Arts and Dance (STAD) gives theatre students a chance to go beyond their classroom education by producing and directing their own project. They apply to be a part of the season and receive financial and logistical support. The goal is to encourage students in their entrepreneurial endeavors and let them drive their own artistic growth while still drawing on the experience and expertise of faculty.

The season is chosen by a committee of student representatives from each STAD area (acting, musical theatre, theatre studies, theatre design and technology, theatre education). The group reviews each application and scores it based on whether the production is a good fit for the community and if it offers something different than what is already programmed for the theatre mainstage season. 

Senior Theatre Studies student Gabriella Pafumi was awarded a slot for her project in the 2023-24 Studio Season. She explains the support she received for Fleabag, a challenging one-woman show: “I was given a production stipend that I was able to [use to] cover all costs [of developing] my concept [of the set]. I also received mentorship from multiple faculty members who aided throughout the production process and challenged me to push it further.” 

Pafumi’s experience producing Fleabag brought home the idea that “the relationship between a director and their actor is a profound one.” She explains, “I was deeply moved by our kindred need for each other as artists, and as people. I think it is quite beautiful that this art form is founded in people believing in one another and saying yes.” 

The success of this project led her to serve on the 2024-25 Studio Season committee, giving her a fuller perspective of what it’s like to work with a larger creative team within an institution. This skill is key for anyone aiming to work in theatre professionally, especially someone like Pafumi, who has been focusing on theatre directing. Being on the committee has encouraged her to think about how her art impacts multiple stakeholders with different priorities, including funders, producers, performers/creators and audience members.

While the Studio Season is open to all areas of STAD, it especially fulfills the goals of the Theatre Studies program, which seeks to give its Bachelor of Arts students a wide range of entrepreneurship-based experiences. The program is designed to train future leaders in the field—directors, playwrights, theatre managers and administrators. 

“I was so excited that there was a place in undergrad for someone like me who was more interested in the directing, producing and writing side of theatre,” Pafumi said about her decision to come to UNC for Theatre Studies. “Most programs I had looked into were much more geared around performance.”

Pafumi says her time at UNC has given her a practical, well-rounded set of skills that broaden her sense of career path. She sees herself in some ways as an artist who can create many aspects of theatre rather than more narrowly as only a director.   

“I have loved being able to try a little bit of everything and not be confined to one facet of theatre or be required to audition for everything,” Pafumi said. “I appreciate the flexibility within credits as well, as it has allowed me to gain my minor in Psychology, explore my passion for Early Childhood Education and spend a semester abroad while still graduating on time. I am given the freedom to decide what I want to work on. “

Between her Theatre Studies curriculum and professional experience in the Studio Season, Pafumi considers what she has gained during her degree as her “first true great investment.” She will graduate in Spring 2025 and imagines herself continuing to reap the benefits of her investment as she continues her career journey.