’s ability to accept his past and embrace the present.”

The strength of the Keweenaw community, its overwhelming artistic talent and phenomenal young people were at the forefront of Helsel’s mind as she chose this year’s holiday show. “The show was chosen as a community-centered production with a cast of Michigan Tech students, faculty and community members,” says Helsel. “It has been a pleasure to work with this lot of youngsters, who range in age from 4 to 17 years. It is exciting to be a part of their induction into a professional theatre setting. Children are such fast learners! They have picked up the British dialects with ease, and they memorize quickly. Most importantly, they bring a sense of joy to the process.”

Get Tickets
Get tickets online, by calling 906-487-1906, at the Rozsa Box Office from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, or for one hour before shows. Michigan Tech students can reserve free Experience Tech tickets online, and Student Rush will be available at the door.

Details:

What: “A Christmas Carol,” written by Charles Dickens, adapted to the stage by Romulus Linney
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3, and 2 p.m. Dec. 4
Where: Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
Cost: $20 Adults | $5 Youth Under 18 | Free Student Rush

Michigan Tech Theatre: Haunted Mine This Weekend

Published October 28, 2022

By Tanya Maki

Announcements

Join us this Halloween season at the Quincy Mine for a haunted experience that you won’t forget! Tram will run about every 20 minutes from 6-10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.quincymine.com, and it is HIGHLY recommended to do so, as the tours sell out quickly! Youth under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Content Considerations // jumpscares, flickering and strobing lights, loud sounds, and fog, appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear that can handle some dirt is strongly suggested.

ABOUT

Michigan Tech Theatre creates entertainment events for the Keweenaw, sharing the creative and scholarly work of students and faculty from the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

Kent A. Cyr, Associate Professor, is the Technical Director at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI. He teaches courses in Technical Construction, Stagecraft, Rigging, Stage Mechanics, and Properties Artisanship. He is the director of the B.S. in Theatre and Entertainment Technology program. He is a member of the USITT Tech Expo committee and active in the Technical Production commission, Education commission, and the Emerging Creatives Showcase. In KCACTF region III, he is the Festival Technical Director, and a respondent to the technical load-in process. He has worked at Spoleto Festival USA, Bard Summerscape, The La Jolla Playhouse, Cyco Scenic, and continues to work professionally with Technical Theatre Solutions.

A Christmas Carol Auditions!

Published September 22, 2022

By Tanya Maki

Theatre

Audition announcement for Tech Theatre’s, A Christmas Carol.

Audition details:
Students and Adult Community Members:
Monday or Tuesday, September 26-27, 6:30-8:00 or 8:00-9:30 pm
Walker 207 (McArdle Theatre)

Please do the following before you audition:
Sign up for a 90-minute slot on Monday or Tuesday
Fill out an audition form

You will be notified by email which audition time slot you are confirmed for by Sunday evening.

We will do introductions and a short warm-up, then we will have everyone read scenes from the play. A copy of the script can be found here: A Christmas Carol Script

Children:
Wednesday, September 28
Walker 210
4-6 years old – 5:00-5:45 pm
7-12 years old – 5:45-6:45 pm
13-17 years old – 7:00-8:00 pm
Parents – Please fill out an Audition Form and Release Form before your child auditions.

Production Details:
Production dates/times:
December 1-3, 7:30 pm, Rozsa Center
December 4, 2:00 pm, Rozsa Center

Rehearsals:
Rehearsal may begin as soon as Thursday, September 29

Rehearsals will generally be Sunday – Thursday evenings, 6:30-9:30, but that is subject to change depending on the responses to this audition form, and we may accommodate an earlier rehearsal for scenes with children.

We expect to release children as early as possible, except for the final dress rehearsals.

Once the production goes into technical rehearsal (beginning November 14th) rehearsals will take place every day beginning as early as 5:00pm and ending as late as 11:00pm. There may be rehearsals on the 18th and 27th of November (Friday, of the beginning of Thanksgiving Break and Sunday, the end of Break).

Following the final performance on December 4th, actors are expected to remain to help with striking the set, putting away costumes, cleaning the dressing rooms, and other tasks.

Roles:
A Christmas Carol has a seemingly large cast with “named” roles. However, we plan to have some actors play more than one role, and all will be part of the ensemble. Some roles may be cast against the assumed gender in the script.

