University of North Carolina School of the Arts

06/08/2026

You could say the Tonys have a type… and that type is UNCSA alumni. 😏

School of Drama alumnus Joe Mantello (B.F.A. Drama ’84) has earned his third Tony Award, directing this season’s most‑nominated play, “Death of a Salesman.” The production took home six awards, including best revival of a play, best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play, best scenic design of a play, best original score and more. Mantello previously won Tony Awards for “Assassins” (2004) and “Take Me Out” (2003).

And the UNCSA spotlight doesn’t stop there. High School Music alumna Mary‑Mitchell Campbell (High School Piano ’92) received the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award — Broadway’s highest honor for advocacy and service — recognizing more than two decades of transformative, arts‑based work with young people around the world.

Congratulations to Joe, Mary‑Mitchell and all our UNCSA alumni who helped shape this year’s nominated and Tony‑winning productions.

Discover how UNCSA alumni are shaping Broadway ➡️ https://bit.ly/2026-Tonys

📸: Getty Images (CBS) & New York Times

06/08/2026

Thinking back to University Commencement 🎓

Just a few weeks ago, hundreds of -uates crossed the stage and officially joined our Pickle alumni family. From standing ovations and happy tears to proud families and unforgettable moments, it was a day worth remembering.

Take a look back at some of our favorite memories from University Commencement. 💚

06/03/2026

UNCSA ALERT- This is a test of the emergency notification system. This is only a test.

05/26/2026

The Hollywood Reporter has once again ranked the UNCSA School of Drama No. 3 — No. 1 for public institutions — on its list of the "Top 25 Drama Schools in the World" for the fourth year in a row.

The ranking highlights UNCSA Drama’s industry-driven training under Dean John Langs, including a strong focus on on-camera work, career preparation and professional connections that help shape employable artists for today’s entertainment landscape. The publication also recognized the success of current students and alumni working across film, television and theater.

See why UNCSA continues to be recognized among the world’s leading drama schools. https://bit.ly/2026-thr-rank

05/22/2026

From Winston-Salem to New York City, three UNCSA School of Dance graduates from the class of 2025 are launching their professional careers in a major way.

Through the inaugural Fellows at Limon Dance Company program, Naya Gonzalez, Cailee Harvey, and Kyriaki Christoforou joined Limón2 for the 2025–26 season, immersing themselves in the legacy of one of the world’s most influential companies.

This partnership between the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts, UNCSA, and the José Limón Dance Foundation creates meaningful pathways for , connecting them with mentorship, professional experience and creative communities that shape the future of the arts.

“This Fellowship deepens the relationship between the José Limón Dance Foundation, UNCSA and the Kenan Institute for the Arts while building necessary bridges for the next generation of artists to find their artistic homes.” — Dante Puleio

Read more about their journey and what this experience means for their careers ⤵️

Three UNCSA dance graduates launch their professional journeys as inaugural Kenan Arts Fellows with Limón2 in New York City. Through intensive training, performance and mentorship, the fellowship connects conservatory preparation to real-world experience, helping emerging artists refine their voice...

05/22/2026

UNCSA alumni are taking center stage in Washington, D.C.

Several graduates from the School of Drama and UNCSA School of Design and Production were honored at the 2026 ; one of the nation’s top recognitions for theater excellence.

This year’s winners include:
▪️ David Gow (B.F.A. ’16), Outstanding Lead Performer for The Inheritance, Parts One and Two
▪️ Stephen Kime (B.F.A. ’17), Outstanding Supporting Performer for The Margriad
▪️ Justin Schmitz (M.F.A. ’15), Outstanding Sound Design for hang

We also celebrate alumni nominees Nadir Bey and Ro Boddie for their outstanding work on the D.C. stage.

Congratulations to these artists for continuing to shape the future of theater!

Several alumni of the schools of Design and Production (D&P) and Drama at UNCSA have won Helen Hayes Awards , Washington, D.C.’s equivalent of New York’s Tony Awards for outstanding theater.

05/19/2026

“You did it.” 🎓

At UNCSA’s 60th Commencement, School of Drama alumna and award-winning casting director Tiffany Little Canfield, CSA, encouraged the Class of 2026 to embrace “a life of authenticity” — challenging graduates to resist fear, engage deeply with their art and keep telling meaningful stories.

“You are evolving … you are going to change,” Canfield shared. “If you lean into the experience, challenge yourself to put positivity into the world, engage in art in a meaningful way, you will have an authentic life and be on the artist’s journey.”

Read more about Canfield’s inspiring address and the celebration of UNCSA’s newest graduates. ⤵️

Award-winning casting director and School of Drama alumna Tiffany Little Canfield, CSA, encouraged graduates at UNCSA's 60th Commencement to pursue “a life of authenticity,” urging the Class of 2026 to resist fear, embrace change and remain committed to meaningful artistic lives.

05/18/2026

381 new alumni. One unforgettable Class of 2026. 🎓✨

From performers and filmmakers to designers, musicians and storytellers, this year’s graduating class represents creativity from across the country and around the world.

Congratulations to the newest UNCSA alumni as they take their next steps on stages, sets, studios and beyond.

05/18/2026

What a weekend celebrating the incredible Class of 2026! 🎓

From memorable speeches and proud family moments to crossing the stage and turning tassels, Commencement was filled with joy, creativity and accomplishment.

Take a look back at some highlights from our University and High School ceremonies 📸

Missed the livestream or want to relive the moment? Watch the recorded ceremonies on our website: https://bit.ly/42CeyM9

05/16/2026

Today’s the day! 🎓✨

Join us in celebrating the UNCSA Class of 2026 by tuning into our live Commencement broadcasts.

University Commencement — 10 a.m.
High School Commencement — 2:30 p.m.

Whether you’re cheering on a graduate from across the country or right here in Winston-Salem, you can be part of the celebration from anywhere.

Watch live here ⬇️

Welcome to Commencement at UNCSA! This website provides information to keep students, faculty, staff and guests up-to-date about the Commencement ceremonies — including details about deadlines, regalia, ceremony information, and more!