About

We train students to pursue a career in show business by teaching them to use their passion for the arts to gain new skills. When it's time to graduate, students will know how to transfer these essential skills to their new careers.

Home to an active film industry and a growing television market, the arts thrive in the beautiful coastal setting of Wilmington, NC. UNCW's spectacular, state-of-the-art, $34 million Cultural Arts Building houses two beautiful theaters, fully-equipped shops, and first-rate studio spaces. Students interested in theatre will not find better facilities in North Carolina.

All theatre majors take common core courses that introduce them to a full range of dramatic studies. Majors then choose one of three tracks within the major: performance, design/technical or custom.

Our students have many opportunities to perform, design, and work backstage. While maintaining the flexibility of our Bachelor of Arts degree, these concentrations offer professional training in theatre, television, film, related industries, and a wide variety of graduate programs. Students can pursue careers in the private and non-profit sectors.

Our B.A. gives students the flexibility to complete a second major, minor, or the ability to study abroad. We expect students to bring a commitment to excellence and a passion for the arts on their journey at UNCW. We can then help them hone their skills to achieve their dreams.

Katherine Montwieler
Chair, Department of Theatre

Please contact the Department of Theatre's administrative associate for more information or to schedule a tour of the facility.

The UNCW Department of Theatre provides high-quality education in the study and practice of theatre within a liberal arts environment. We combine pre-professional training with a solid academic core to prepare our students for numerous career pathways in theatre, film, and other related disciplines. We offer students a range of production opportunities to enhance their knowledge and love of the art form and deliver outreach programs designed to serve both the university community and the greater Wilmington area. 

We mentor a new generation of artists, entertainment industry, theatre, and film professionals, scholars, and entrepreneurs in thoughtfully designed courses of study and active, applied learning opportunities on- and off-stage. 
We provide the tools, networks, and skills for graduates to succeed in traditional and innovative careers across the performing arts, along with professional training and networks that facilitate entrance into the workforce. 
Our students learn teamwork, professionalism, discipline, problem solving, and creative thinking so they can succeed across many fields and careers. 

We are committed to: 

• Mentoring each student personally and professionally
• Cultivating a culture of care across our department 
• Creating and curating our distinctive and innovative curriculum 
• Maintaining our position as the outstanding theatre program in our region 
• Actively integrating film, television, and other media into our curriculum 
• Modeling and fostering a spirit of joy, energy, and excitement in the work we do 

• Develop and run outreach programs that link UNCW theatre to the community and campus 
• Mentor and support a strong faculty and staff committed to collaboration, collegiality, and excellence 
• Nurture and encourage alumni ties and local giving 
• Intentionally model a community of care on- and off-stage 
• Strive to meet high standards of excellence in our productions  
• Educate and pursue new technologies and practices to ensure viability of our students’ post-graduation 

Policies & Procedures

Department of Theatre P&P Manual