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29
Aug
Exploring AI
UNCSA Emerging Technology in the Arts Residency

Hosted by the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts, the residency centers on AI and the work of acclaimed choreographer and Martha Graham Dance Company member Xin Ying, in collaboration with Mimi Yin and NUUM Collective. The event will bring together artists, technologists, legal scholars and industry leaders to examine the ethical, legal, technical and creative implications of AI for the arts.

19
Sep
Symphony
UNCSA Symphony Orchestra

Kick off the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra season with a program of powerful storytelling and musical depth.

20
Sep
UNCSA Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds: Cuentista!
UNCSA Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds: Cuentista!

Step into a world where music sparks imagination and storytelling takes shape. The vibrant "Cuentista!" program invites audiences on a journey through colorful landscapes, inviting characters and unforgettable tales - brought to life by the UNCSA Wind Ensemble and Chamber Winds under the direction of Mark Norman.

Sep 29 - Oct 3
Fall Dance
Fall Dance

The past and present collide as the School of Dance opens its performance season with a dynamic exploration of movement across generations. Contemporary dancers take center stage to perform works shaped by shared training, mentorship and creative exchange.

Oct 1-8
Runied
"Ruined" by Lynn Nottage

Amid the upheaval of civil war in Congo, Pulitzer Prize-winning "Ruined" follows the formidable Mama Nadi, whose bar becomes a haven for women marked by violence, loss and survival. She must skillfully navigate violent power struggles while protecting those who rely on her courage and cunning.

4
Oct
UNCSA Improvised Music and Jazz Studio Fall Showcase
UNCSA Improvised Music and Jazz Studio Fall Showcase

A night of spontaneity, groove and creative risk unfolds as the UNCSA Improvised Music and Jazz Studio presents a smooth showcase of sound. Student performers explore a wide range of jazz and improvised traditions, from structured charts to fully open-ended creation - highlighting individual voice, ensemble listening and real-time musical decision-making.

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Ari Khavin makes 54 Below debut, returns to hometown New York City

For Drama student Ari Khavin, this summer was a homecoming in more ways than one. A New York City native, Khavin returned to his hometown to make his 54 Below debut in Pickles on Broadway, a reunion concert that brought together UNCSA alumni and current students. Performing on one of the city’s most storied cabaret stages, he found himself not only reconnecting with the energy of New York theater but also forging bonds with alumni who once walked the same halls at UNCSA.

The whirlwind performance schedule, with rehearsals and the show all happening in a single day, underscored the importance of preparation and flexibility, lessons Khavin has honed in the School of Drama. Guided by UNCSA faculty and inspired by the creative team of fellow artists, the experience gave him a renewed passion for musical theater and a deeper sense of artistic confidence as he heads into his senior year.

Khavin singing at his 54 Below debut for the Pickles on Broadway event. / Photo: courtesy of Khavin

Below, learn about Khavin's exciting performance in New York City: 

I sang in Pickles on Broadway, a reunion concert featuring UNCSA alumni and current students. The event was at 54 Below, a nonprofit cabaret and restaurant in the basement of Studio 54 in Midtown Manhattan. 

What was the best part or biggest lesson learned?

I loved meeting the alumni! It was incredible to watch everyone perform, while also getting to know each other during rehearsals and backstage. 

The biggest lesson the process reiterated is the importance of being prepared. Our rehearsals were on the day of, so it was crucial to come confident and ready to go. It made the whole process even more exciting; I loved watching everything come together so quickly.

How did you get this opportunity and make it happen?

Darah Barenholtz, a recent graduate of the Directing program, sent out an open call for current students to join the concert. I expressed my interest, and I was invited to be a part of it!

All participating UNCSA Alumni for the Pickles on Broadway event at 54 below. / Photo: courtesy of Khavin

Who were the people that were instrumental in making this possible?

The faculty I worked with during the spring musical, "Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812," were all a big part of how I came to sing at 54 Below. Director Quin Gordon, Music Director Janine Hawley and Choreographer Maggie Anderson took me to the next level as a musical theater performer. 

Also, the creative team of Pickles on Broadway who made the show possible which included Director and Producer Darah Barenholtz and Music Directors Daniel Rosales and Sarah Beth Palmer.

Was the experience what you expected or something more? How did it shape your artistry?

It was my 54 Below debut, and the experience was loads of fun, as expected, given how amazing everyone involved was! The ease and adaptability I strive for as an artist were essential to this process; I feel eager and ready to tackle singing and musical theater opportunities in the future.

What’s next? What are you looking forward to most this year?

I’m preparing for an upcoming film role, and writing a play! I’m hoping to debut it as part of the Keys to the Kingdom series. I’m looking forward to collaborating with my classmates across campus throughout senior year. 

By Melissa Upton-Julio

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February 25, 2026