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Department of
Dramatic Art

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Established in 1936, we are the second oldest theatre department in the country. Our faculty members are both scholars and artists, teachers and practitioners, constantly moving back and forth between the classroom and the theatre. The Joan H. Gillings Center for Dramatic Art is the crucible where students transform learning into practice every day.

Mission, Values and Diversity
Programs of Study

News & Updates

American Society for Theatre Research Awards and Grants

Adam Versényi was recently awarded an Honorable Mention for his work on translating The Dramaturgy of Space by Ramón Griffero….

The DDA had a strong presence at the 2023 USITT-SE conference

PRC production staff Laura Pates and Amy Evans led sessions on their areas of specialty, and costume production MFA grad…

The Department of Dramatic Art is now on Social Media

The Department of Dramatic Art is now on social media! Be sure to follow us to keep up-to-date on performances,…

Behind the scenes with Kenan Theatre Company

Part of the dramatic art department, Kenan Theatre Company offers a space for undergraduate students of all majors to learn…

In Memoriam

Milly S. Barranger., an author, educator and producer, died on August 21st in New York with her daughter, Heather and…

Gwendolyn Schwinke and Alice McCracken Knight working with Shakespeare and Company!

Shakespeare & Company: Faculty member Gwendolyn Schwinke served as Voice and Text Coach for The Contention: Henry VI, Part II, completing…
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Announcement

Letter From Department Chair

Welcome to the Department of Dramatic Art at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. We have the honor of being the second oldest established theater department in the country, founded in 1925.  I am delighted to begin my tenure as Chair of this amazing group of scholars, artists, teachers, technicians, staff, and practitioners. 

As a faculty, we are constantly moving back and forth between the classroom and the rehearsal hall and our shops. Each faculty member holds responsibilities with either the Kenan Theatre Company, our undergraduate production company, or PlayMakers Repertory Company. PlayMakers is our professional LORT D theater company housed in the Department, in the College of Arts and Sciences.  

These two theaters present unique opportunities for our students. BA students in Dramatic Art put what they learn in the classroom into practice with the Kenan Theater Company, while PlayMakers Repertory Company provides a laboratory for students in our MFA programs in Acting, Costume Production, and Technical Production to pursue their professional training at the highest level. Our graduate students work with nationally known directors, designers, and actors.   

Kenan Theater Company has multiple opportunities to get involved such as serving on the Kenan Board of Directors, designing for productions, or working in marketing and engagement. While the Kenan Theater Company serves as the undergraduate home, undergraduates are invited to observe rehearsals with the professional company, and there may be opportunities to intern with PlayMakers directors, designers, and the administrative team.

Together, the Department of Dramatic Art and PlayMakers Repertory Company compromise the Center for Dramatic Art, a place for innovation, curiosity, change and challenge. We invite you to join us at the Center for Dramatic Art where our excellent educational and artistic facilities provide a platform for the transformational power of the arts.  

Welcome to our home. 

Kathryn Hunter–Williams 

Chair 

Upcoming Productions

The Kenan Theatre Company is pleased to announce the 2023-2024 season.

See the Season
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Center for Dramatic Art

Graduate Studies
Undergraduate Studies

Facilities

The Center for Dramatic Art, with its excellent educational and artistic facilities, serves as a teaching theatre where students interact and collaborate with each other, the faculty and resident company members to create world-class educational and theatrical experiences.

Faculty

Department of Dramatic Art faculty represent the full arc of educational experiences and professional standards. Teaching artists from PlayMakers Repertory Company are also teaching artists.

Department of Dramatic Art Accountability Statement

Read Statement Here

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