Get to know a few of the extraordinary artists behind the UNCSA Class of 2026. 🎓✨
This year’s graduate profiles highlight six students whose paths through UNCSA were defined by passion, perseverance and artistic growth — from Carnegie Hall performances to film production design and beyond. #UNCSAgrad
Read more about their journeys at our link in bio!
Graduating Filmmaking student Karim Fatkhutdinov has always been fascinated by the power of physical spaces. Growing up in Guangzhou, China, he spent hours riding the subway just for fun, watching the city evolve around him through constant innovation and development.
That fascination led this #UNCSAgrad to the production design concentration in UNCSA’s School of Filmmaking, and is carrying him into his next chapter in Chicago, where he’ll join Agency EA’s creative team as a spatial designer.
For Fatkhutdinov, it all comes back to the same question: how do you tell a story through a physical space?
Learn more about Fatkhutdinov‘s journey at our link in bio!
From watching her mother teach dance classes as a toddler to performing powerful contemporary works at UNCSA, Candace Vann’s artistic journey has always been rooted in creativity, connection and growth.
Now preparing for graduation, this #UNCSAgrad reflects on the mentors, performances and community that challenged her to grow both as an artist and as a person.
See how UNCSA helped shape her next chapter at our link in bio!
“I love what acting can do for people.” 💚
For High School Drama graduate Natalie Winstead, one year at UNCSA opened the door to deeper artistry, stronger confidence and a new understanding of storytelling’s impact.
After a transformative year as a Fighting Pickle, this #UNCSAgrad is headed to @carnegiemellon this fall.
Read more about Natalie’s journey at our link in bio!
From sewing as a middle school student in Taiwan to crafting transformative theatrical worlds at UNCSA, Wig and Makeup Design M.F.A. graduate Celine Lin has built her artistry by hand every step of the way. ✨
Blending costume, hair and makeup into complete character storytelling, this #UNCSAgrad is taking her passion for creativity, experimentation and immersive design to the next chapter in New York City.
Read her story at our link in bio!
“Music is a tool for change.” 🎶
From learning music by ear in Nigeria to performing at Carnegie Hall and with the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra, #UNCSAgrad Nathan Olusemire has turned passion into purpose.
The UNCSA School of Music graduate is continuing his studies while working toward a powerful goal: creating a music education organization in Nigeria with his twin brother to help inspire the next generation of young musicians.
Read Nathan’s inspiring story at our link in bio!
“AI is a Ferrari with a broken steering wheel.”
In a new episode of #TheArtsAndEverything, Chancellor Brian Cole talks with filmmaker Bob Gosse, illustrator Kyle Webster and Martha Graham principal dancer Xin Ying about how AI is already altering film, illustration and dance.
They move from big-picture disruption to very specific questions about training data, artists’ rights and what it means to choreograph a duet with an artist who is no longer here.
It’s honest, a little anxious, and surprisingly hopeful about where human creativity might go next.
Tap the link in our bio to listen to “The Arts & The New Frontier.”
Actor. Singer. Dancer. Stunt artist. ✨
#UNCSAgrad Hannah Szemereta is leaving UNCSA with a fearless approach to performance and a passion for exploring every side of her craft. From the stage to stunt training and dance, she’s embraced every challenge along the way. 🔥
After standout roles in productions like “The Moors” and “A Little Night Music,” Hannah’s next stop is the 89th season of “The Lost Colony” in Manteo, where she’ll perform as both an ensemble member and fire dancer.
Read her story at our link in bio!
Johnny Loves Johann would not be able to do what we do without all the support! We had a wonderful time bringing JLJ to @uncsa . We are grateful to our lead co-commissioner @kenaninstituteforthearts for presenting us, and we appreciate the audiences that were able to make it to a performance. We can’t say it enough. THANK YOU! See you soon!
Photo by @steven_pisano
#JLJCommunity #CelloSuites #Bach #violin #ModernDance
Stevens Center, reimagined ✨
Phase 2 design plans are here — bringing audiences closer to the stage with a more intimate theater, stunning new sightlines and immersive tech built for the future of performance.
A new era for this iconic space is taking shape in downtown Winston-Salem. 🎭
Take a first look + see what’s next ➡️
Check out our link in bio for more details.
After a sold-out New York run, “Johnny Loves Johann” comes to UNCSA May 1–3.
GRAMMY Award-winning violinist and 2024 MacArthur Fellow Johnny Gandelsman joins choreographers John Heginbotham, Caili Quan, Jamar Roberts, and Melissa Toogood in a bold live performance where Bach’s Cello Suites meet original dance in real time.
📍 Agnes de Mille Theatre
🗓 May 1 & 2 at 7:30 p.m. | May 3 at 2 p.m.
Presented by @kenaninstituteforthearts and Carolina Performing Arts, this is your chance to see a New York–celebrated work up close in Winston-Salem.
🎟 Tickets are on sale now, check out our link in bio!
#uncsa #contemporarydance #violin #bach
