Arts at Michigan
Students and the Arts
There are an extensive number of student organizations that do arts activities on campus. It’s time to get involved!
Student Organizations
View the list of student organizations on campus. Want your organization to be on this list?
Submit an Event
If you are an individual student or a student organization, your event can appear on our event listings below! Just fill out this simple form, and we’ll add it.
Current Student Events
There are no student events during the summer. Please check back in the fall!
Past Events:
UMS on the Diag: Beat the Cold, Feel the Beat
Monday, Jan 11 — 12–4pm
Diag
UMS on the Diag: Beat the Cold, Feel the Beat is a collaborative arts event promoting the performing arts on campus. Beat the Cold: Enjoy complimentary food and hot drinks from participating local businesses! Feel the Beat: See your favorite student performing groups, from a capella to Ballroom dance, on the Diag on January 11th from noon to 4pm! Get information about the many incredible shows by UMS, as well as info about cheap student ticket programs! And find info about the students groups participating, like how to audition and where you can see them next! Just a few of the student groups who’ve committed are The Friars and Amazin’ Blue! Check out the facebook event prior to the event to check the full listing of performers and times.
UM Gillbert & Sullivan Society: Patience
Fri, Dec. 4, 2009, 8pm
Sat, Dec. 5, 2009, 2pm and 8pm
Sun, Dec. 6, 2009, 2pm
Mendelssohn Theatre
The Gilbert and Sullivan Society was created in 1947. It is dedicated to performing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Since then, we have done this twice a year, using the talents of a wide array of students, faculty, staff and community members in the area. The Gilbert and Sullivan Society performs two operettas each year, one in the Fall semester, the other in the Winter. Members are involved in all aspects of the production including selling tickets, building sets, sewing costumes, and directing the shows. We are proud to present our upcoming fall show: Patience.
M–Flicks: “Love Actually”
Fri, December 4 — 7pm
Angell Hall, Aud A
FREE Film Screening of “Love Actually”, directed by Richard Curtis. Synopsis: Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely and interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.
ComCo: Improv comedy
Fri, December 4 — 8pm
U-Club (1st Floor of Michigan Union)
Comco presents: awkward sex. Improv comedy without protection. Admission: $2.
The Gentlemen: “...or G?”
Fri, December 4 — 8pm
Rackham Auditorium
“...Or G?” is the G–Men Winter A Cappella concert. Tickets: Adults $10, Students $5.
The Harmonettes: Harmonettes Fall Concert
Fri, December 4
Michigan League, Ballroom
Since 1979, the sometimes sassy, always classy Harmonettes have been contributing to the ever growing Michigan a capella tradition with their unique sound and signature style. As the original all–female a capella group and the second oldest a capella group on campus, these talented young ladies pride themselves on their tight–knit friendships and masterful music. Whether singing their hearts out at rehearsal in the Bell Tower, sharing a pizza at Cottage Inn, or sharing the spotlight on stage, you can always find the Harmonettes together!
Kol Hakavod’s Fall Concert
Sun, December 6 — 6pm
Hillel, Green Auditorium
Our next concert is on Sunday, December 6th, 2009 at 6pm in the Green Auditorium of Hillel! Tickets are $5 for UMich students and $7 for non–students. To order tickets, contact a member of KHK, or send an e–mail to Jen Johnson.
Ballroom Dance Club Winter Party
Sun, December 6 — 7pm
Michigan League, Ballroom
The BDC Winter Party is this Sunday, December 6th, with the theme “Decades”! There will be food, prizes, showcases, and lots of dancing!
Prices are as follows for membership holders:
Students pay $3 and non–students $5.
Prices are as follows for non–membership holders:
Students pay $5 and non–students $8.
Michigan’s Best Dance Crew
Thursday, December 10 — 8pm
Dance Building, Betty Pease Studio Theatre
Many auditioned, and few were chosen. Come witness the top dance crews on UofM’s campus compete for $l450 in prizes! Winners are based on the audience’s vote; so bring friends and cheer on the top dance crews.
A Capella–thon: Dicks and Janes vs Capital Green
Saturday, Dec 12 — 7pm
Detroit Public TV
The First Ever. Watch as MSU’s Capital Green takes on U of M’s Dicks and Janes in an a capella challenge. Pop, Rock and Motown tunes will fill the air as the groups take this sing off competition to new heights. Who wins depends on your vote! Watch as the rivalry unfolds LIVE on DPTV...
