2024 in review: New leadership, 30 years of Filmmaking and national awards
2024 at UNCSA was filled with milestones, achievements and standout moments. The School of Drama welcomed a new dean, bringing fresh leadership to one of the nation’s top-ranked drama programs, while the School of Filmmaking celebrated 30 years of storytelling. Across campus, students, alumni and faculty earned national recognition — from Emmy and Grammy wins to prestigious Fulbright fellowships and more.
New and expanded partnerships with organizations like Dance Theatre of Harlem and American Ballet Theatre created exciting opportunities for our artists. Faculty and students pushed boundaries, while our alumni made headlines with projects on Broadway, Hollywood and beyond.
Take a look back at some of the stories that defined this year at UNCSA.
On this page:
University Milestones
UNCSA and Dance Theatre of Harlem forge multi-year partnership
The partnership will expand training opportunities for student dancers, revitalize iconic works and co-curate new creative projects — fostering innovation and collaboration in dance education.
UNCSA and American Ballet Theatre expand partnership
The expanded partnership offers new teaching opportunities, faculty exchanges and professional development — enhancing career readiness and strengthening connections between two leading dance institutions.
UNCSA Names John Langs dean of the School of Drama
Alumnus John Langs will lead the top-ranked Drama program, focusing on interdisciplinary work, new technologies, inclusion and student well-being to prepare artists for today’s evolving industry.
UNCSA donates performance proceeds to Hurricane Helene relief
UNCSA donated 100% of proceeds from ticket sales for performances from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31, raising more than $25,000 for the Piedmont Triad Chapter of the American Red Cross
School of Filmmaking celebrates 30 years
The school continues to blend tradition with innovation, equipping students to lead the evolving industry through personal storytelling, hands-on training and cutting-edge technologies.
Cashavelly’s “Meditation Through Gunfire” released on UNCSA Media
Praised for its depth and artistry, the Dance alumna's album highlights collaborations with fellow alumni and students.
UNCSA selects design team for Phase 2 of Stevens Center renovation
Jenkins Peer Architects and Steinberg Hart will lead Phase 2 of the Stevens Center renovation, transforming the historic venue into a state-of-the-art teaching facility and cultural hub for the Triad.
UNCSA School of Filmmaking pilots ‘Story Art Studio’
The innovative incubator program empowers students to explore storytelling through digital production, animation, VFX, immersive tech and traditional design practices.
Rankings
School of Drama Ranked No. 3 in the world
For the second year, The Hollywood Reporter ranked UNCSA’s School of Drama No. 3 globally, recognizing its exceptional training, innovative curriculum and accomplished alumni shaping the future of performance.
School of Filmmaking ranked No. 8 overall, No. 1 for public film schools in the nation
UNCSA achieves its highest ever ranking in The Hollywood Reporter at No. 8 and remains the top public university on the list, recognized for its innovation, affordability and alumni success.
Costume concentration named Top 10 in the world
For the seventh consecutive year, UNCSA’s Costume Design & Technology concentration is ranked among the world’s best by The Hollywood Reporter, recognized for its immersive training, distinguished faculty and successful alumni.
Graduate film composition program ranked among world’s best
The Hollywood Reporter ranked UNCSA’s Graduate Composition for Film and Visual Media program No. 13, recognizing its innovative curriculum and top industry opportunities.
Awards and Recognition
Alumnus Will Files wins Emmy for sound editing
Will Files (B.F.A. Filmmaking ’02) earned an Emmy for outstanding sound editing on Hulu’s "Prey" and received two nominations for his work on Netflix’s "Stranger Things."
Alumna Mary-Mitchell Campbell wins Grammy
Mary-Mitchell Campbell (H.S. Music ’92) won her first Grammy for producing “Some Like It Hot,” which earned Best Musical Theater Album at the 66th annual Grammy Awards.
Dance alumnus Jordan Medley wins Tony
Jordan Medley (B.F.A. Dance ’18) won his first Tony Award as a producer of Merrily We Roll Along, which earned Best Revival of a Musical at the 77th annual Tony Awards.
UNCSA students receive Fulbright fellowships
Two School of Music students, Bentley Dorics and Onyx Velez, have been awarded prestigious Fulbright fellowships, marking the second consecutive year of multiple UNCSA recipients.
Three students selected for National Youth Orchestra
Double bass students Gavin Hardy, Simon Vázquez-Carr, and Michael Stratford were selected for Carnegie Hall’s prestigious National Youth Orchestra, showcasing their exceptional talent among the nation’s finest young musicians.
