News & Stories
On any given day, School of Music, Theatre & Dance students, faculty, and alumni are performing and directing, designing and producing. They are winning awards and distinguishing themselves in competitions. They are releasing new recordings and publications. They are engaging in innovative research, scholarship, and collaborations. Read about the latest SMTD happenings and get to know members of the SMTD community.
![Aryn Nester performs on trombone on a football field in formation with the Michigan Marching Band](https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Aryn-Nester-trombone-major-1024x683.jpg)
[Campus News] Michigan Marching Band Student Spotlight: Aryn Nester, Trombone
![Composite of two headshots with lime green background; SMTD student Emelia Piane and Hedy Lamarr in the 1940s](https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Emelia-Piane-Receives-Hedy-Lamarr-Award-1024x768.jpg)
[In the News] Emelia Piane (BFA ’25, PAT) Receives 2024 Hedy Lamarr Achievement Award for Emerging Leaders in Entertainment Technology
![Five people pose standing in the EXCEL Lab](https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/EXCELebration-2024-1024x683.jpg)
SMTD’s EXCEL Lab Announces Winners of 2024 EXCEL Prize and Other Awards
![Owen Scales studio headshot with yellow background](https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Owen-Scales-featured-1024x728.jpg)
Musical Theatre Student Owen Scales Receives 2024 Presser Award
![](https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/American-Pianist-Award-Finalists-2025-1024x683.jpg)
[In the News] Angie Zhang and Sasha Kasman Laude Named Finalists for 2025 American Pianists Award
![](https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SMTD-DesignProduction-Exhibit-Wides-03-1.jpg)
2024 Theatre Design & Production Portfolios Exhibition
![Three people pose seated at a small conference table, yellow wall in background](https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Amy-West-with-Daziah-T.-Crawford-family-members-1024x669.jpg)
A Class Assignment Allows Dance Students to Hone New Skills and Build Connections with Community Organizations
![Composite photo of two students in formal attire, each bowing on stage next to a piano](https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Zhang-and-Laothitipong-piano-competitions-1024x683.jpg)
Student Updates – Michigan Muse Winter 2024
![Two actors pose together smiling, costumed as a bride and groom](https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Myah-Bridgewater-and-Myles-Mathews-in-costume-Intimate-Apparel-featured-1024x893.jpg)
A Life-Altering Experience: Students Describe Performing “Intimate Apparel” in Michigan Prisons
![](https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Arbor-Falls-poster-featured-1024x683.jpg)
[In the News] U-M’s Production of “Arbor Falls” Holds a Mirror to Society’s Divisions
![Composite image of 4 winners performing on percussion, saxophone, cello, and piano](https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Concerto-Competition-winners-1-1024x851.jpg)
SMTD Announces Winners of 2024 Concerto Competition
![Rileigh Goldsmith works on a hanging installation, wearing a black sweater](https://smtd.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Rileigh-Goldsmith-dance-senior-photo-by-Ellie-Vice-Michigan-Daily-1024x683.jpg)