Arts Center at Lake Superior State University

09/04/2026

Hello everyone!

Today is the day to come see touring ragtime pianist Peter Bergin perform onstage with musical duo Ivory & Gold in The American Jamboree!

The house will open tonight at 06:30PM EST and the show will start at 07:00PM EST. The show will be roughly 90 minutes in length and there will be table available in the lobby for buying merchandise! Students and community members alike are welcome to join an evening of music and storytelling that celebrates American music by weaving together bluegrass, folk, country, and more!

If you would like to purchase your tickets ahead of time, visit our ticketing page here: https://shorturl.at/KQw11

We hope to see you there tonight at the Lake Superior State University Arts Center!

09/02/2026

Hello everyone!

Last reminder that the Arts Center will be holding auditions tonight for the Fall production of the drama "Mauritius." Auditions are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on the mainstage at the Arts Center!

Don't miss out on an opportunity to be a part of this production! Fill out the Audition Interest Form if you are at all intrigued!

The form can be found here:

This is an interest form to audition for the LSSU fall production of "Mauritius" by Theresa Rebeck. This production will be directed by Assistant Professor Adam St. John on the Main Stage theatre. ALL are encouraged to audition!

09/01/2026

Hello and Happy Tuesday, Sault Ste. Marie!

We are excited to announce that tomorrow, we will holding auditions for our Fall production of the 2006 drama 'Mauritius.' There are so many talented individuals in our humble little city and we cannot wait to see you bring it your all!

Auditions will be held on the Arts Center's Main Stage on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm EST. These auditions are open to LSSU students, faculty, associates, and all members of the Sault Ste. Marie community! If you have not already, please fill out the Audition Interest Form ahead of the audition.

All are encouraged to audition!! We hope to see you there!

The audition form can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8tamb7FTVVZgRa7zuyHTNlbaB_2GLTa9KUsueTf33Huf20g/viewform

09/01/2026

Hello Sault Ste. Marie!

Join us this Friday for an evening of music, storytelling, and Americana with The American Jamboree, featuring Peter Bergin on piano and vocals, and internationally acclaimed duo Ivory&Gold®, Jeff Barnhart and Anne Barnhart on piano/flute and vocals.

This engaging concert experience celebrates the rich tapestry of American music, weaving together early Americana, ragtime, blues, and patriotic favorites in a lively and heartfelt performance. Known for their exceptional musicianship and engaging stage presence, Bergin and Ivory&Gold® take audiences on a musical journey through the songs and stories that have shaped generations. From timeless classics to spirited audience favorites, the performance features music from Stephen Foster, Scott Joplin, George M. Cohan, alongside later hits from the blues and jazz era.

Audiences can expect masterful instrumental performances, memorable melodies, and moments of humor and reflection throughout the evening. The concert will conclude with a Veterans tribute in honor of America 250. Whether you are a longtime fan of traditional American music or simply looking for an entertaining night out, this event offers something for music lovers of all ages.

If you would like to purchase tickets for The American Jamboree ahead of time, visit: https://shorturl.at/zlAFW

We hope to see you there this Friday at 7pm at the Lake Superior State University Arts Center!

The American Jamboree w/ Peter Bergin & Ivory&Gold® Buy tickets for Superior State University Arts Center on 09/04/2026, Sault Ste. Marie from vivenu. Join us for an evening of music, storytelling, and Americana with The American Jamboree, featuring Peter Bergin on piano and vocals, and inter...

08/24/2026

Happy Saturday, everyone!

It is only 4 days until the Nai-Ni Dance Company visits Lake Superior State University on August 28th, 2026!

For today's spotlight of the Nai-Ni Dance Company, we have images taken of their 'Flowing River Under The Moonlight' dance.

'Flowing River Under The Moonlight' was inspired largely by the customs of the Hua Yao Dai, a distinct branch of the Dai ethnic nationality centered in Xinping County of the Yunnan Province. Just as the Hua Yao Dai express grace and beauty through vibrant hand-woven colorful waistbands and handmade artistry, 'Flowing River Under The Moonlight' similarly portrays its dancer duet as blooming flowers by a quiet riverside. Set to a gentle melody, the dancers embody softness, elegance, and youthful purity, their movements rippling like water.

If you would like to purchase tickets for the Nai-Ni Chen Dance performance ahead of time, visit: https://shorturl.at/wcaPU

We hope to see you there!

08/22/2026

Happy Saturday, everyone!

It is only 6 days until the Nai-Ni Dance Company visits Lake Superior State University on August 28th, 2026!

For today's spotlight of the Nai-Ni Dance Company, we have an image taken of their 'Movable Figures' dance.

