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University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Winston-Salem, NC

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Design and Production

Stage Management

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

One of the few conservatory BFA concentrations dedicated exclusively to Stage Management

Part of UNCSA's School of Design & Production, one of the premier D&P training programs in the country

Over 80 UNCSA D&P alumni have worked for Cirque du Soleil — the largest pipeline from any single school

Exclusive fellowship partnerships with Cirque du Soleil and the Metropolitan Opera

Training

Intensive 4-year conservatory curriculum: 120 credits (90 in D&P, 30 in general education)

First year builds cross-disciplinary foundation in scenery, lighting, costumes, sound, and design

Years 2-3: progressive stage management roles (ASM, Deck SM, Production SM) across 20+ annual productions spanning drama, musicals, opera, and dance

Fourth year focuses on professional development, interview prep, resume building, and external internships

2 dedicated faculty: Nikki Hyde (Director of Stage Management) and Molly McCarter

Notable Alumni

Judith Schoenfeld — Production Stage Manager on Broadway for Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, If/Then, Grey Gardens

Peyton Taylor Becker ('13) — Production Stage Manager for Wicked on Broadway, also worked on Mean Girls and SIX

Jonathan Bach ('19) — Assistant Stage Manager on Broadway's Wicked

Haley Wilson ('16) — Stage Manager, Broadway

AJ Helms — Metropolitan Opera Stage Manager Fellowship recipient

Professional Development

Graduates working at Broadway, Metropolitan Opera, American Ballet Theatre, Cirque du Soleil, TAIT, regional theaters, national tours, and cruise lines

Cirque du Soleil fellowship program for students and alumni

Metropolitan Opera Stage Manager Fellowship pipeline

Alumni-driven network across major entertainment companies

School Info

Snapshot

3.60

Avg GPA (W)

30%

Admit Rate

school-wide

78%

Grad Rate

945

Enrollment

$38K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$9,701

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$27,841

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$27,398

Before aid

Average Net Price

$14,906

After aid

Cost Attendance Budgets College.Pdf · uncsa.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 3, 8:48 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

One of the few conservatory BFA concentrations dedicated exclusively to Stage Management

Part of UNCSA's School of Design & Production, one of the premier D&P training programs in the country

Over 80 UNCSA D&P alumni have worked for Cirque du Soleil — the largest pipeline from any single school

Exclusive fellowship partnerships with Cirque du Soleil and the Metropolitan Opera

Training

Intensive 4-year conservatory curriculum: 120 credits (90 in D&P, 30 in general education)

First year builds cross-disciplinary foundation in scenery, lighting, costumes, sound, and design

Years 2-3: progressive stage management roles (ASM, Deck SM, Production SM) across 20+ annual productions spanning drama, musicals, opera, and dance

Fourth year focuses on professional development, interview prep, resume building, and external internships

2 dedicated faculty: Nikki Hyde (Director of Stage Management) and Molly McCarter

Notable Alumni

Judith Schoenfeld — Production Stage Manager on Broadway for Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, If/Then, Grey Gardens

Peyton Taylor Becker ('13) — Production Stage Manager for Wicked on Broadway, also worked on Mean Girls and SIX

Jonathan Bach ('19) — Assistant Stage Manager on Broadway's Wicked

Haley Wilson ('16) — Stage Manager, Broadway

AJ Helms — Metropolitan Opera Stage Manager Fellowship recipient

Professional Development

Graduates working at Broadway, Metropolitan Opera, American Ballet Theatre, Cirque du Soleil, TAIT, regional theaters, national tours, and cruise lines

Cirque du Soleil fellowship program for students and alumni

Metropolitan Opera Stage Manager Fellowship pipeline

Alumni-driven network across major entertainment companies

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

One of the few conservatory BFA concentrations dedicated exclusively to Stage Management

Part of UNCSA's School of Design & Production, one of the premier D&P training programs in the country

Over 80 UNCSA D&P alumni have worked for Cirque du Soleil — the largest pipeline from any single school

Exclusive fellowship partnerships with Cirque du Soleil and the Metropolitan Opera

Training

Intensive 4-year conservatory curriculum: 120 credits (90 in D&P, 30 in general education)

First year builds cross-disciplinary foundation in scenery, lighting, costumes, sound, and design

Years 2-3: progressive stage management roles (ASM, Deck SM, Production SM) across 20+ annual productions spanning drama, musicals, opera, and dance

Fourth year focuses on professional development, interview prep, resume building, and external internships

2 dedicated faculty: Nikki Hyde (Director of Stage Management) and Molly McCarter

Notable Alumni

Judith Schoenfeld — Production Stage Manager on Broadway for Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, If/Then, Grey Gardens

Peyton Taylor Becker ('13) — Production Stage Manager for Wicked on Broadway, also worked on Mean Girls and SIX

Jonathan Bach ('19) — Assistant Stage Manager on Broadway's Wicked

Haley Wilson ('16) — Stage Manager, Broadway

AJ Helms — Metropolitan Opera Stage Manager Fellowship recipient

Professional Development

Graduates working at Broadway, Metropolitan Opera, American Ballet Theatre, Cirque du Soleil, TAIT, regional theaters, national tours, and cruise lines

