Performance

The mission of UNCW Theatre Department's Performance option is aligned with the mission statement of the university when it comes to training young performers: "Commitment to student engagement, creative inquiry, critical thinking, and thoughtful expression." In line with the Theatre Department's own mission statement, it is our goal to provide high level education and training in the performing arts utilizing the liberal arts as our touchstone.

Our training philosophy is dedicated to fostering truthful and present performance that is rooted in the core concepts of Stanislavsky with a focus on body/voice connection that is facilitated through the use of contemporary and classical texts.

Additionally, we provide training in ensemble-based creation with an aim to embrace work in the community that is simultaneously socially conscious and engaged with the needs of the community.

The goal of this work is to create deep connection to the self and to others while creating socially responsible citizens. Our methodology provides our performers with a broad understanding of performance through a liberal arts approach, expanding the opportunities for traditional and non-traditional careers within the performing arts.

Possible paths to employment are film, television, stage, ensemble created and civically focused work. Lastly, the intention of the Performance option is to create a culture of acceptance, risk and success in an environment that fosters the open exchange of ideas where students work from a place of experiential joy without fear, judgment, or shame.