University of North Carolina School of the Arts

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

As North Carolina’s premier institution for arts education, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) in Winston-Salem stands as a beacon for aspiring professional artists across the state and beyond. Established in 1963 by the North Carolina General Assembly, it holds the distinction of being the nation's first state-supported residential school of the arts, setting a standard for immersive and career-focused training. UNCSA is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System, dedicated to nurturing emerging talent into professional practitioners ready for the evolving global arts and entertainment industry.

The unique strength of UNCSA lies in its five specialized arts schools: Dance, Design and Production, Drama, Filmmaking, and Music. This structure allows for an intense focus on conservatory-style training, mentoring students under the guidance of faculty who are themselves practicing artists with extensive industry experience. Whether a student is seeking a high school diploma, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), the institution provides a holistic environment where cross-disciplinary collaboration—a critical skill in the professional world—is highly encouraged. Winston-Salem, often referred to as 'The City of Arts and Innovation,' serves as the perfect backdrop for this vibrant academic and artistic community.

The UNCSA campus is a central fixture in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, benefiting from a location that is both easily accessible and immersed in a city known for its cultural scene. The campus is conveniently situated near the historic Old Salem area, providing a picturesque and inspiring setting for artists.

The official address for the university is: 1533 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, USA. This placement offers straightforward access for North Carolina residents commuting to the campus for college or high school programs, or for community members attending one of the school’s hundreds of annual public performances.

The school is committed to providing an accessible environment for all students and visitors, a dedication noted positively by community members. The accessibility features on campus include:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Main buildings and performance venues feature ramps and accessible entry points.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Designated accessible parking spaces are provided on-site for convenience.
• On-site Parking: Ample parking is available for students, faculty, and guests, simplifying attendance for classes, campus visits, and public shows.
• Additional Accessibility: The commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the basics, with feedback mentioning the availability of "ramps, elevators and more" throughout the campus and its main performance facilities like the Freedman Theater.

This thoughtful approach to location and accessibility ensures that UNCSA is a welcoming cultural hub for the entire North Carolina community, inviting engagement regardless of mobility challenges.

UNCSA is distinguished by its comprehensive approach to arts training, offering professional education at multiple levels and serving the public through numerous performances. The core service is professional arts education across five distinct schools:

• School of Dance: Offering training in Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance for both high school and college students.
• School of Drama: Providing conservatory-style training to prepare students for professional careers in stage and screen acting.
• School of Filmmaking: Consistently ranked among the top film schools in North America, offering BFA and MFA degrees in areas like directing, cinematography, screenwriting, and animation.
• School of Music: Covering Instrumental Music, Voice, and Opera, with programs leading to bachelor's, master's, and professional artist certificates.
• School of Design and Production: Training students in the essential, behind-the-scenes arts, including theatrical design, technical direction, costume technology, stage management, and lighting.
• High School Program: A specialized high school where young artists in grades 9-12 receive rigorous academic instruction alongside professional-level arts training, often featuring free tuition for in-state residents.
• Degree Programs: Granting high school diplomas, Undergraduate degrees (BFA, BM), Graduate degrees (MFA, MM), and post-graduate certificates.
• Public Performances and Screenings: Offering the community a rare opportunity to see the exceptional work of emerging professional artists through over 350 public performances each year, including opera, ballet, modern dance, drama, music ensembles, and film screenings.
• Online Classes: The university offers online class options, enhancing flexibility and accessibility for students in certain academic areas or through continuing education initiatives.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is recognized nationally for its unique model and the high caliber of its output. For North Carolina residents, these features represent a local source of world-class arts and culture.

Distinctive features and highlights of UNCSA include:

• America's First State-Supported Arts Conservatory: A significant point of pride for North Carolina, reflecting a historical commitment to arts education and public service.
• Integrated High School and College Campus: The school’s co-located structure for high school and college-level programs is unique, allowing for early, intensive professional training.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: The five arts schools frequently work together on major projects, such as the all-school musical, providing students with professional, real-world experience that mirrors industry practices.
• World-Class Rankings: The institution is consistently recognized by industry publications; for example, its School of Drama has been ranked among the best in the world, and the School of Filmmaking is frequently in the top tier of North American programs.
• Abundant Performance Opportunities: Students are not just in lecture halls; they are actively performing, designing, and filming. With over 350 public-facing productions annually, the campus functions as a year-round performance center for the Winston-Salem community.
• Professional and Experienced Faculty: The faculty consists of practicing, working artists who provide direct mentorship and current industry perspectives, which is crucial for career preparation.
• Freedman Theater and Stevens Center: The school operates high-quality performance venues, including the on-campus Freedman Theater, where guests have enjoyed clean facilities, friendly ushers, and the opportunity to witness "Young talented students" deliver "great" shows like Jazz Ensembles.
• High Post-Graduation Success: UNCSA alumni have gone on to achieve significant professional success, including winning major industry awards and working in the world’s finest orchestras, film sets, and Broadway productions.

For admissions inquiries, general information about degree programs, or to secure tickets for one of the many public performances, interested parties across North Carolina can contact the university using the following information:

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

Phone: (336) 770-3399

Mobile Phone: +1 336-770-3399

For North Carolinians pursuing a serious career in the arts, or simply seeking high-quality cultural experiences, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts is an invaluable resource. Choosing UNCSA means opting for conservatory training that is both rigorous and nationally ranked, all within the accessible public university system. The institution’s dedication to preparing students for professional careers is evident in its specialized schools—Dance, Drama, Filmmaking, Music, and Design and Production—which function as creative powerhouses. Unlike many other art schools, UNCSA combines professional-level training with a comprehensive academic curriculum, ensuring graduates are well-rounded citizen artists.

Moreover, for residents of the state, UNCSA is a unique cultural asset that provides the opportunity to experience high-caliber performances—from opera and ballet to modern film—at a local level. The campus atmosphere is consistently praised for being "amazing," offering "great programs," and being fully accommodating with modern accessibility features like ramps and ample on-site parking. This seamless blend of world-class education, professional opportunity, and community engagement makes UNCSA a standout and essential choice for any artist or arts lover in North Carolina. The chance to see the future of the arts on a "wonderful date night" at a facility staffed by "friendly and helpful" ushers is a local luxury that is truly worth experiencing and supporting.

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

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