For kids in Northern Michigan and the Eastern Upper Peninsula, we offer free shows every year! We work with local schools to bus in kids for these fun and educational shows.
Missoula Children’s Theatre: The Little Mermaid (Grades K-12)
January 18–23, 2027
Celia, a music-loving little mermaid, ventures into the World Above with her sisters and discovers dragons, armies, a charming prince, and plenty of surprises in this humorous musical twist on a classic fairy tale. Join the Missoula Children’s Theatre and local students in an original musical adaptation of The Little Mermaid.
About 50-60 students will be cast by the Missoula Children’s Theatre directors. A maximum of 64 children, K-12 may be registered in advance (60 on stage and four assistant directors). Of the total of 64, there is a maximum of 16 kids up to age 7; of 44 kids ages 8-18; and of 4 assistant directors, typically ages 12-18. There is no cost to participate, thanks to a Community Impact grant from the Straits Area Community Foundation.
Try-outs for the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of The Little Mermaid will take place on the Opera House stage Monday, January 18th from 4pm to 6pm. Please register your student here to secure a part in the play. If you have multiple children interested in taking part in the play, please complete a separate form for each. Rehearsals take place every day, beginning Monday, January 18 (6:00-8:00pm), leading up to the two final performances on Saturday, January 23 (3:00pm & 5:30pm).
Registration will open soon.
Shaun Boothe (Grades 6-12)
1:30pm, Wed. February 10th, 2027
Shaun Boothe is an award-winning hip-hop artist and speaker who’s redefining what it means to inspire. Best known for his Unauthorized Biography Series—a powerful collection of documentary-style rap narratives that remix the legacies of iconic figures—Shaun brings history to life through music. On stage, he combines creativity, authenticity, and compelling storytelling to deliver an unforgettable experience.
From classrooms to corporate stages, Shaun connects with audiences of all ages through dynamic performances and real-world wisdom. With a passion for helping others step into their full potential, he inspires people to embrace their personal power, unlock their creativity, and live with purpose. His presentation in Cheboygan, “Live Your Legacy”, focuses on the biographies of Malala Yousafzai, Terry Fox, and Bob Marley.
Shaun Boothe’s visit to Northern Michigan is made possible in part through a co-presentation with the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.
Click here for a preview of Shaun Boothe!
Access to the Arts: “Dinosaur Dimensions” (Grades K-6)
10am & 1pm, Tues. May 4, 2027
Dinosaur Dimensions: Expedition is a high-energy, family-friendly adventure that brings dinosaurs roaring to life! Animatronic puppets and robotic dinos, wild special effects, and hands-on science experiments make for an unforgettable expedition for explorers of all ages!
For four decades, our Access to the Arts program has introduced thousands of young people in Northern Michigan to live performances at the Opera House, thanks to our sole corporate sponsor Citizens National Bank.
Click here for a preview of Dinosaur Dimensions!
Maggie’s Wake (Grades 3-8)
1pm, Fri. May 28th, 2027
Maggie’s Wake is a folk roots band from Southwestern Ontario, blending Celtic-inspired fiddle, tin whistle and flute with the spirit of jazz, Americana, and classic country. Fronted by award-winning musicians Tara Dunphy and Lindsay Schindler, the group weaves rich harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and irresistible rhythm into a sound that’s both timeless and fresh.
Their debut album, released in 2024 to critical acclaim, set the stage for sold-out theatre shows and earned them the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award for Best New/Emerging Artist. Maggie’s Wake celebrates deep roots with a bold, new sound that connects tradition and innovation in every note.
Maggie’s Wake’s visit to Northern Michigan is made possible in part through a co-presentation with the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.