First Act | Michigan

Theatre and Creative Drama Program

First Act | Michigan is an engaging theatre arts enrichment program that introduces K-12th students to the early concepts of dramatic play. Participants engage in dynamic, student-centered activities that encourage storytelling, imaginative play, and collaboration. Through guided exploration of character, movement, and voice, students build foundational theatre skills while developing creativity and self-expression.

JumpStart Theatre | Michigan

Musical Theatre Program

JumpStart Theatre is a transformative three-year initiative designed to build sustainable musical theatre programs alongside middle schools that have never had one before. Participating schools receive training, funding, materials, and hands-on mentoring to produce a full-scale musical each year. After three years, schools will graduate JumpStart Theatre with a vibrant, self-sustaining theatre program!

Michigan Dance Exchange

Dance and Creative Movement Program

Michigan Dance Exchange is a collaborative dance education program designed to connect the university with the broader community. Rooted in the idea of exchange, the program draws on a network of university students, faculty, and regional dance professionals to offer a range of experiences within the world of dance. From workshops and choreographic collaborations to career exploration opportunities, Michigan Dance Exchange is designed to be flexible, responsive, and engaging for a variety of participants.

M-STARs @ Detroit Partners

Pre-College Pathways Program

M-STARS @ Detroit Partners provides fun and engaging pre-college pathways experiences for students grades 5th-12th. This flexible initiative connects SMTD students to our Detroit partners for mentorship and support, access to campus resources, and relationship building opportunities. The confidence and agency students gain from their M-STARS @ Detroit Partners experience goes well beyond the program itself. Students create their own pathways that impact not only their journey but other students that may be following in their footsteps.

This program provides opportunities for students from all artistic backgrounds.

M-STARs @ Our Own Thing

Piano Instruction Program

In partnership with Willis Patterson’s Our Own Thing Youth Instructional Program, the Our Own Thing Piano Program provides piano instruction from January – April. Students kindergarten through high school residing in the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti area receive free, private and semi-private piano lessons along with studio class each week. This program is instrumental in breaking down the barriers to make music education more inclusive and accessible. Lessons are student-centered and focus on the participants’ individual goals while providing lessons in piano technique and music theory.

Teaching experience is highly preferred but not required for this position.

M-STARs @ Mitchell / Scarlett

Instrumental Music Instruction Program

M-STARS @ Mitchell Elementary and Scarlett Middle School connects the budding young musicians of tomorrow to SMTD students for instrumental instruction, mentoring, and artistic enrichment. Participants in 5th through 8th grade receive free, after school, semi-private lessons from January – April. Partnering directly with the school music teachers, this program supplements student’s in-class music instruction through dynamic and individualized lessons. M-STARS @ Mitchell / Scarlett creates opportunities through early exposure and comprehensive instruction that helps students reach their full potential.

Teaching experience is highly preferred but not required for this position.

Storybook Ballet

Ballet and Early Literacy Program

In partnership with Detroit Opera, Storybook Ballet introduces young learners to the world of dance through storytelling and creative movement. Designed for students in Pre-K through 5th grade, this program builds foundational dance skills while supporting early literacy development through the imaginative exploration of storybooks. Each session blends basic ballet technique with playful storytelling, helping students develop confidence, coordination, and a deeper connection to the arts.