Cirque du Soleil fellowship program for students and alumni

Metropolitan Opera Stage Manager Fellowship pipeline

Alumni-driven network across major entertainment companies

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fees

Domestic Fee

$95

International Fee

$130

Deadline

Final Application Deadline (all schools except Filmmaking)Jan 15, 2027

Main · uncsa.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Deadline

Application DeadlineJan 20, 2027

Auditions

Virtual Interview (Zoom)

Nov 11, 2026Dec 9, 2026Jan 13 & 27, 2027Feb 3 & 24, 2027

On-Campus Interview

Nov 13, 2026Dec 4, 2026Jan 22, 2027Feb 19, 2027

Index · uncsa.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Artistic Statement

Two-page statement expressing interests, goals, and other information that provides insight into your work

Include your full name on the document

This document may be used if recommended for scholarship consideration

Resume

Artistic experience and educational objectives

Letters of Recommendation

Two references

One from an arts instructor

One from an academic instructor

Portfolio

Only include best examples of original work; items created by someone else are not acceptable

Organizational Paperwork (max 5 pages): preset lists, run crew paperwork, or scheduling documents; if originals unavailable, other documentation demonstrating organizational ability

Calling & Communication Paperwork (max 5 pages): calling scripts, blocking, rehearsal reports, or performance reports; if originals unavailable, other documentation demonstrating communication or planning

Personal Interests & Experiences (max 5 pages): interests, hobbies, or experiences that have enriched your life or influenced growth as a leader and stage manager

Combine all materials into a single document for uploading

Essay

Written response: "What has been the greatest success and greatest failure as a leader, and what was learned from each?"

Index · uncsa.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Deadline to apply for the 2027-28 school year is January 20, 2027

Application fee: $95 (domestic) / $130 (international)

Fee waivers available via SAT, ACT, or NACAC Fee Waiver Request

If applying to two UNCSA art schools, a second application and fee are required

Important Notes

Program has limited capacity; apply early as program may close when capacity is reached

Admission decisions based on both artistic and academic merit

Minimum 2.5 GPA required; average entering student has a 3.5 GPA

Transfer Pathway

Design and Production considers arts transfer credit and advanced institutional standing or credit case by case by concentration faculty; transfer students still need to meet UNCSA residency requirements.

Index · uncsa.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Applicants are prescreened — faculty offers or declines interviews based on submitted application, portfolio, and required materials

Interviews scheduled on first-to-apply, first-to-schedule basis

Interview slots are limited — keep multiple dates available

On-campus: applicants should prepare to be on campus from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m

Required attendance at information session hosted by the Dean of Design & Production

Audition Expectations

Virtual interviews conducted via Zoom

Virtual Q&A session required: December 2, 2025 (3–4 p.m. EST)

Applicants provided links for attending interview and required virtual Q&A session

Scholarship Info

William R. Kenan, Jr. Excellence Scholarships, Sarah Graham Kenan Scholarship of Excellence available

School Info

Snapshot

3.60

Avg GPA (W)

30%

Admit Rate

school-wide

78%

Grad Rate

945

Enrollment

$38K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$9,701

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$27,841

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$27,398

Before aid

Average Net Price

$14,906

After aid

Cost Attendance Budgets College.Pdf · uncsa.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

One of the few conservatory BFA concentrations dedicated exclusively to Stage Management

Part of UNCSA's School of Design & Production, one of the premier D&P training programs in the country

Over 80 UNCSA D&P alumni have worked for Cirque du Soleil — the largest pipeline from any single school

Exclusive fellowship partnerships with Cirque du Soleil and the Metropolitan Opera

Training

Intensive 4-year conservatory curriculum: 120 credits (90 in D&P, 30 in general education)

First year builds cross-disciplinary foundation in scenery, lighting, costumes, sound, and design

Years 2-3: progressive stage management roles (ASM, Deck SM, Production SM) across 20+ annual productions spanning drama, musicals, opera, and dance

Fourth year focuses on professional development, interview prep, resume building, and external internships

2 dedicated faculty: Nikki Hyde (Director of Stage Management) and Molly McCarter

Notable Alumni

Judith Schoenfeld — Production Stage Manager on Broadway for Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, If/Then, Grey Gardens

Peyton Taylor Becker ('13) — Production Stage Manager for Wicked on Broadway, also worked on Mean Girls and SIX

Jonathan Bach ('19) — Assistant Stage Manager on Broadway's Wicked

Haley Wilson ('16) — Stage Manager, Broadway

AJ Helms — Metropolitan Opera Stage Manager Fellowship recipient

Professional Development

Graduates working at Broadway, Metropolitan Opera, American Ballet Theatre, Cirque du Soleil, TAIT, regional theaters, national tours, and cruise lines

Cirque du Soleil fellowship program for students and alumni

Metropolitan Opera Stage Manager Fellowship pipeline

Alumni-driven network across major entertainment companies

Updated Sep 3, 8:48 PM