Graduate News & Features

Our news and features showcase some of the best of what students and faculty in our graduate programs in the Schools of Design & Production, Filmmaking and Music are doing on campus and beyond. From writing virtual reality screenplays to building wigs for medical patients, there's always something to share about what's happening in our masters programs.

From the world's stages to Winston-Salem, René Barbera's global career is propelled by UNCSA

UNCSA alumnus René Barbera has appeared on the stages of the world's major opera houses and concert halls. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2016, and has been delighting audiences at Teatro alla Scala, Paris Opera, Palau de les Arts, Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège, and Dutch National Opera, among many others.

Serial entertainment: shifting paradigms for an evolving industry

Thanks to the advent of online streaming, the audience for serial entertainment has exploded. In 2021, a record 559 shows debuted on screens across the U.S. and Canada. In a reflection of these industry trends, creating work for the small screen is now an important part of the training at the School of Filmmaking.

A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute at UNCSA celebrates its 20th anniversary

Since its official launch in 2002, the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute has flourished, presenting two fully staged operas a season in coordination with the School of Design and Production, and bringing in a who's who of opera greats to work with Fellows, including Marilyn Horne, Frederica von Stade, Sherrill Milnes and Anthony Dean Griffey.

Rewind: 10 features of our memorable 2021-22 school year

As the 2021-22 academic year at UNCSA draws to a close, we're reflecting on the many celebrations, challenges and successes that have marked the past nine months. Take a look at ten highlights we'll remember.

Filmmaking students combine creative talents to bring 'Masterpiece' to life

"Masterpiece" caps the first project of its scale between graduate and undergraduate students for the school. The six-episode series has broken ground in a number of ways, particularly in its episodic structure and cross-level collaboration.

Sarah Penland on the set of Spring Awakening

Production and Project Management grad Sarah Penland sets her sights on Broadway

The Production and Project Management (PPM) program has helped bring 2022 graduate Sarah Penland closer to her long-held goal of becoming a production manager on Broadway.

A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute presents "Volpone," April 20-24

"Volpone," a bright, biting comic opera inspired by the classic Ben Johnson play of the same name, will be presented by the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute at UNCSA, April 20-24.

Eight career-inspiring movies from faculty and staff in the School of Filmmaking

Faculty and staff in the School of Filmmaking share the films that showed them the magic of filmmaking and convinced them that there was a career in it for them - describing how the cinematography, actors, storytelling and more guided them into the industry.

Six faculty members honored with UNCSA Excellence in Teaching Awards

Jamie Call Blankinship, Allison Gagnon, Carrie Hart, Chris Heckman, Jared Redick and Allen Smith have been named winners of Excellence in Teaching Awards for 2021-22.