UNCSA’s summer intensives grow with the addition of a new Dance program, plus offerings in Drama, Filmmaking, Music, Visual Arts and more

UNCSA has announced details for its Summer Intensives in Dance, Drama, Filmmaking, Animation, Music, Visual Arts and more — including a newly added intensive in Dance — held annually on campus at 1533 S. Main St.

UNCSA also offers summer day camps and evening classes for younger students and adults during June and July.

Led by UNCSA faculty and acclaimed guest artists, the Summer Intensives embody the conservatory-level training found in the school's prestigious high school and undergraduate programs. These immersive programs provide hands-on learning, performance opportunities, and access to UNCSA’s cutting-edge facilities and equipment. Open to students ages 12 through adult, most intensives are designed for high school students. Registration and audition scheduling (if required) are now available at www.uncsa.edu/summer.

“From small towns and large cities across the country and around the world, talented and driven student artists arrive on the campus of UNCSA to find a home away from home and join a community of like-minded peers ready to push their artistry to new heights,” said Cameron MacManus, interim director of the UNCSA Community and Summer Programs and artistic director of the Community Music School. “In addition to the incredibly high level of training they receive, students gain greater independence and perspective on what it means to be a professional artist.” 

Dance Intensives

June 22–July 19 (ages vary)

The School of Dance at UNCSA has expanded its offerings for summer 2025 with the addition of a new two-week program, DANCE | CONNECTION NOW, designed for advanced dancers. The program joins the school’s existing ballet and contemporary summer intensives, which together offer a holistic approach for students interested in pursuing a career in dance. All programs provide rigorous training, performance opportunities and individualized instruction from renowned School of Dance faculty and distinguished guest artists.

DANCE | CONNECTION NOW
June 29–July 12 (ages 15–25, video audition required)

DANCE | CONNECTION NOW is a transformative two-week intensive for advanced dancers ready to push their creative boundaries and deepen their professional practice. This dynamic program offers rigorous contemporary technique classes, creative process workshops and phrase work, all led by some of the most influential voices in the field. Participants will be cast in two projects including an original work by a guest choreographer from the renowned Choreographic Institute and a new dance film directed by GXA (Grady x Ashley) Creative co-founders Grady Bowman and Ashley Lindsey. The intensive culminates in a professionally produced performance showcasing both works.

A video audition is required for acceptance to DANCE | CONNECTION NOW. Audition requirements and video submission links are available on the apply and audition page.

Classical Ballet and Contemporary Intensive
June 22–July 19 (ages 12–18, audition required)

This four-week intensive offers specialized tracks in Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance, providing rigorous daily instruction in technique, partnering, variations, phrase work, composition, improvisation, repertory and more. Students benefit from a low faculty-to-student ratio and access to cross-training in Pilates, yoga and conditioning. Elective classes include jazz, musical theater, hip-hop, ballroom and dance for film. Seminars and Q&As explore career paths, dancer wellness, injury prevention and mental health. The intensive concludes with a professionally produced performance in an on-campus theater, featuring original works created during the program.

“The summer dance programs offer students a unique opportunity to deepen their training in a focused and inspiring environment,” said Ashley Lindsey, director of UNCSA summer dance programs. “Each intensive is thoughtfully designed to support dancers wherever they are in their journey, helping them grow as artists and preparing them for the next steps in their education and careers.”

Drama Intensive

June 22–July 11 (age 15-18)

The UNCSA Drama Summer Intensive offers the opportunity to study with faculty from the renowned School of Drama, along with distinguished guest artists. The three-week, in-person program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to actor training for stage, film and television, and is open to students age 15 or rising high school sophomores through age 18 or high school senior.

Participants choose from two tracks, acting or musical theater, both designed to strengthen core performance skills and prepare students for conservatory-level training. The acting track includes monologue preparation, text analysis, voice work, mask and movement, and on-camera technique. The musical theater track features private voice lessons, ensemble work, dance focused on musical theater and jazz, mask and movement, and on-camera technique. UNCSA alumnus and television and Broadway actor/singer Wesley Taylor (“Only Murders in the Building,” “Smash,” “The Addams Family”) will teach musical theater classes. Both tracks provide on-camera training and conclude with a final showcase of student work.

Admission to the program is by audition, and enrollment is limited to 75 students to ensure small class sizes and individualized instruction.

