As the Rozsa Center at Michigan Technological University enters its 25th year, the theater is planning an exciting season. Over the years, the theater has hosted unique and acclaimed shows, performers, and speakers. The venue also provides students with opportunities to explore career paths through the Rozsa Center’s connection with the Visual and Performing Arts Department.
And as we’re doing all of that, our students are getting live experience being on stage. Our students are getting experience behind the scenes on the Rozsa crew. We usually have anywhere from 40 to 50 students that are working behind the scenes to make our shows happen. – Kiersten Birondo, director, Rozsa Center
The Rozsa Center is also a valuable resource for the community. In addition to hosting shows and fundraisers, the facility partners with organizations and nonprofits to organize a wide range of community-focused events. Including many fun nights at Mom Prom and the Copper Country Humane Society’s Raise the Woof.
We host these big, big fundraisers, host community concerts, dance performances, all of the things. These events are bringing our community together for large experiences, and we get to be part of that. We get to be part of what makes those moments wonderful and be a place where the community gathers. – Kiersten Birondo, director, Rozsa Center
Rozsa Center Director Kiersten Birondo says its been an honor to welcome the community to the theater, whether for a show or an event. In 2023, the Rozsa Center introduced the Pay-As-You-Are-Able ticket program, which encourages attendance and enhances the atmosphere at events by making tickets accessible to all community members.
And so, being able to say this is the full fee. That’s what we call, like, the fair trade price. If you’re able to pay that. Please do. If you go out to other places, and you love what we do here, and you are able to pay more. Please do. And if, in order to come to our shows, you need to pay less. Please do. We want you here; you are an important part of our community, and art is for everyone. – Kiersten Birondo, director, Rozsa Center
The Rozsa Center recently announced this year’s presenting series, featuring both returning acts and new entertainment. Comedian Charlie Berens, who previously sold out the Rozsa Center, will return in September. Another highlight continues to bring National Geographic to campus too. In the past the program has brought directors and writers to campus to discuss cultural topics and share their experiences.
it’s really wonderful to have National Geographic here because we do have the beautiful Aroura Borealis that we get to see so much more than most of the country does. And getting to look at the whole Earth After Dark is great. And then partnering with the Keweenaw Land Trust to be able to bring forward that local piece. And really get to focus in on our community. – Kiersten Birondo, director, Rozsa Center
Dinosaur World Live and Step Afrika: The Evolution Tour will close out the presenting series in February 2026. 2025 winter carnival comedian Zarna Garg will also make the trip. Making up for an extended filming schedule that kept her on set and off the stage last year.
The annual presenting series at the Rozsa Center brings diverse events and entertainment to the Copper Country, ranging from dance or musical performances to live comedy and expert speakers. Learn more about the 2025 –26 Rozsa Center presenting series online.
Find details of the Rozsa Center’s 2025/26 Presenting Series shows here.
Charlie Berens September 20th 5pm and 9 pm
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet December 5th 7 pm
National Geographic Live!: Earth After Dark January 16th
Zarna Garg (Winter Carnival Comedian) February 6th
Ben Mulwana and The Village February 13th
Dinosaur World Live! February 24th
Step Afrika: The Evolution Tour March 22nd
