Study Theatre at Detroit Mercy

Theatre artists develop and rely upon courage, compassion and connection. This triad anchors our students and program to a mission of creating relevant theatre and serving the community through art’s reflective power. In building connection to our community, students learn to construct and maintain more secure and dynamic connections to their own intellect, priorities and life goals. We build the habit of discovery and the expectation that an artist is always on the path to deeper and greater understanding.

Students discover by:

• Engaging with a comprehensive curriculum designed to create well-rounded theatre artists, integrating training in performance technique, theory, and design;

• Connecting classroom curriculum with practical experience by utilizing skills through on and offstage work with Detroit Mercy Theatre Company;

• Personal attention through small class sizes and professional relationships with performing arts faculty and staff; 

• Participation in immersion trips to Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and other theatre epicenters to meet with industry professionals and experience life as a working artist;

• Annual attendance at and participation in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Region 3 Festival;

• Workshops spanning creative disciplines such as stage combat, improvisation and on-camera auditions;

• Mentorship by working industry professionals;

• Opportunities to thrive in the creative urban hub of Detroit;

and more!

We value integrative programming that promotes teamwork, problem solving, diverse perspectives and professionalism.

Teamwork is essential for bringing a production to life, as each member’s contribution is vital to overall success. Through collective effort and shared goals, students cultivate a sense of unity and mutual support. Collaboration between actors, directors, designers, and crew creates a dynamic environment where creativity and innovation flourish.

Problem solving is the framework enabling creativity to express itself fully. Identifying and solving problems together is a fundamental focus of student work. Students learn to navigate the unique challenges of each production aspect, from technical issues to creative differences, to ensure a cohesive and successful performance.

Different perspectives bring us deeper comprehension of the world. We promote this habit through interdisciplinary studies and community outreach. In 2023, we raised $5,000 for Quilombo communities in Brazil through our production of Unheard Voices: Afro-Brazilian Diaspora.

Professionalism is modeled for our students by the constant presence of faculty, staff, alumni and artistic associates in our productions and classrooms. Working side-by-side with seasoned actors, designers and directors, students build habits of observation and adaptability as they experience a wide variety of strategies and practices.

Recent artistic collaborations include: 

• Partnering with UDM's Department of Psychology to provide a sensory-friendly performance of A Year with Frog and Toad, tailored for individuals who face social, cognitive, and physical challenges leading to heightened sensory sensitivities. This unique performance features adjusted lighting, reduced sound levels, and a supportive atmosphere to ensure a comfortable experience forindividuals with sensitivities. 
• Working with Live 6 Alliance in Detroit to produce a staged reading of Kayak by Jordan Hall as a part of our second stage TheatreLab series. 

We teach students effective presence through verbal, physical and imaginative expression to convey ideas through compelling performance and presentations. At every stage of a student’s progress through the program, we introduce new skills while refining existing skills. A promotion of lifelong habits of learning and skill development is central to a theatre artist’s success.

Click here to see the courses we offer.

Students receive personal guidance provided by faculty, staff and professional artistic associates. An emphasis on small class size enhances students’ potential for rapid development.

Recent professional artistic associates include:

• Seth Amadei, DMTC resident lighting designer

• Alan Batkiewicz, scenic artist and props designer

• Alexis Black, fight director and intimacy coordinator (IDC)

• Dave Davies (SAG/AFTRA), actor

• Sarah Drum, DMTC resident stage manager

• Maritoni Harte, choreographer

• David Leidholdt, director

From theory to practice, our network of professional artistic associates and alumni help students enter the world through auditions and interviews for internships, apprenticeships, graduate studies and many other careers. Students and alumni secure opportunities with local, regional and national theatres, broadcast companies and organizations, utilizing skills acquired while studying in the Department of Performing Arts.

Detroit Mercy Theatre Company (DMTC) is an award-winning collective of artists composed of students, faculty, staff and professional guest artists producing gritty and relevant theatre that entertains and awakens the imagination. Students receive hands-on training through mainstage and second stage productions as they work with faculty, staff, and professional artistic associates. 

Learn more about Detroit Mercy Theatre Company here.

Detroit Mercy Theatre Company Awards:

Regional Award Winners - Encore Michigan Wilde Awards, 2023

• Best Play (Comedy): Pride and Prejudice
• Best Director (Play): Sarah Hawkins Rusk, Pride and Prejudice
• Best Supporting Actor (Play): Luke Adamkiewicz '24, Pride and Prejudice

National Award Winners - The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, 2022

• Special Achievement in Ensemble Performance, Antigone
• Special Achievement in Lighting Design, Seth Amadei for Antigone
• Antigone Special Commendations:
  • The Company, Distinguished Achievement in Collaboration
  • The Company, Distinguished Achievement in DEI
  • Mary Elizabeth Valesano, Distinguished Achievement in Costume Design
  • Alan Devlin, Distinguished Achievement in Scenic Design
  • Maritoni Harte, Distinguished Achievement in Choreography

Regional Award Winners - Encore Michigan Wilde Awards, 2022

• Best Play (Drama): Antigone
• Best Director (Play): Sarah Hawkins Rusk, Antigone

Regional Featured Associate Production - Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region 3, 2019

• Silent Sky

National Featured Production - The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, 1978

•  The Brig

National Featured Production - The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, 1976

•  The Me Nobody Knows

We believe social justice theatre experiences are integral to training student artists to value equally the development of their aesthetic skills and their social consciousness, combining their passion for making art with their desire to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.

Since 1998, the Performing Arts Department at University of Detroit Mercy has raised more than $200,000 for the homeless and abused, and for community shelters and centers. In 2023, we raised $5,000 for Quilombo communities in Brazil through our production of Unheard Voices: Afro-Brazilian Diaspora.

The advantage of multiple venues allows students to produce their own work while exploring performance styles and the imaginative ways those spaces can be transformed. 

The Marlene Boll Theatre is located inside the Boll Family YMCA. The Marlene Boll Theatre is an intimate, 140-seat, state-of-the-art, black box theatre in the heart of downtown Detroit. Fantastic restaurants, energetic bars and historic architecture surround this thrust-style performance space.

Studio 164 in Reno Hall is Detroit Mercy Theatre Company’s rehearsal space which also hosts a variety of student-driven projects, directing scenes as well as multiple classes within the Department of Performing Arts curriculum. Auditions for main stage productions also occur in this room.

Community and Found Spaces: Detroit Mercy Theatre Company utilizes community spaces, such as Live 6 Alliance in Detroit, and found spaces around campus to create immersive and engaging theatrical productions.

The Future of DMTC: Black Box Theatre Project

University of Detroit Mercy envisions a bright future for the performing arts. We are developing plans for a black box theatre located on the lower level of the newly renovated Student Union. Our students will explore their creativity and showcase their talents in this state-of-the-art performance and rehearsal space. This hub for cultural and artistic events will serve all of our students and transform our broader community.

Construction begins July 2024. Learn more about the project here.