College of Fine Arts Events

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Western Dance Project Sneak Peek with Guest Choreographer Noelle Kayser

A free, informal studio showing of choreography in progress with guest artist Noelle Kayser. Audiences will see the progress of her work with WMU students and hear about the creative process behind Western Dance Project’s upcoming season.

Date: Thursday, Sep. 4
Time: 4 to 5 p.m.
Four saxophonists jumping in the air

Guest Artist Recital: Capitol Quartet

The Capitol Quartet is widely considered among the most exciting chamber ensembles performing today. Its members are Christopher Creviston, Joseph Lulloff, David Stambler, and Henning Schröder (WMU faculty member).

Date: Monday, Sep. 8
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Visiting Artist Program: Sean Caulfield. September 11 at 5:30 pm.

Visiting Artist: Sean Caulfield

Sean Caulfield is a Canadian artist whose intricate prints and installations explore the intersections of technology, nature, and the human body. Join his talk to discover how industrial landscapes, antique art, and pop culture shape his compelling visual narratives.

Date: Thursday, Sep. 11
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Smiling man in a tuxedo holding a clarinet.

Bullock Series: Robert DiLutis, Clarinet

Robert DiLutis is currently professor of clarinet at the University of Maryland, School of Music, College Park. Making his Carnegie Hall Recital debut in 1989, Mr. DiLutis has also performed as a featured soloist with ensembles such as the San Antonio Symphony, Baton Rouge Symphony and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Recently Mr. DiLutis toured with the New York Philharmonic on its historic trip to Pyongyang, North Korea.

Date: Wednesday, Sep. 17
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Visiting Artist Program: Marita Gootee & Wendy Roussin. September 18 at 5:30 pm.

Visiting Artist: Marita Gootee & Wendy Roussin

Photographers Marita Gootee and Wendy Roussin present a dynamic exploration of visual storytelling through alternative and digital processes.

Date: Thursday, Sep. 18
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Visiting Artist Program: Eddy Lopez. September 19 at 5 pm.

Visiting Artist: Eddy Lopez

Eddy A. López blends vibrant abstraction with archival memories of war to explore identity and resilience. Don’t miss his artist talk and the closing reception of Show Me Your Papers / A Ver, Y Tus Papeles?, a powerful exhibition confronting migration and belonging.

Date: Friday, Sep. 19
Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Artwork by Richard DePeaux, a red square with wavy lines.

Closing Reception: Richard DePeaux A Retrospective

Please join us for a closing reception of the exhibition.

Date: Friday, Sep. 19
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Artwork of meats or bread on a plate with faces in them showing the life of the people.

Closing Reception: Show Me Your Papers / A Ver, Y Tus Papeles?

Please join us for a closing reception of the exhibition.

Date: Friday, Sep. 19
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Smiling woman in a red shirt holding a viola.

Bullock Series: Juliet White-Smith, Viola

Juliet White-Smith is an accomplished violist, an engaging and dynamic teacher, and an expert string pedagogue. With performing and professional teaching careers spanning over three and a half decades, she has performed in solo, chamber and orchestral settings throughout the United States and on tour in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Date: Wednesday, Sep. 24
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Visiting Artist Program: Delinda Collier. September 25 at 5:30 pm.

Visiting Artist: Delinda Collier

Delinda Collier is Professor of Art History, Theory and Criticism and Dean of Graduate Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her internationally recognized scholarship focuses on media in Africa, Luso-African art, and Cold War modernisms.

Date: Thursday, Sep. 25
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
A man in a black shirt playing a red keyboard instrument and a man in a grey shirt sitting on the ground, holding a saxophone.

Faculty and Guest Recital: Andrew Rathbun, Saxophone, and Gary Versace, Piano

Toronto native Andrew Rathbun is widely esteemed as one of the most creative and accomplished saxophonists, composers and bandleaders of his generation. Voted as a “Rising Star” in the 2018 and 2022 Downbeat Critics Polls  and recording steadily as a leader since the late 1990s, he has documented his stirring original music with an array of extraordinary lineups, featuring the talents of such greats as Kenny Wheeler, Billy Hart, George Garzone, Phil Markowitz and Bill Stewart.

