Address: 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
Official Website: https://www.nmu.edu/forestrobertstheatre/
The Tale Begins
Welcome, brave souls and seekers of the supernatural, to the ethereal world of the Forest Roberts Theatre. Amid the heart of Northern Michigan University, cocooned within waves of academic discourse, the Theatre stands like a whispered legend. This ancient, hallowed hall, gracing us with more than five decades of theatre magic, remains shrouded in an exquisite enigma that sends shivers down the spine of even the boldest spirits. Here, the echo of applause and the rustle of costumes melt into the background, leaving space for hushed whispers of spectral visitors. Are you intrigued by mysteries that dwell in shadows and the thrill of goosebumps? Are you ready to step beyond the realm of the living, into the enticingly eerie and captivatingly uncanny world of the Forest Roberts Theatre? Then clutch your theater playbills, dear readers, as we lift the velvet curtain to embark on a riveting journey, revealing the haunted heart of this time-honored stage…
The History of Forest Roberts Theatre
The Forest Roberts Theatre is located on the campus of Northern Michigan University (NMU) in Marquette, Michigan, right in the heart of the upper peninsula. Named after Forest Roberts, an instrumental figure in the university’s theater department, the theater serves as a symbol of his impact and dedication.
Forest Roberts served as the director of theatre at NMU from 1964 to 1980, and his influence dramatically shaped the future of theatre at the university. His expertise and ingenuity led to the growth of the theatre program, fostering both technical and performance skills in students. This promoted a tradition of high-quality shows, educational experiences, and the development of skills critical to performing arts careers.
Upon his retirement, the university chose to honor Forest Roberts by naming the theatre after him, ensuring that his legacy would continue to inspire students and community members alike.
The Forest Roberts Theatre underwent significant renovation and expansion in 2003 – 2004, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility. Its features include a 500+ seat auditorium, a large proscenium stage, a scene shop, costume shop, makeup studio, box office, and a spacious lobby, among other amenities.
Over the years, the Forest Roberts Theatre has continuously worked towards expanding and enhancing its productions, offering a variety of plays, musicals, and other performances to service the university and Marquette community. It is known for its commitment to providing engaging, quality productions and educational opportunities for NMU students in various aspects of theatre production and performance, and simultaneously, acting as a hub for community engagement in performing arts.
Is it really haunted at Forest Roberts Theatre?
The Forest Roberts Theatre located on the campus of Northern Michigan University does indeed have a history of supposed hauntings.
The most famous ghostly presence at the theatre is believed to be that of a previous janitor, Perry Como, who passed away and is thought to continue to oversee the theater’s operations. Staff and students have reported various unexplained activities such as lights turning on and off of their own accord, props being moved, strange sounds, and even sightings of an apparition that matches Perry’s description.
Another tale associated with the theatre involves a worker named Ed who supposedly died from heart failure while constructing a set in 1953. His spirit reportedly haunts the scene shop and the main stage, making noises and moving objects.
Please keep in mind, these are all stories and experiences handed down through generations. Due to the nature of ghost stories, they can be subjective and are not universally accepted or scientifically proven, therefore one should approach such topics with a manner of skepticism or at least an open mind.
Wrapping Up
Located in Marquette, Michigan, the Forest Roberts Theatre is an institution with a rich history. As part of the Northern Michigan University, the theatre was named after Professor Forest K. Roberts, a beloved and influential figure in the department. The theatre framework has been a part of the university for over a century, but was officially renamed the Forest Roberts Theatre in 1971.
An intriguing aspect of the theatre is the reputed haunting. Students and staff alike reportedly have witnessed strange happenings such as lights flickering, sounds when no one is present, and even sightings of a mysterious figure. Many believe that this ghostly figure is the spirit of Professor Forest Roberts himself, still tending to the theatre he dearly loved. His spirit is considered benevolent, acting as a phantom custodian ensuring everything continues to run smoothly.
The existence of the so-called “Perry’s Ghost” is another paranormal tale related to the theatre. Perry, as the lore goes, was a former student and theatre enthusiast who unfortunately met an untimely death. He is often blamed for mischievous activities such as moving props or causing backstage commotion.
In conclusion, the Forest Roberts Theatre’s history is intertwined with the spirits of its past, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to this revered institution. Whether it’s the heartfelt loyalty of Forest Roberts or the playful antics of Perry, these tales enrich the theatre’s legacy, making it an even more interesting fixture of Northern Michigan University’s campus.
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