Paul Sharpe receives Excellence in Teaching Award
Paul Sharpe, professor of double bass and assistant dean for recruitment in the School of Music, was honored with the prestigious 2024 UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award.
Beyond the Stage
The trailblazing journey of Ksenija Komljenović
As the first Serbian woman to earn a doctorate in percussion, Ksenija Komljenović redefines music education, creating inclusive spaces and breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Liam Hutt is redefining ballet's limits
UNCSA High School Dance student Liam Hutt breaks gender barriers in ballet, becoming the first male to perform en pointe at Youth America Grand Prix.
Dance film captures the power of reconnection
Choreographed by alumni Grady McLeod Bowman and Ashley Lindsey, The Way Back explores the human journey through separation, resilience and the beauty of reunion.
Celebrating diversity through dynamic storytelling
This year’s Winter Dance captivated audiences with original works exclusively by choreographers of color, celebrating inclusivity, representation, and the power of storytelling through dance.
Shaping the future of immersive entertainment
UNCSA prepares artists to lead in immersive entertainment, where technology and storytelling meet. Students gain cutting-edge skills while staying grounded in the art of compelling narratives.
Student Success
From slam dunks to symphonies
Former basketball standout Gavin Hardy found his true calling in classical music. Now graduating from UNCSA High School, he’s headed to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, recognized as one of the world’s top double bass talents.
Redefining success through dance and leadership
From choreographing original works to leading as Student Body Vice President, School of Dance graduate Claire Schiffer expanded her artistry, collaboration and impact at UNCSA.
How Lani Skelley Yeatts found her passion
From managing productions to exploring intellectual property in themed entertainment, UNCSA graduate student Lani Skelley Yeatts blends her artistic background with hands-on production management expertise.
From service to stage
Two military veterans, Bryce Arter and Alexander Ekker, share how their service experiences shaped their artistic paths at the UNCSA. From sound design to acting, their journeys highlight discipline, determination and a passion for storytelling.
Xavier Cacanindin brings passion to 'The Nutcracker' as Nutcracker Prince
From family inspirations to the stage, UNCSA senior Xavier Cacanindin transforms his love of ballet into a standout performance in this holiday classic.
Faculty Features
Fernando Carrillo brings Horton Technique to UNCSA
Fernando Carrillo introduces the Horton Technique at UNCSA, enhancing dancers’ versatility, strength, and adaptability while preparing them to meet industry demands with world-class training.
Bob Keen inspires filmmakers at UNCSA
Visual Effects legend Bob Keen brings decades of groundbreaking experience to UNCSA, teaching students to merge storytelling and innovation while shaping the future of filmmaking.
How Bethany Kibler Expands Minds at UNCSA
Veteran, anthropologist and professor, Bethany Kibler brings her unique journey from the U.S. Army to Harvard and UNCSA’s Division of Liberal Arts, fostering curiosity and critical thinking.
Chris Heckman composes new opportunities for Film Music
From crafting iconic scores to mentoring the next generation, Chris Heckman redefines film music education with storytelling, innovation and industry-savvy insights.
Alumni Achievements
The "Wicked"ly talented alumni behind Oz's magic
From costumes to casting and choreography, UNCSA alumni have shaped the enchanting world of “Wicked” both on stage and screen. Explore how their talents brought Oz to life.
Alumnus Jeff Nichols rises as an independent film icon
From "Mud" to "The Bikeriders," Jeff Nichols reimagines storytelling with Southern grit, emotional depth, and a passion for cinematic artistry.
How Nagler and Behnke built Cheesehead TV
UNCSA Drama alumni Aaron Nagler and Corey Behnke turned their shared love for the Green Bay Packers into Cheesehead TV, uniting fans worldwide with podcasts, live watch parties and community-building content.
Nia Franklin inspires through music and advocacy
Miss America 2019 and UNCSA alumna Nia Franklin advances arts education, empowers women composers, and creates celebrated works for orchestras, dance, and beyond.
Joe Mantello’s journey brings brilliance to both stage and screen
Two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello reflects on his multi-decade career directing Broadway hits like "Wicked" and starring in acclaimed screen productions.
Danny McBride reshapes comedy and horror with bold creativity
Filmmaking alumnus Danny McBride transforms comedy and horror, combining skills honed at UNCSA with fearless storytelling. From "The Righteous Gemstones" to "Halloween," his vision remaps the industry.
Timothy Eulich transforms stunt work into cinematic storytelling
Drama alumnus Timothy Eulich crafts thrilling action sequences, from "Everything Everywhere All at Once" to "Stranger Things," blending dynamic storytelling with cinematic artistry.
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December 19, 2024