The University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ (UNCSA) School of Drama in Winston-Salem has announced a $1 million gift from alumnus and two-time Tony Award-winning director Joe Mantello (‘84) in support of scholarships and student productions.

The largest gift ever from a UNCSA drama school alumnus will establish two endowed funds to be named after Mantello. The Endowed Scholarship in Drama will help the school attract top students, providing a four-year “full ride” to one student annually, beginning in the fall of 2025. The Creative Catalyst Endowed Fund for Drama will complement existing programs that support the development of original student-driven productions.

“We are profoundly grateful to Joe for this gift. His career has been a case study in creative excellence, multifaceted talent and visionary perspective,” said UNCSA chancellor Brian Cole “This gift will help the School of Drama attract the most talented prospective students, befitting of the program’s top-tier worldwide reputation, and build on its remarkable tradition of artistic rigor and industry relevance.”

(Photo credit: Wikimedia/Paul Marlow)