University of North Carolina School of the Arts

For aspiring artists and their families across North Carolina, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) in Winston-Salem stands as a beacon of excellence and opportunity. Celebrating over 60 years in 2025-26, UNCSA is not just any university; it is America's first state-supported arts conservatory, offering an unparalleled, immersive education designed to prepare emerging artists for professional careers in the dynamic global arts and entertainment industry. Whether your passion lies in dance, drama, filmmaking, music, or the intricate world of design and production, UNCSA provides a unique ecosystem where talent is honed, creativity is unleashed, and futures are forged.

UNCSA operates with one overarching mission: to provide world-class training that equips students with the skills, experience, and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen artistic disciplines and in life. The school fosters an environment of intense artistic collaboration, where students from different art forms work together on hundreds of annual productions, concerts, and film screenings. This cross-disciplinary approach is a hallmark of the UNCSA experience, reflecting the collaborative nature of the professional arts world. Faculty members are not just academics; they are practicing artists, bringing invaluable real-world experience and mentorship to their students. The university's commitment to excellence has earned it recognition as a top public arts conservatory in the U.S., with its programs consistently ranked among the best in the world by leading industry publications.

The experience at UNCSA is deeply valued by its community. As one satisfied visitor noted, it's an "Amazing campus and opportunity for a specialty education. Great programs for music, design, art, vocals, film, drama and dance for high schoolers and college-level students. Great to catch a show whether you like opera, drama, ballet, modern or film. The campus also is ♿ handicap accessible with parking, ramps, elevators and more." Another attendee raved about a "wonderful date night at the Freedman Theater. Young talented students playing a Jazz Ensemble this was their first for the year and they were great. The theater was very clean and the ushers very friendly and helpful." These reviews highlight not only the quality of instruction and performances but also the welcoming and accessible nature of the campus, making it a true cultural hub for locals.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is centrally located at 1533 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, USA. This accessible address places it strategically within Winston-Salem, often referred to as "The City of Arts and Innovation." The campus, spanning 77 acres, is conveniently situated near significant city landmarks like Old Salem, making it easily reachable for residents from across the Triad region and beyond. Its location on South Main Street ensures excellent connectivity to major roads, providing straightforward access whether you're commuting from Greensboro, High Point, or other parts of North Carolina.

The campus itself is designed to support the rigorous demands of arts education, featuring numerous performance and screening spaces, including the Stevens Center in downtown Winston-Salem, the ACE Exhibition Complex with its three movie theaters, various recital halls, and multiple theatrical venues. The campus is notably handicap accessible, offering parking, ramps, and elevators to ensure inclusivity for all visitors and students. This commitment to accessibility means that everyone in the community can enjoy the vibrant artistic productions and utilize the campus facilities. The urban campus environment, combined with its specialized artistic focus, creates a unique and inspiring setting for students and a valuable cultural asset for the local community.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts offers an extensive array of programs across five distinct arts schools, catering to high school students, undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates. These programs are designed to provide specialized, conservatory-level training.

• School of Dance: Offers concentrations in Ballet and Contemporary Dance, preparing students for professional careers in various dance forms.
• School of Design and Production: Provides a wide range of concentrations including Scene Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Technical Direction, Stage Management, Wig & Makeup Design, and Animatronics, among others, crucial for behind-the-scenes roles.
• School of Drama: Delivers intensive training in acting, often ranked among the top drama schools globally.
• School of Filmmaking: Offers concentrations in Directing, Producing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Editing, and Production Design, preparing students for careers in film and television.
• School of Music: Provides concentrations in various instruments (e.g., piano, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion), voice, conducting, and composition, with opportunities for large ensembles like orchestra, opera, and jazz band.
• High School Program: A unique, specialized high school program with free tuition for in-state residents, combining conservatory arts training with a robust academic curriculum.
• Undergraduate Programs: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in Dance, Design and Production, Drama, and Filmmaking; Bachelor of Music (BM) degrees in Music.
• Graduate Programs: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees and postgraduate studies in various arts disciplines.
• Summer Intensives: Programs and workshops offered during the summer months for concentrated study in specific arts areas.
• Community Outreach: Students regularly participate in programs like ArtistCorps and Artists Reaching Children in Hospitals (ARCH), providing valuable performance experience while serving the community.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is distinguished by a multitude of features and highlights that affirm its status as a world-class institution:

• First State-Supported Arts Conservatory: Established in 1963, UNCSA holds the unique distinction of being the first public arts conservatory in the United States, showcasing a pioneering spirit in arts education.
• Exceptional Rankings: The School of Drama has been ranked #3 globally by The Hollywood Reporter, Playbill has ranked UNCSA #3 for Broadway creatives, and Variety consistently lists its School of Filmmaking among North America's top programs. These accolades underscore the caliber of its programs.
• Practicing Artist Faculty: Students are mentored by faculty who are active, working professionals in their respective fields, providing invaluable real-world insights and connections to the industry.
• High School Program with In-State Tuition Waiver: North Carolina residents accepted into the high school program receive free tuition, making elite arts training accessible to talented young individuals within the state.
• Abundant Performance Opportunities: With an average of 300 annual productions, concerts, and film screenings, students gain extensive performance experience in front of live audiences and on film.
• Strong Alumni Network: UNCSA boasts a highly successful alumni base, with graduates making significant contributions across Broadway, Hollywood, major orchestras, opera companies, and more, winning numerous industry awards.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: The unique structure encourages collaboration among the five arts schools, providing students with diverse perspectives and experiences vital for their future careers. The "all-school musical" produced every four years exemplifies this collaborative spirit.
• Commitment to Accessibility: The campus is fully handicap accessible with dedicated parking, ramps, and elevators, ensuring that performances and facilities are open to everyone.
• Community Engagement: UNCSA is deeply committed to enriching North Carolina's cultural life through hundreds of free or low-cost public performances and various community outreach initiatives, including the 10-year-old ArtistCorps program.

For more information, to inquire about admissions, or to attend a performance, you can contact the University of North Carolina School of the Arts using the following details:

Address: 1533 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, USA

Phone: (336) 770-3399

Mobile Phone: +1 336-770-3399

Website: uncsa.edu (based on Google Search result)

For locals in North Carolina, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts offers an extraordinary and unique opportunity for specialized arts education right in their backyard. This institution is perfectly suited for residents who are serious about pursuing a career or advanced studies in dance, drama, filmmaking, music, or design and production. With free high school tuition for in-state residents, a rigorous conservatory experience led by practicing artists, and unparalleled performance opportunities, UNCSA provides a pathway to professional success that is both accessible and highly acclaimed. Beyond its academic and artistic excellence, UNCSA enriches the cultural fabric of Winston-Salem and the entire state through its numerous public performances and community engagement programs. If you or a loved one is an emerging artist with a passion for the performing or cinematic arts, UNCSA is not just a school; it's a transformative community where artistic dreams are cultivated into professional realities, making it an invaluable asset for North Carolina.

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

1533 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, USA