“Students in the Drama Summer Intensive experience what it truly means to train in a conservatory environment,” said Quin Gordon, Drama faculty member and director of the summer program. “In both the acting and musical theater tracks, we focus on helping them develop the tools to tell compelling stories. Students are also prepped on the ins and outs of the conservatory audition cycle, learning what makes for a dynamic audition and all the mechanics therein. Just as important as the training itself are the lasting relationships they build — with their craft, their peers, and the wider artistic community.

Filmmaking Intensive

June 15–July 19 (high school students and rising college freshmen)

The Filmmaking Summer Intensive is a comprehensive five-week program designed for aspiring filmmakers to immerse themselves in all aspects of narrative filmmaking. The program is open to rising high school sophomores and rising college freshmen and is structured in two phases. Phase One begins online from June 15 to June 20, where students will explore the fundamentals of screenwriting, directing, cinematography and editing. Phase Two takes place on the UNCSA campus from June 22 to July 19, providing hands-on training in filmmaking, including directing, producing and digital editing, all within the state-of-the-art facilities in the Film Studio Village.

Students will have the opportunity to develop their own short narrative films, receive feedback from industry professionals and college teaching assistants, and collaborate with fellow students in a dynamic, creative environment. The program is led by UNCSA faculty member Janos Kovacsi, an experienced director and screenwriter. 

The program offers two levels: rising filmmakers for first-time film students, and advanced filmmakers for returning students and those with prior filmmaking experience. The student films will be screened at the end of the program. Both domestic and international students are welcome to participate.

Animation Intensive

June 22–July 18 (high school freshmen through incoming college freshmen)

The Animation Summer Intensive, hosted by the School of Filmmaking, offers a unique, hands-on introduction to the world of animation for both first-time and returning students. Open to rising high school freshmen through incoming college freshmen, this program is divided into two sessions. Session 1, which runs June 22–July 4, is designed for beginners, while Session 2, which runs July 6–18, caters to both introductory and advanced students, making it ideal for returning participants. Students can also opt to combine both sessions for an immersive four-week experience.

Through this intensive program, students will learn the fundamentals of animation, including visual storytelling, storyboarding, cinematography, directing, animation production, editing and sound design. They will gain hands-on experience in both 2D hand-drawn animation and 3D computer animation. The curriculum also includes workshops on screenwriting, character design and acting for animators, as well as presentations and screenings that expand their understanding of the history and techniques of animated storytelling. In addition to individual instruction from professional animators, students will collaborate with peers to develop their skills and produce their own animated works. The program culminates in a final screening festival and reception for students to showcase their projects to family and friends. Joe Lopina and Keith Hobgood of the School of Filmmaking will lead the intensive.

Music Intensive

June 22-July 20 (ages vary)

The School of Music offers Music Summer Intensives provide aspiring musicians with immersive, in-person training in a dynamic and supportive environment. These programs offer one-on-one training, ensemble experiences, and performance and demonstration opportunities led by renowned Music faculty and guest artists. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities including concert halls, a comprehensive music library and a conservatory campus that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration.

“The Summer Music Intensives give students at every level the chance to grow as musicians in a focused, immersive environment,” said Saxton Rose, dean of the School of Music. “Many of our alumni have used this experience as a springboard — whether to pursue studies at UNCSA or to take the next step toward professional opportunities across the country.”

Summer Composition/Music Technology Intensive

July 7–19 (high school and college students)

The Summer Composition/Music Technology Intensive is a two-week program for high school and college students interested in exploring their creative voice through composition. Led by Music faculty member Jared Miller, the hybrid program includes one week of online instruction followed by an in-person week on campus. Students engage in private composition lessons, group theory and instrumentation classes, music technology seminars, and professional reading and recording sessions. The intensive also features workshops on topics such as college applications, copyright and networking for composers.

Harp Intensive

June 22–27 (ages 12 to adult)

As part of the Harp Summer Intensive, UNCSA will host the American Harp Academy, led by artist faculty member Jacquelyn Bartlett, offering a weeklong program for harpists to deepen their artistry and expand their repertoire. The program brings together a global community of musicians for intensive training with world-class performers and teachers. The program welcomes all skill levels and is designed to support preparation for competitions, auditions and recitals.

