There are a number of ways to get involved at the Keene Theater, from attending events, to taking a course in the theater, performing onstage, joining a student organization, and even working in the theater.
The Keene hosts numerous events during the academic year, all of which are free and open to the public! The RC Drama and RC Music programs host several performances and events throughout the semester as well as offer a wide variety of courses, many of which rehearse and perform in the theater each semester.
Several RC student organizations, such as the RC Players, also regularly host performances in the theater. To stay up to date on what's going on in the Keene, visit our page on Happening @ Michigan.
Take a Course in the Keene
The Keene Theater hosts a large number of courses in the RC Drama and RC Music programs, as well as the RC Telling It program. Course offerings vary between the Fall and Winter semesters. Please refer to the LSA Course Guide for the most recent information on course offerings.
RC Drama and Humanities Courses
Fall
Shakespeare on the Stage
Theatre Games
Drama Interpretation I: Actor and Text
The Atonement Project
Community Empowerment Through the Arts (Telling It)
Winter
Inside the Dramatic Experience (Actors / Directors Dual Course)
Drama Interpretation II (Actors / Directors Dual Course)
Community Empowerment Through the Arts (Telling It)
RC Music Courses
Most RC Music courses meet regularly in the East Quad Music Classroom (B424), with final performances often held in the Keene Theater at the end of the semester. Some courses are held every semester, while others are Fall Only or Winter Only. Please refer to the LSA Course Guide for the most recent information on course offerings.
Offered Every Semester (Fall / Winter)
Chamber Music
Voice Class
Chinese Music Ensemble
Fall Only
Electronic Music
Songwriting Craft and Practice
Afro-Cuban Drumming
Winter Only
Creative Musicianship
Found Instruments
Get Involved in a Student Performance
RC Players
The RC Players are an entirely student-run theater organization that call the Keene Theater their home! They host five performances in the Keene every semester.
- Red Eye – a 24-hour play that is written, rehearsed, and put to the stage over the course of just 1 day, culminating in a one-time public performance at the end of 24 hours in the theater.
- Evening of Scenes – a collection of short scenes and excerpts of larger plays.
- Rocky Horror Shadowcast (Fall only) – A screening and live performance of the famous Rocky Horror Picture Show.
- Spring Shadowcast Show (Winter only) – A performance where actors take the stage in front of a film, mimicking the on-screen action while onstage.
- Full Length Productions – The Players' semester culminates in two fully staged productions which change from semester to semester.
Interested in joining the players? Reach out to their E-board with questions: rcp-eboard@umich.edu.
RC Forums
RC Forums – the RC's student organizations and clubs – such as Music Forum and Dance Forum, utilize the Keene Theater as a performance and rehearsal space. Read more about current Forums here.
RC Drama Staged Reading Series
The RC Drama Program's Staged Reading Series takes place every semester, hosting several performances each semester in the Keene. The Staged Reading Series is open to the entire community: whether you're a current student, alum, community member, or UM staff or faculty member, you're welcome to take the stage!
Interested in the Staged Reading Series? Contact RC Drama Program Head Audrey Becker with inquiries about acting in or directing a show.
Recurring RC Events
While many of the Keene's performances are for one night and one night only, the venue also hosts a number of recurring performances on a semesterly or yearly basis.
Dean Robertson Lecture Series: The Keene Theater hosts the RC's annual or biennal lecture series which is focused on issues in education and the liberal arts. Read more about the Robertson Lecture here.
RC Convocation and Welcome Week Events: The Keene Theater regularly hosts the RC's welcome events, notably Convocation, as part of UM's wider Welcome Week programming, as students return to campus for the Fall semester.
RC Commencement (Graduation) is held at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre on UM's Central Campus.
RC Performances
There are many opportunities for students in various RC programs to stage shows in the Keene while completing academic requirements.
RC Drama Capstone Shows: Students majoring in the RC Drama program may complete the Capstone portion of their RC Drama major by staging and directing shows in the Keene. Students should speak with their advisor if they are interested in staging an RC Drama Capstone Show in the Keene Theater. For more information, visit RC Drama or contact Drama Program Head Audrey Becker.
Honors Thesis: All RC majors incorporate the opportunity to pursue an Honors Thesis if desired. As part of an Honors Thesis, students may host performances in the Keene in culmination of their work, in conjunction with their faculty advisor. Students should speak with their advisor about hosting an Honors Thesis show in the Keene. Learn more about completing an Honors Thesis here.
Center for World Performance Studies
The Center for World Performance Studies (CWPS) at the School of Music, Theater, and Dance often hosts shows in the Keene. CWPS brings artists from all over the globe to visit campus, including course visits and performances across campus.
Interested in seeing a show? View their upcoming events here.
Work at the Keene
The Keene employs a handful of part-time, Work Study students to help run the theater. Students assist with lighting design, live audio, stage management, maintaining the theater, and making the theater run on a daily basis.
Working at the Keene is an excellent opportunity for students interested in careers in the events and arts industries.
Please contact the Keene Theater Manager, Jack Moody with any questions.
About Working at the Keene
Prior Experience
Eligibility
How to Apply
Application Timeline
Thank you for visiting the Keene Theater!