Roles for Adults:
Ebenezer Scrooge
Bob Cratchit
Fred (Scrooge’s nephew)
Marley (Ghost of . . . )
Julia (Fred’s wife)
Lucy (Julia’s sister)
“Gentleman”
Caroline
Caroline’s Husband
The Ghost of Christmas Past
The Ghost of Christmas Present
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
Fan
Mr. Fezziwig
Mrs. Fezziwig
Belle
Fezziwig Daughters
Suitors
Mrs. Cratchet
Peter (Cratchet’s son)
Belinda (Cratchet’s daughter)
Old man and woman in Park
Mr. Topper
Ignorance
Want
“Businessmen”
Old Joe
Charwoman
Undertaker’s Woman
Laundress

Roles expected to be filled by children (although youthful adults may be considered!):
Young Scrooge (12-14)
Boy Scrooge (8-10)
Boys at the Crossroads (8-12)
Fezziwig Daughters
Cratchet Children
Gillian
Miranda
Martha
Tiny Tim

For questions regarding the audition schedule and times, please contact the stage manager, Laurel Schmidt laurels@mtu.edu

For questions regarding the play, please contact the director, Trish Helsel helsel@mtu.edu

VPA Welcomes New Sound Faculty

Published July 13, 2022

By Tanya Maki

Announcements

Visual and Performing Arts announces two new sound faculty that have joined the department. Jeff Sherwood, Assistant Professor of Sound, and Michael Maxwell, Assistant Teaching Professor.

Jeff Sherwood (he/him) is a professional theatre artist and educator specializing in sound design, music composition, and audio engineering. He strives to bring original and innovative ideas in collaboration with creative teams in the art of storytelling. He has worked in New York City at Off-Broadway theatres including The Public Theater, The New Group, Signature Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, Roundabout Theatre Company, and others. During the past few summers, he has worked as Audio Supervisor at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut, where his affinity for sound design for new puppetry, music theatre, and play development continues to grow, and where he will be returning this year as the Resident Sound Designer for the National Playwrights Conference.

He is thrilled to be joining the sound program at Michigan Technological University as an Assistant Professor of Sound in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and is eager to collaborate with colleagues and students on future projects. He enjoys mentoring and fueling the passion of the rising generation of sound artists and engineers, and is regularly invited to teach sound design masterclasses and workshops at the National Theater Institute. He previously held the faculty position of Teacher-Scholar Postgraduate Fellow in Sound Design at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. He received his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre Sound from Purdue University, and his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre Design and Production from Oklahoma City University.

Recent awards include the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) Robert E. Cohen Sound Achievement Award for Young Designers, Managers, and Technicians in the Performing Arts, as well as the Purdue University Excellence in Teaching Award for Graduate Teaching Assistants in 2020. He was also a national finalist for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in 2012 and 2014. He is an active member of the USITT Sound Commission, Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA), Audio Engineering Society (AES), and is an Associated Crafts and Technicians (ACT) member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). His Korean American heritage inspires his interests in traveling, exploring new cultures, and keeping local restaurants in business. View and hear his work at www.sherwoodsound.com.

We are excited that Jeff Sherwood is bringing his expertise in composing with virtual instruments as well as in depth experience with New York City theatrical production to Michigan Tech. We are extremely lucky to have attracted new faculty with this level of creative and technical skill and experience.
Christopher Plummer, VPA Professor of Sound

Assistant Teaching Professor Michael Maxwell

Michael Maxwell, MFA

Michael Maxwell is a sound/media artist, audio engineer, and educator with an interest in audio/visual synthesis, music and sound effects recording, mixing, and media art installation. Maxwell received his Master of Fine Arts in Mass Communication & Media Arts from Southern Illinois University and is an Academic Leadership Fellow through University of Central Oklahoma’s Educators’ Leadership Academy.

Maxwell has worked in post production audio for SyFy Channel, Historia Pictures, and various independent filmmakers with works shown in dozens of film festivals internationally. Recently, Maxwell has been a live sound mixer for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, John DaVersa & His Small Band, Emily Rhyne & The Oklahoma Legacy Band, and AdaFest Music Festival. Current media art pieces include Aggregate Voices, an audio installation series shown in the Pogue Gallery in Ada, OK and After Hunts Spiral, which was installed in the Over the Structures Exhibition at Czong Institute for Contemporary Art, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. Portfolio Link https://www.mgmaxwell.net/

Mike Maxwell brings experience in synthesizers, art installations, and video broadcast to the VPA department. This will provide our students with more creative opportunities and expand on numerous cross campus collaborations.
Christopher Plummer, VPA Professor of Sound

Category: Theatre