Student Touring

The student cast who performed MUKTI at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall in March 2023 and the Interlochen faculty and staff who accompanied them to New York City.

The arts are meant to be shared. The creative talents and accomplishments of Interlochen Arts Academy students shine all the brighter when they’re seen by new eyes and appreciated by new audiences. Our students return from tours freshly inspired to continue their creative pursuits, bolstered with new insights into their art and the career prospects that await after graduation. That’s why student touring is essential to the Interlochen experience.

Every year, students from across Interlochen’s artistic disciplines bring delight to new venues, from small local and regional stages to storied concert halls across the country and around the world. Non-performing students may also have unique opportunities, such as a behind-the-scenes tour of the Detroit Institute of Art. All of these off-campus experiences bring an indelible value to students that lasts a lifetime.

Whether it’s Interlochen dancers performing The Nutcracker in Cheboygan, singer-songwriters opening for Jon Bon Jovi, music production and engineering students playing to thousands at the Starmus International Festival in Armenia, or theatre students participating in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Interlochen artists return from their travels inspired to pursue their creative potential.

That inspiration emanates from the grateful audiences who see these Interlochen tour performances — and from the fellow artists and professionals with whom our students collaborate when they’re on the road. That was certainly true in 2023, when 120 Academy students traveled to New York City’s Lincoln Center to present the world premiere of MUKTI, an original, student-inspired, interdisciplinary theatrical performance, and to play works by four living Black American composers alongside members of the New York Philharmonic.

Philanthropic support made this transformational experience possible. As Leah H. attests, the experience was priceless: 

At the end of freshman year, I was informed that I would get to go to New York City as a part of “मुक्ति: MUKTI (A Movement of Liberation)” and perform “Linoleum” choreographed by Katie Dorn in Lincoln Center. Sophomore year was just full of amazing opportunities that I will never forget. I could go on forever about how amazing being a part of the NYC tour was.

Leah H.

The value of student tours extends even beyond the artists participating in them, such as with the audiences that grow in their knowledge and appreciation of Interlochen with each performance. As audiences are brought together by the power of the arts, they’re also more likely to think of Interlochen first when they think of arts education. These tours leave all who encounter them better for the experience, an echo of our longstanding belief that the world is better with Interlochen in it.

Endowed support of touring ensures that these thrilling, transformational experiences continue to be available for our students to extend their education beyond our campus. Your support makes it possible.

For more information, please contact Philanthropy staff at 231-276-7623 or philanthropy@interlochen.org.