School of Design & Production

Do you dream of designing the worlds people escape into? At UNCSA’s School of Design & Production, you’ll turn that dream into your craft.

From Broadway stages to Hollywood sets, from theme parks to immersive experiences, our students prepare to shape global entertainment. Unlike programs that treat design and production as an add-on, ours is a stand-alone conservatory where you’ll train like a professional from day one. You’ll design, build and problem-solve for real productions in theatre, dance, film, opera, concerts and live events. With world-class mentors, 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities and countless opportunities to collaborate, you’ll graduate ready to shape the future of entertainment.

A letter from the Dean

From the very first day, students are hands-on, learning through real productions while collaborating across disciplines.
Dean Michael Kelley

Our graduates are shaping what’s next. Employers from Broadway to Hollywood to Disney to the world’s largest sound and scenic providers come directly to UNCSA to recruit our students. With faculty who are both teachers and working professionals, and programs that mirror the way the industry itself is evolving, our students are building not just skills but the confidence to lead.

Read Dean Kelley's Full Letter

Programs

Undergraduate

Graduate

High School

50+ Years of Design & Production

The UNCSA School of Design & Production is the first and only stand-alone school of its kind in the nation, preparing visionary designers, technicians and managers to shape the future of live entertainment, film and emerging media. Students train in world-class facilities, collaborating across disciplines to create bold, innovative work that drives the industry forward.

From Oscar-winning designers to cutting-edge production leaders, our alumni leave a lasting impact on stages and screens around the globe. With nationally recognized programs, hands-on learning and an unmatched dedication to craft, Design & Production at UNCSA continues a tradition of excellence, creativity and innovation.

1stand only stand-alone School of Design & Production in the United States

100Ksquare feet of state-of-the-art production space

150+innovative courses and interdisciplinary opportunities

UNCSA was life-changing for me. I realize just how much of an effect it's had on my growth overall and is so much a part of who I am and how I relate to people.

Alumnus

Paul TazewellB.F.A. Costume Design and Technology ’86
Wicked (film), Hamilton, Death Becomes Her the Musical

Design & Production Events

Throughout the year, Design & Production works in partnership with and supports productions from the Schools of Dance, Drama, Filmmaking and Music, as well as mounting their own productions. This is your guide to can’t-miss performances, events and showcases celebrating the talent and creativity of UNCSA Design & Production students.

View All Events

Sep

Fall Dance

Fall Dance features daring new choreography, powerful performances and premieres from guest artists, faculty and alumni in an unforgettable showcase.

Oct

Choir Boy

“Choir Boy” blends heart, hope and gospel music in a moving coming-of-age story about identity, resilience and the power of finding your voice.

Nov

A Little Night Music

Step into a world of wit, romance, and intrigue with Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music,” featuring stunning music performed by the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra.

Alumni Success

Our alumni work as make-up artists, stage managers, prop designers, sound engineers, lighting technicians and
more in some of the most prestigious and well-known institutions across the globe — on Broadway, on television,
on film and beyond.

Scene Makers

At UNCSA’s School of Design & Production, we’re more than designers and technicians — we’re storytellers shaping the future of global entertainment. With bold vision, collaboration and craft, our students, faculty and alumni transform ideas into experiences that make our community uniquely UNCSA.

Lani Skelley Yeatts

Production and Project Management

From competitive dance and stage acting to managing productions behind the scenes, graduate student Lani Skelley Yeatts has always been guided by her passion for the arts. Now thriving in UNCSA’s Production and Project Management program, she’s blending her artistic roots with hands-on leadership — helping bring bold creative visions to life across campus.

Read Lani's Story

Jayme Mellema

Scene Design '07

From immersive mysteries to scenic design, alumnus Jayme Mellema has built a career fueled by creativity, pop culture, and bold storytelling. As the mastermind behind “The Institute for Temporal Observation and Application” — an innovative, time-travel-inspired theatrical experience — the NC State resident scenic designer continues to redefine what’s possible on stage and beyond.

Explore Jayme’s Journey

Bill Brewer

Costume Design & Technology Faculty

From Broadway to the big screen, UNCSA’s Costume Design & Technology program shapes the next generation of storytellers — and at the heart of it is Bill Brewer. For nearly 20 years, Brewer has led student artists with vision and passion, blending traditional craftsmanship with evolving technologies while inspiring designers to tell powerful stories through what characters wear.

Inside Bill's Vision