The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is a preeminent public arts conservatory dedicated to training and nurturing the next generation of artists, performers, and creators. Founded in 1963 by then-Governor Terry Sanford, UNCSA was the first state-supported arts conservatory in the United States. Located in the vibrant city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, UNCSA is part of the prestigious 17-campus University of North Carolina system and has earned a global reputation for excellence in arts education.

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A Legacy of Artistic Excellence
UNCSA was established with a bold vision: to provide gifted young artists with the highest level of training and education in a conservatory setting while fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Over the decades, the school has grown into a world-class institution, attracting students from across the globe and producing alumni who have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. UNCSA alumni include Academy Award winners, Emmy Award recipients, Tony Award nominees, and leaders in dance, music, drama, filmmaking, and design and production.

Mission and Purpose
UNCSA’s mission is to empower emerging artists to realize their full potential by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to excel in their chosen disciplines. The school is committed to fostering an environment where creativity thrives, and students are encouraged to push the boundaries of their art forms. By combining rigorous conservatory training with a comprehensive liberal arts education, UNCSA prepares students not only for successful careers but also to make meaningful contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape.

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A Unique Educational Model
UNCSA offers a unique blend of conservatory-style training and academic education. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized mentorship from faculty who are leaders in their fields, and state-of-the-art facilities. The school’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world experience. Whether performing on stage, exhibiting their work, or screening their films, UNCSA students have countless opportunities to showcase their talents to the public and industry professionals.

Five Schools of Art

UNCSA is organized into five distinct schools, each dedicated to a specific artistic discipline:

School of Dance: Renowned for its rigorous training in ballet and contemporary dance, the School of Dance prepares students for careers as performers, choreographers, and educators.

School of Design & Production: This school trains the next generation of designers, technicians, and stage managers, offering specialized programs in areas such as costume design, lighting design, and sound design.

School of Drama: With a focus on acting and stage management, the School of Drama provides students with the tools to succeed in theatre, film, and television.

School of Filmmaking: Recognized as one of the top film schools in the country, the School of Filmmaking offers programs in directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and more.

School of Music: The School of Music provides world-class training in instrumental and vocal performance, composition, and music theory, preparing students for careers as performers, composers, and educators.

Performance and Exhibition Opportunities
UNCSA students have access to a wide range of performance and exhibition opportunities throughout the year. From mainstage productions and concerts to film screenings and gallery exhibitions, students regularly showcase their work to the public. These experiences not only build confidence and skill but also provide valuable exposure to industry professionals.

State-of-the-Art Facilities
UNCSA’s campus features state-of-the-art facilities designed to support artistic creation and performance. These include:

The Stevens Center, a historic 1,380-seat theatre in downtown Winston-Salem that serves as the school’s primary performance venue.

The ACE Exhibition Complex, which houses galleries, studios, and screening rooms for student work.

Modern dance studios, music rehearsal halls, film production stages, and design workshops equipped with the latest technology.

Faculty of Industry Leaders
UNCSA’s faculty comprises accomplished artists, performers, and educators who bring a wealth of professional experience to the classroom. Many faculty members are active in their fields, ensuring that students receive training that is both current and relevant. The school also hosts visiting artists and industry professionals who provide master classes, workshops, and mentorship.

Community and Collaboration
UNCSA fosters a close-knit, collaborative community where students from different disciplines work together on projects and performances. This interdisciplinary approach encourages creativity and innovation, preparing students for the collaborative nature of the professional arts world.

Global Perspective
UNCSA is committed to providing students with a global perspective on the arts. Through international study programs, performances, and collaborations, students gain exposure to diverse artistic traditions and practices, broadening their horizons and enhancing their creativity.

Health and Wellness for Artists
Recognizing the unique physical and mental demands of artistic training, UNCSA offers specialized health and wellness services for its students. These include physical therapy, mental health counseling, and injury prevention programs designed to help students maintain their well-being and perform at their best.

Alumni Success
UNCSA’s alumni network is a testament to the school’s impact on the arts world. Graduates have gone on to achieve success in a wide range of fields, from performing on Broadway and in major symphony orchestras to directing award-winning films and designing for top theatre companies. The school’s alumni remain actively involved in the UNCSA community, providing mentorship and support to current students.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
UNCSA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported. The school actively promotes diversity in its student body, faculty, and programming, ensuring that a wide range of voices and perspectives are represented.

Economic and Cultural Impact
As a leading arts institution, UNCSA plays a vital role in the cultural and economic life of North Carolina. The school’s performances, exhibitions, and community outreach programs enrich the local arts scene, while its graduates contribute to the state’s creative economy.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is more than just a school—it is a community of passionate, talented individuals who are dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence. With its unique blend of conservatory training and academic education, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, UNCSA provides students with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive world of the arts. Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in the studio, UNCSA students are prepared to make their mark on the world.

Academic Programs Offered at University of North Carolina School of the Arts

UNCSA offers a wide range of programs across its five arts schools: Dance, Design & Production, Drama, Filmmaking, and Music. Each program is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to excel in their chosen field.

1. School of Dance
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance: A four-year program focusing on ballet and contemporary dance techniques, choreography, and performance. Students receive daily training and perform in numerous productions each year.

High School Dance Program: A pre-professional program for high school students offering intensive training in ballet and contemporary dance.

2. School of Design & Production
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design & Production: A four-year program offering concentrations in Costume Design, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Stage Properties, Stage Management, and Wig & Makeup Design.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design & Production: A three-year graduate program for advanced study in design and production disciplines, emphasizing collaboration and professional practice.

3. School of Drama
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Drama: A four-year program with concentrations in Acting and Stage Management. The program emphasizes classical and contemporary training, voice, movement, and professional preparation.

High School Drama Program: A pre-professional program for high school students offering foundational training in acting and theatre arts.

4. School of Filmmaking
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Filmmaking: A four-year program offering concentrations in Animation, Cinematography, Directing, Editing & Sound Design, Producing, Production Design, and Screenwriting.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Filmmaking: A three-year graduate program focusing on advanced filmmaking techniques, storytelling, and professional development.

5. School of Music
Bachelor of Music (BM): A four-year program offering concentrations in Brass, Composition, Guitar, Harp, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Voice, and Woodwinds. The program emphasizes performance, theory, and music history.

High School Music Program: A pre-professional program for high school students offering intensive training in instrumental and vocal performance.

Artist Diploma: A post-baccalaureate program for advanced musicians seeking to refine their performance skills.

Contact Information for University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA):

Address:
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
1533 South Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27127 USA
Phone: +1 (336) 770-3399

Email:
admissions@uncsa.edu (for admissions inquiries)
info@uncsa.edu (for general inquiries)
Website: www.uncsa.edu

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncsa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncsa
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/uncsa
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/UNCSArts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-north-carolina-school-of-the-arts/