The 83rd Annual Dolphin Show Presents: Footloose

The Dolphin Show, the largest student-produced musical in the country, annually unites over 100 undergraduate administrators, designers, technicians, actors, and musicians to mount a professional-quality production in Cahn Auditorium. For 85 years, the final product—complete with electrifying choreography, a rockin’ live band, intricate costumes, and a stunning set—has been a theatrical celebration shared among the Northwestern, Evanston, and Chicagoland communities. Past productions have included Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Kinky Boots, the highest-grossing student-produced musical in the U.S. This year, we’re turning up the volume with Footloose, an explosive, high-energy musical that will have audiences dancing out of their seats.

The Dolphin Show provides the opportunity for students from all corners of campus the opportunity to work in a professional artistic environment. Every student, regardless of previous experience, has the chance to expand their skill set and learn what it means to be part of a high-functioning creative team. This spirit of joy and inclusion radiates far beyond Northwestern’s campus with over 3,000 people attend our show each year.

Dolphin’s scale demands a massive production budget, one that cannot be fulfilled by ticket sales and university funding alone. That’s where you come in, with the support from our community of friends, family, and alumni, Footloose will be one of the most vibrant, high-octane Dolphin Shows to date!

This year’s production of Footloose is set to be one of our most thrilling yet. Based on the beloved 1984 film, the show follows Ren McCormack, a city kid who moves to a small town where dancing has been banned. With infectious music, show-stopping dance numbers, and a heartfelt story about love, rebellion, and community, Footloose celebrates the power of self-expression and the courage to shake things up. Through exhilarating choreography and unforgettable songs like “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” our team aims to deliver an experience that’s both a joyous celebration and a rallying cry for freedom.

Most importantly, funds from our supporters allow us to keep admission uniquely affordable. With a musical like Footloose—a story about breaking barriers and bringing people together—it’s crucial to make the Dolphin Show accessible to broader and more diverse communities of Northwestern students, Evanston residents, and Chicago audiences.

Please consider making a gift to support this spectacular production. Any amount is deeply appreciated. Share this link and other Dolphin-related content on social media, and follow us on Instagram! To subscribe to our newsletter and learn more about our organization, visit nudolphinshow.org.

The benefits and services provided by Northwestern University’s student groups are available to all students without regard to any category protected by the law. The University believes different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds are critical to a dynamic and vibrant University community, and as such all students are welcome and encouraged to join each group. Any student interested in exploring establishing a new affinity group should contact SOA.