Originally hailing from Cos Cob, CT, jazz pianist, organist, and accordionist Gary Versace is one of the busiest and most versatile musicians on the international jazz scene, often featured in bands led by musicians such as John Scofield, Maria Schneider, John Abercrombie, Anat Cohen, Al Foster, Regina Carter, Ellery Eskelin, Ray Anderson, Rich Perry, John Hollenbeck, Ralph Alessi, Kurt Elling, Madeleine Peyroux, Matt Wilson, Brad Shepik, Ingrid Jensen and many others.

Date: Friday, Sep. 26
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Colorful graphic of two people having coffe at a table with the title UTOPIA behind them.

WMU Theatre Presents Utopia

What if you could step into a world where people simply lived together — enjoying coffee, ice cream, love, and laughter — without the barriers that so often divide us? That’s the quiet beauty of Utopia, a new version of a play by Charles L. Mee, being presented by WMU Theatre September 26-October 12.
Date: Friday, Sep. 26
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Five musicians holding instruments, standing in a line under a red light.

Bullock Series: TAK Ensemble

TAK is a mixed-quintet committed to musical exploration and experimentation and dedicated to commissioning new works and direct collaboration with composers and other artists. The group has performed internationally at IntACT Festival (Thailand), Music Current Festival (Ireland), Cluster Festival (Canada), Harpa Concert Hall (Iceland), and the Delian Academy (Greece), among many others, and enjoys an active schedule of domestic touring in the U.S.

Members of TAK include Laura Cocks (flute), Madison Greenstone (clarinet), Charlotte Mundy (voice), Marina Kifferstein (violin), and Ellery Trafford (percussion).

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 1
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Black and white photo of a jazz ensemble performing. Saxophones, trombones, drums, electric guitar, electric bass, keyboards, and conductor are all on stage.

University Jazz Lab Band

The University Jazz Lab Band is dedicated to the well-prepared performance of big band charts where careful attention is given to style and detail. Literature includes both traditional and contemporary jazz works, and the ensemble is also available for the reading and performance of student compositions and arrangements. An active on- and off-campus performance schedule is maintained. Membership is open to all Western Michigan University students by audition.

Carlo De Rosa, Director.

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 7
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Seventeen smiling musicians holding instruments, standing in a group.

University Jazz Orchestra

This 18-member ensemble has received international acclaim for its high performance standards and creative approach to big band jazz. Recognitions include three-time winners in the college big band category of the DownBeat magazine annual DB student music awards, a heralded performance in New York City's Carnegie Hall, 25 consecutive Outstanding Band recognitions at the Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival, and featured performances for the International Association for Jazz Education Conferences in Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Scott Cowan, Director.

Date: Thursday, Oct. 9
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
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Fall Noon Dance Showing

A midday, in-studio performance of new works created and performed by WMU Dance students. This informal, fun showing of creativity and spirit provides a chance for students to celebrate dance and each other.

Date: Friday, Oct. 10
Time: noon to 1 p.m.
Group of vocalists sitting on couch. Collection of plants to their right.

Bullock Series: VOCES8

Presented in collaboration with Fontana Chamber Arts.

The GRAMMY® Award-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. Touring globally, the group performs an extensive repertoire both in its a cappella concerts and in collaborations.

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 22
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Blue Neon text says CATS with pink neon cats outlines.

WMU Theatre Presents CATS

Western Michigan University’s production of CATS brings this beloved musical into the intimate Williams Theatre, placing the audience right in the heart of the Jellicle Ball. The show plays October 24 through November 9 in the Williams Theatre.

Date: Friday, Oct. 24
Time: 7:30 to 10 p.m.
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Open Rehearsal with Great Works Guest Choreographer Peter Chu

Watch the creative process unfold as guest choreographer Peter Chu works with WMU dancers to shape a new piece for the 2026 Winter Gala Dance Concert. This open rehearsal offers a bhind-the-scenes look at how movement is built, refined, and brought to life.

Date: Friday, Oct. 31
Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Title The House That Will Not Stand on top of a purple and green background.

