Skip to main content
Public school945
University of North Carolina School of the Arts logo

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Test-Optional

Program

Concentration

Program snapshot

Admissions
Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required
Audition format
In-Person or Virtual
Program profile
Selective12-24 Students

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 1d ago