Amazin’ Blue Fall Concert
Saturday, Dec 12 — 8pm
Rackham Auditorium
Join the oldest coed a cappella group on campus for their winter concert on Saturday, December 12th. Be prepared to find out all about the Fabulous Life of Amazin’ Blue and be entertained by some awesome music. You’ll hear a variety of songs by artists such as John Mayer, Kanye West, Ingrid Michaelson, Johnny Cash, U2 and more!
Peace, Love & (G)imble
Saturday, Dec 12 — 8pm
Angell Hall, Aud A
Save the Date! Gimble’s Winter Concert: Peace, Love & (G)imble.
Third Thursdays at UMMA featuring “The Impro–fessionals”
Thursday, November 19 — 9 pm
UMMA Commons
Founded in 2007, The Impro–fessionals are an improvisational comedy group at the University of Michigan. The group does both long and short–form improv, and have opened for many student and non–student groups around Ann Arbor, performing in such varied locations as Hill Auditorium, Rackham Auditorium and Necto Nightclub. They can also be seen on most Monday nights at 9:30pm at BTB Cantina.
UMMA is a new site for UM students to show what they’ve got. This exciting performance series falls on the third Thursday evening of each month and features different student performers who work in a variety of media. The series is curated and produced by the UMMA Student Programming and Advisory Board.
G–Fest: The Best of UM Performance
Friday, November 6, 2009 — 8pm
Rackham Building
An event featuring the best of Michigan’s expansive entertainment community. A diverse and eclectic mash–up of the U’s finest performers hosted by the Gentlemen (G–Men). Performers include MUSKET (musical theatre), Funktion (dance), the Magic of Alan Smola (entertainer), Ring of Steel (stage combat), Dicks and Janes (a cappella), and of course, the Gentlemen (a cappella). Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or through the Michigan Union Ticket Office.
Michigan A Cappella Council Presents the 6th Annual MACFest
Saturday, November 7, 2009 — 8pm
Rackham Building
Want the best of U–M a cappella? Come to the 6th Annual MACfest. This lively campus a cappella smorgasbord features performances by all 15 student a cappella groups on campus: 58 Greene, Amazin’ Blue, CEOhs, Compulsive Lyres, Dicks & Janes, Friars, G’men, Gimble, Good News, Harmonettes, Headnotes, Kol Hakavod, Kopitonez, Maize Mirchi, and the Sopranos. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or through the Michigan Union Ticket Office.
The F–word: Gender–themed art, music, and spoken word show
Thur, Jan 14 — 7pm
Michigan League
The F–word, a feminist group on campus, is hosting its bi–annual art, music, and spoken word show. The main theme of the show is gender, so anything gender–related is welcomed. This may include a wide array of ideas including sex, body image, heteronormativity, gender roles, etc. We're looking for artists of all media, including paintings, sculptures, poetry, song, music, dance, comedy, etc. Email mpweis@umich.edu for inquiries.
What’s Your Story: Auditions
Wed, Jan 20 — 8–11pm
Michigan Union
We are seeking actors, directors, technical designers and crew, and a stage manager for “What’s Your Story?”, a theatrical production featuring true stories of people we see every day. This production will feature the anonymously–submitted stories of people across campus interwoven into a play aimed at inspiring empathy and changing lives through the power of storytelling.
Mass Meeting: Thursday, January 14 at 8 pm in Palmer Commons: Great Lakes Room
Auditions: Wednesday, January 20: 8–11 pm in the Michigan Union (sign up on our website)
What Makes This Play Unique?
-The script is composed of true, anonymously–submitted stories
-Collaborative rehearsal process — Directors and actors work together to craft their scene
-Weekly ensemble rehearsals to perform and receive feedback
-We will create a safe–space to practice empathy, engage in dialogue, and pursue personal growth
-All ticket revenues will be donated to a non–profit the entire team selects
PureRhythM
Fri, Jan 22 — 7:30-9pm
Mendelssohn Theatre
Come check out the exciting and entertaining winter showcase of two of the University of Michigan’s performance dance teams, RhythM Tap Ensemble and Pure Dance Extreme. Guest performances by Michigan Bhangra team and acapella group Compulsive Lyres. Cost: $5 for students, $7 for adults.
