Shakespeare, Elton John, and everything in between: Arts Academy students prepare to dazzle audiences at this year’s “Collage”

The hotly-anticipated interdisciplinary showcase will feature student artists from all disciplines sharing favorite pieces and original work. Here’s a look into the lineup.

A student wearing a black dress sings into a microphone.

Each year, local audiences look forward to one of Interlochen Arts Academy’s most diverse and exciting events: “Collage”. This fast-paced interdisciplinary showcase gives an engaging tour of the seven arts disciplines at Arts Academy: music, theatre, creative writing, dance, film & new media, visual arts, and interdisciplinary arts.

The 2024 program is a creative mix of old favorites and brand-new works. Some highlights include the Interlochen Jazz Orchestra performing “The Nearness of You” by Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington, arr. Chris Glassman; the student-produced short film “Good Grief”; an original poem titled “Multiverse as Failed Second Chance”; the Popular Music Ensemble performing “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John and Bernie Taupin; and a theatre monologue from Much Ado About Nothing.

While most of the action will happen on the main stage, Executive Director of Interlochen Presents Brent Wrobel urges audiences to keep an eye on the balconies, stairs, and orchestra pit for surprise appearances.

“The fun part of ‘Collage’ is that it's really popcorn-style,” says Wrobel. “The performances take place all over the theatre, and we move very quickly from one performance to the next. As soon as you finish watching a piece in one location, your attention is completely diverted to another part of the stage.”

The show, timed at just over an hour, makes for an ideal family outing or even a delightful date night. It’s a chance to experience a rich variety of artistic disciplines in a short amount of time—and witness rising talent at its best.

“It's an interdisciplinary showcase of the future stars of tomorrow,” says Wrobel. “One day, you’ll be able to say, ‘I saw that person in ‘Collage’ at Interlochen, and now they're off doing incredible things around the world.’ This show displays the best of what Interlochen has to offer.”

“Collage” takes place Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. ET in Interlochen’s Kresge Auditorium. Tickets are available.