The Hollywood Reporter ranks UNCSA School of Drama No. 3 in the world

The Hollywood Reporter (THR) has ranked the School of Drama at UNCSA No. 3 on its list of the “Top 25 Drama Schools in the World,” up from No. 4 last year. This year marks the highest ranking UNCSA has received since first appearing in the publication's inaugural rankings in 2012. UNCSA is second among B.F.A. programs included on the 2023 list.

The Hollywood Reporter cites the School of Drama for a performance repertoire that includes more underrepresented voices and “is emphasizing student-generated work and devised theater,” under the leadership of Dean Scott Zigler. UNCSA, THR continued, “which provides conservatory-level training across five disciplines, has recently made a number of new hires and added courses such as playwriting and micro-budget producing for film and television.” In addition, “a number of recent students have booked jobs shortly after graduation,” the article continues.

THR highlights Isaac Powell (B.F.A. ’17) (“American Horror Story”) and Tony Award-winning director Joe Mantello (B.F.A. ’84) (“Take Me Out”) and actor Mary-Louise Parker (B.F.A. ’86) (“The Sound Inside”) as notable alumni.

THR also notes the school’s comparably low $24,231-per-year out-of-state tuition, less than other B.F.A. programs ranked in the top five. In-state tuition at UNCSA is $6,497.

The publication consulted with educators, alumni and industry execs for its annual ranking of the best drama schools, which appeared in the June 15 print issue and online today.

“The UNCSA School of Drama is honored to be recognized by The Hollywood Reporter and to be included in the company of these esteemed institutions,” Dean Zigler said. “This is recognition first and foremost of the quality of our students and alumni, and the level of success so many of our students enjoy when they enter the profession. This success is due to their own drive and talent, but also to the effort our world-class faculty and staff put into preparing them for the industry during the students' time with us at UNCSA.”

Zigler, who became dean of the School of Drama in 2017, has emphasized devised performance, on-camera acting, employability and entrepreneurship as well as fostering an equitable and inclusive environment for all students, staff and faculty.

“A primary objective upon my arrival at UNCSA was to make our school a space where students would become prepared to easily transition into the workforce,” Dean Zigler said. “It is our job to give our students work that not only builds their repertory, but also challenges them to make a difference in society.”

The 2022-23 performance season included performances of Lisa Loomer’s “Roe,” Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus,” Tori Sampson’s “If Pretty Hurts Ugly Must Be A Muhfucka,” Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd,” J.B. Priestley’s “Dangerous Corner,” Bertolt Brecht’s “Mother Courage and Her Children,” and more.

THR used a photo of an October 2022 UNCSA production of "Amadeus," featuring student Arman Hakimattar (B.F.A. ’23) as Salieri, and directed by Quin Gordon to headline the article.

About the School of Drama

Frequently ranked as one of the best drama schools in the world, the School of Drama is an immersive experience that prepares talented young artists for successful careers on stage, online, and in film and television. Conservatory training grounded in classical values adds technical skills to shape creatively inspired and versatile actors who are in-demand today. Students perform constantly in both small workshops and major productions across the theatrical repertory. An outstanding resident faculty gives personal attention to their students’ growth. Students receive invaluable on-camera training, and opportunities to explore creative entrepreneurship while offered coveted exposure to industry professionals in the major hubs of the entertainment industry in America.

In addition to Powell, Mantello and Parker, among UNCSA’s prominent School of Drama alumni are Billy Magnussen (“Made For Love,” “No Time to Die,” “Aladdin”); Anthony Mackie (“The Falcon and the Winter Solider”); Krys Marshall (“For All Mankind”); Elizabeth Lail (“Gossip Girl,” “You”); Dane DeHaan (“Lisey’s Story,” “The Staircase,” “Zero Zero Zero”); Diedrich Bader (“Veep,” “Better Things,” “American Housewife”); and Orin Wolf (producer of Broadway’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Tony Award-winning producer of “The Band’s Visit.”)

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