UMS Student Advisory Committee Mass Meeting
Fri, Jan 22 — 5-6pm
Carver Conference Room in the UMS Offices at 506 E. Liberty
Do you want to run a dance company, produce musicals, be an agent, or work anywhere in the world of arts presenting and arts administration, but don’t know how to get started? Begin your professional development with the UMS Student Advisory Committee!
The UMS Student Advisory Committee provides a way into the arts presenting world, through volunteer opportunities both at UMS and the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) conference in NYC! Learn the inner workings of UMS and get FREE TICKETS to UMS events while doing it!
The Harmony of Contrast
Wed, Jan 27
Times and locations vary
Fighting Obstacles Knowing Ultimate Success, F.O.K.U.S., collaborates once again with the 2010 MLK Symposium at the University of Michigan. This year’s MLK Symposium’s theme “I AM, WAS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE A CATALYST FOR CHANGE” embodies the essence of what F.O.K.U.S. believes ART symbolizes in the life of young inspiring artist like Vashtie Kola. Each facet of Vashtie Kola’s career has been motivated by the harmony of contrasts in some form or another. Just as the University of Michigan prides itself on providing a diverse and inclusive space for students to grow and learn, Vashtie has attempted to achieve these same goals through her film and entrepreneurial efforts. This is a day full of events featuring special guest VASHTIE KOLA, an artist/ video director/ designer/party promoter hailing from New York.
Malaysian Movie Night
Thurs, January 28 — 8pm
Pond Room, Michigan Union
Malaysian Movie Night is proud to present to you “Talentime”, a Malaysian movie by Director Yasmin Ahmad. This movie has been nominated for the SIGNIS Award at the 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival.
“Talentime” is a heartwarming, beautiful movie that shows what it means to be a Malaysian. It deals with interracial issues in a multicultural setting that captures the beauty and the uniqueness of Malaysia.
In “Talentime”, a music teacher, who is herself a great performer is organizing an inter–school talentime. Through the days of auditions, rehearsals and preparations, running up to the big day of the contest, the characters get embroiled in a world of heightened emotions — ambition, jealousy, human comedy, romance, heartbreak — all of which culminate in a day of great music and performances.
Director Yasmin Ahmad’s film is always full of joy and pain, hope and despair, beautifully–written songs and rich characters. Feel free to come and have a wonderful Thursday FREE Movie Night with us!
Art-i-fakts: InKlusion
Mon, February 15 — 7–9pm
UMMA Commons
InKlusion is inspired by VSA Arts which fights for creating a society where people with disabilities can participate in, learn through, excel in, and enjoy the arts. In addition to VSA Arts, F.O.K.U.S. will also be partnering with Matrix Theatre Company. “Matrix Theatre Company uses the transformative power of original theatre to change lives, build community, and foster social justice. It creates opportunities for children, youth, adults and elders, especially those in isolated or challenged communities, to become creators, producers and audience of original theatre.”
F.O.K.U.S is in solidarity with the missions of both VSA and Matrix Theatre Company. VSA Arts challenges society to question its preconceived notions about people that have disabilities, using the arts as a tool to do so. The Matrix Theatre Company, through its Inclusive Theatre Initiative, has a specific mission to include people at risk of being excluded from the arts, and engages them at every stage of the creative process.
As a student organization of predominantly temporarily able–bodied people, we feel it is necessary to highlight the voices of people with disabilities — those that are part of a marginalized community that is often silenced in our society. We believe art can be used as a means to express oneself and share stories that often go untold. The art show will be set up like a gala, with a monologue and dialogue taking place during the event. InKlusion aims to facilitate an honest exchange of ideas in a diverse setting about issues facing people with physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychiatric disabilities.
Malaysian Cultural Night
Sat, March 13, 2010 — 6-9:30pm
Angel Hall Auditorium B
Come join us for a night filled with colors and music of Malaysia. There will be FREE traditional delicacies to be sampled, and also cultural as well as modern performances brought to you by the Malaysian students at the University of Michigan. In addition to that, there will also be FREE gifts and games. Most importantly, admission is FREE for all! So come on and bring your friends and family members to our meaningful event, and also to learn more about the traditions as well as the modern aspects of Malaysia.
First Annual Salto Dance Company Show
Sun, April 18 — 7pm
Pendelton Room of the Union
Salto Dance Company is having its first annual concert featuring both ballet and lyrical numbers choreographed by members of the company!