'Movable Figures' was inspired largely by the art of Southeast Asian shadow puppetry. This art, known by many names throughout South Asia, is a form known for its sacredness. It has been said that the performances often mirror universal machinations, reflecting the eternal battle of good and order against evil and chaos. It is also believed that performances have the power to invoke ancient spirits and entities.

More for information on the art of shadow puppetry as it concerns Southeast Asia, visit this article: https://www.britannica.com/art/Southeast-Asian-arts/Shadow-puppet-theatre

If you would like to purchase tickets for the Nai-Ni Chen Dance performance ahead of time, visit: https://shorturl.at/wcaPU

We hope to see you there!

08/20/2026

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

It is only 9 days until the Nai-Ni Dance Company visits Lake Superior State University on August 28th, 2026!

For today's spotlight of the Nai-Ni Dance Company, we have images taken of their 'Way Of Five, Fire' dance.

'Way Of Five, Fire', described by some as Taiwanese-American dancer Nai-Ni Chen's signature work, explores the theory that the cycles of creation and destruction are intrinsically tied to the ever-evolving patterns of nature. The 'Five' refers to the five elements, wood, metal, water, earth, and fire. Each of these elements simultaneously intersect to create one another in harmony and destroy each other in great conflict. This dance in particular focuses on fire, a symbol of freedom, determination, and resilience.

More for information on this dance, visit this article where Italian dancer Lorenzo Guerrini discusses his role in leading 'Way Of Five, Fire': https://canvasrebel.com/meet-lorenzo-guerrini/

If you would like to purchase tickets ahead of time, visit https://lake-superior-state-university-jid7.vivenushop.com/event/nai-ni-dance-company-yfjwdc !

We hope to see you there!

08/18/2026

Happy Tuesday, Sault Ste. Marie!

We here at the Arts Center are very excited to kickoff the Fall 2026 semester and get the word out about all of the fun events we will be hosting throughout the year!

One of these events is our Fall production of the 2006 drama 'Mauritius.' Written by Theresa Rebeck, 'Mauritius' follows half-sisters Jackie and Mary after they inherit a rare stamp collection from Mary's grandfather. They clash, competing for the millions of dollars that the collection is worth, and an escapade involving theft, greed, and family baggage ensues.

We are announcing that auditions for LSSU's production of 'Mauritius', directed by Assistant Professor Adam St. John, will be held on the Arts Center's Main Stage on September 2nd, 2026 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm EST. These auditions are open to LSSU students, faculty, associates, and all members of the Sault Ste. Marie community!

All are encouraged to audition!! We hope to see you there!

The audition form can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiqh44lBrq95Ke6Jrlifwt_fncX83wu6_iMD-kR47lSDYmgA/viewform

08/17/2026

Hello again!

We hope you've marked your calendars, because it is only 11 days until the Nai-Ni Dance Company visits Lake Superior State University! There will be an 11am matinee and a 7pm evening show on August 28th, 2026, and we don't want you to miss it!

For today's spotlight of the Nai-Ni Dance Company, we have an image taken of their 'Lion In The City' dance.

'Lion In The City', originally commissioned by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in 2023, is based on The Lion Dance, which is one of the more popular dances performed in the Chinese New Year Celebration. The Lion Dance is a prayer for peace on Earth, demonstrated as children are able to safely play and coexist the lion, a beast known for its ferocity. There are many styles through which The Lion Dance exists in China, and the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company have taken to blending the typical Chinese movement style with contemporary hip-hop. More for information on this dance, visit https://www.njpac.org/event/nai-ni-chen-dance-company-year-of-the-snake/ .

If you would like to purchase tickets ahead of time, visit https://lake-superior-state-university-jid7.vivenushop.com/event/nai-ni-dance-company-yfjwdc !

We hope to see you there!

08/15/2026

Hello Sault Ste. Marie!

In just two short weeks, the LSSU Arts Center will host its first event of the 2026-27 season! Blending the elegance of Asian traditions with the energy and athleticism of American modern dance is one of the nation's leading contemporary dance ensembles: The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company!

Named after their founder, a Taiwanese-American dancer/choreographer who immigrated into the United States in the 1980s, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company has captivated audiences across the United States and around the world for almost three decades. They have performed at numerous renowned venues including Lincoln Center, The Joyce Theater, Jacob’s Pillow, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Their work bridges cultures and generations, inviting audiences to engage with stories that are both deeply personal and universally relevant.

Today marks our countdown until the event on August 28th, so make sure to keep an eye out as we continue to share what makes the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company so special and mark your calendars!

Get your tickets now! Tickets here: https://lake-superior-state-university-jid7.vivenushop.com/event/nai-ni-dance-company-yfjwdc