Organ Intensive

July 13–19 (ages 13-18)

The Summer Pipe Organ Intensive (POI) is a five-day program designed for young organists to expand their skills and deepen their knowledge of the instrument. The program is taught by UNCSA faculty member and Organ Department Chair Timothy Olsen. Open to students ages 13 to 18 with at least one year of organ study or prior participation in an American Guild of Organists Pipe Organ Encounter, the program emphasizes both technical development and artistic growth.

Through individual lessons and group instruction, participants will strengthen their foundation in pipe organ technique, service playing, improvisation and repertoire. The intensive also includes sessions on organ literature, history, construction and design, and offers students the chance to connect with peers who share their passion for the instrument.

Piano Intensive

June 22–July 11 (ages 12-25)

Taught by UNCSA faculty members Dmitri Shteinberg and Dmitri Vorobiev the Summer Piano Intensive is a unique immersive experience for pianists ages 12 to 25, designed to support both emerging talent and seasoned young artists. Students can choose from one-, two- or three-week sessions that offer private lessons, workshops, master classes and performance opportunities on and off campus.

All participants receive individual instruction through two one-hour weekly lessons, in addition to workshops and seminars. The curriculum emphasizes core skills such as sight-reading, quick study, improvisation, ensemble performance and more. Students perform in master classes and Friday concerts and may also participate in outreach performances throughout the Winston-Salem community.

Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including three performance venues and a dedicated piano practice wing with 14 soundproof rooms and grand pianos. The program features a collection of Steinway instruments, including four Model D concert grands and a Model B.

Voice Intensive

June 22–July 11 (rising seventh-graders through rising high school seniors)

The Summer Voice Intensive offers a dynamic and immersive three-week training program for rising high school students, led by School of Music voice faculty, alumni and guest artists. With a focus on developing the complete artist and singing actor, the program integrates private lessons, group classes and cross-disciplinary training in drama, movement and musicianship.

Students explore a variety of musical styles including classical art song, opera and musical theater, while enhancing their vocal technique and stage presence. Daily classes include Alexander Technique or yoga, music theory and aural skills, improvisation, musical theater, and workshops on auditioning, vocal health, social media and more.

The program is directed by soprano Amanda Moody-Schumpert, an alumna of the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute. Faculty also includes Elizabeth Pacheco Rose, Norris Norwood, and School of Music faculty members Polina Khatsko and Robert Rocco. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and artistry to support and inspire the next generation of vocal performers.

Visual Arts Intensive

June 22–July 18 (ages 14-18)

The Visual Arts Summer Intensive offers classes in drawing and design. Students will explore historical art concepts and practices and contemporary imagery through slide shows, lectures and library assignments. They’ll also participate in classroom critiques and show their work in a virtual gallery exhibition for families and friends.

Design, taught by High School Visual Arts faculty member Kaitlin Wilson Botts, is a studio course offering an introduction to the basic elements of design, helping students develop visual problem-solving skills in a variety of media and sharpen a sense of optical awareness and craftsmanship. Studies addressing line, value, proportion, perspective, principles of design, and layout are employed to facilitate artistic interpretation and compositional control.

Assistant Dean and Director of Visual Arts Will Taylor will teach drawing, a studio course designed to provide students with a solid drawing foundation, including elements of line, gesture, shape, value, texture, space, scale, proportion, composition and perspective. Students will develop their ability to articulate the ideas, options, obstacles and motivations that direct the drawing process. Assignments and exercises will help students develop technical skills and broaden conceptual thinking. No portfolio is required.

Optional cross-disciplinary electives are available evenings and weekends for an additional cost for Dance, Drama and Filmmaking summer intensives. These electives allow students to explore areas beyond their discipline focus and are offered on a space-available basis. Students are responsible for ensuring their elective schedule does not conflict with required training.

Community Summer Programs

June-July (ages 3-16, plus adults)

UNCSA also offers summer day camps and evening classes for younger students and adults, including:

• Acting Out day camps(rising grades 3-9)
• Young Dancer Summer Intensive (ages 8 – 13)
• Children's Storybook Summer Dance Camp (ages 5 - 7)
• Open Adult Summer Dance Intensive (ages 16 and up)
• Learn to Sing in a Summer (ages 8-12)
• Singers' Summer Tune-Up (16 and up)
• Band Together Summer Day Camp (rising grades 7 – 9)

Visit our community program summer pages for more information and registration for Community Summer Programs. 

Visit our summer intensive pages for information, registration and audition scheduling for UNCSA Summer Intensives.

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