WMU Theatre Presents The House That Will Not Stand

Marcus Gradley's The House That Will Not Stand, blends poetic language with sharp, unexpected humor to tell the story of a Creole family facing a world in transition. It performs at the Gilmore Theatre Complex November 14-23.

Date: Friday, Nov. 14
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
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WMU Student Dance Concert

Our student ensembles take over the stage with a diverse and exciting performance of dance. Expect sincerity, bold choices, and glimpses of tomorrow’s dance artists in an intimate setting. 

 

Date: Friday, Nov. 14
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
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WMU Dance BA Senior Capstone Presentation

In this capstone event, BA Dance seniors share the choreography and performances that define their WMU journey, blending personal vision with the craft they’ve built over their years of study.

Date: Friday, Nov. 21
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
A light-skinned woman with curly hair wearing a sleeveless white top.

WMU Theatre Presents Lana Gordon In Next Stop, Broadway!

This annual cabaret showcases our senior musical theatre majors performing with Broadway's LANA GORDON! 

Date: Thursday, Dec. 4
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
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WMU Dance Downtown: Kalamazoo Art Hop

Kalamazoo’s Art Hop gets a rhythmic upgrade: Presentations of art scattered throughout downtown Kalamazoo invite you to bump into movement (and WMU dancers) between shops and gallery stops. Join us for this hour long performance featuring WMU students and celebrate dance in Kzoo!

Date: Friday, Dec. 5
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Text of THE COAST STARLIGHT in yellow and a blue train setting background.

WMU Theatre Presents The Coast Starlight

WMU Theatre presents The Coast Starlight: One morning, a young man boards the Coast Starlight, the long-distance train that runs from Los Angeles to Seattle. He’s got a secret that can land him in terrible trouble, and he has roughly one thousand miles to enlist the help of his fellow travelers – all of whom are reckoning with their own choices in search of a way forward. The show plays at the Gilmore Theatre Complex January 30-February 15.

Date: Friday, Jan. 30
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
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Winter Gala Dance Concert

The annual Winter Gala Dance Concert is the highlight of the year, featuring a broad variety of work by faculty and guest choreographers, performed by WMU’s talented dance students in a full-stage production. This year's concert features original work by Great Works choreographer Peter Chu.

Date: Friday, Feb. 13
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
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Ebony Vision – Student Dance Concert

An inspired student-produced concert from student organization Ebony Vision, showcasing choreography and performance that centers creative voices and experiences of students of color.

Date: Friday, Feb. 27
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
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Spring Noon Dance Showing

Another dose of midday inspiration - short-form dance performances by WMU students that challenge your senses and wake up your day. All the energy of the studio, in a bite-sized lunchtime performance.

Date: Friday, March 20
Time: noon to 1 p.m.
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WMU Theatre Presents Much Ado About Nothing

One of Shakespeare’s most enduring and beloved comedies is being presented by WMU Theatre, March 20-29! In this play full of mistaken identities and unexpected revelations, love and loyalty are tested in the aftermath of war. 

Date: Friday, March 20
Time: 7:30 to 10 p.m.
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WMU Dance BFA Junior Jury Presentation

Bachelor of Fine Arts juniors in dance present their Junior Juries, a key milestone in the program showcasing their technical and artistic growth.

Date: Sunday, March 22
Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Text with blood reads Sweeney Todd with a graphic of a pie.

WMU Theatre Presents Sweeney Todd

Attend the tale of a barber who returns from unjust exile, driven by vengeance and a hunger for justice. When he joins forces with Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful pie shop owner, the results are both horrific and strangely compelling. The show runs April 10-25 in the Gilmore Theatre Complex at WMU. 

Date: Friday, April 10
Time: 7:30 to 10 p.m.
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BFA Senior Graduating Presentation

A culminating celebration of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance students, this event showcases seniors’ capstone works and solo performances, marking the transition from student to professional with artistry that is both deeply personal and performance-ready.

Date: Friday, April 10
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
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Western Dance Project Concert

The season’s final concert celebration from Western Dance Project, WMU's preprofessional student dance company, featuring repertory works by faculty and guest choreographers.

Date: Thursday, April 23
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.