Conservatory

Youth Theatre's Conservatory is an award-winning training program for advanced high school actors. It is open to students who want to take their work to the next level. We accept roughly 4 - 6 students from each grade (9th–12th). This keeps the group intimate, focused, and balanced across grade levels.

FEATURES OF THE CONSERVATORY PROGRAM

  • National and State Competitions

    Perform and compete on prestigious stages, gaining feedback, exposure, and connections that last.

  • High Standards and Personal Responsibility

    Students uphold honesty, responsibility, and kindness, on stage and off.

  • Creativity and Collaboration

    From writing and choreography to music and movement, students create original work together.

  • Balancing Commitments

    Our program is rigorous and rewarding - perfect for students ready to take their training seriously.

  • Latest Project

    In 2025, our Conservatory performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

     

    More Info

2025–2026 Conservatory Season | Beyond the Stage

This year, our Conservatory students embark on a journey of artistic growth - building from the foundations of classical theatre, expanding their horizons through national competition, and leaving a lasting legacy in their final production.

Fall 2025

August 19 - November 9

🍂 Fall 2025 | Origins

Utah Shakespeare Competition — Cedar City, Utah
Every artist begins with a foundation. In Origins, Conservatory students take on the challenge of classical text at the Utah Shakespeare Competition, performing scenes, monologues, and ensemble pieces while immersing themselves in the legacy of the Bard. Alongside spirited competition, students experience world-class performances at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, grounding their work in tradition while forging their own artistic voices.

ABOUT THE SESSION

Rehearsals: August 19 - November 9

Competition Dates: October 2 - 5

Tuition and Fees:

  • Tuition: $215
  • Travel Fees: $350
  • Total for Fall Session: $580
WHEN & WHERE

Day and Times

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • 6 pm - 8 pm
  • Saturdays in September
  • 10 am - 1 pm

Class Location

Utah Shakespeare Festival Competition Trip

October 2nd - 5th, 2025

  • We leave mid-morning on Thursday, October 2nd.
  • We return in the around 4 pm on Sunday, October 5th.

Winter 2026

December 2 - February 12

❄️ Winter 2026 | Horizons

Musical Theatre Competitions of America — Anaheim, California
The journey widens in Horizons, where Conservatory students travel to California for MTCA. Here they step into the national spotlight—participating in adjudicated competitions, professional auditions, and Broadway-led masterclasses. With a concert performance, awards ceremony, and even a trip to Disneyland, students push beyond boundaries and explore new possibilities for their artistry.

ABOUT THE SESSION

Rehearsals: December 2 - February 12

Trip Dates: February 5 - 9, 2026

Tuition and Fees:

  • Tuition: $215
  • Travel Fees: $1,950.00 (Estimated)
WHEN & WHERE

Day and Times

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • 6 pm - 8 pm

We also rehearse some Weekends before the trip.

Class Location

MTCA California Competition Trip

February 5 - 9, 2026

  • We leave early on Thursday, February 5th.
  • We return in the evening on Monday, February 9th.

Spring 2026

February 17 - May 10

🌸 Spring 2026 | Legacy

Babcock Theatre Production — Salt Lake City, Utah
Every journey leaves its mark. In Legacy, Conservatory students channel their training into a fully produced show on the Babcock stage. Through collaboration, rehearsal, and performance, they discover what it means to create as an ensemble, leaving behind not only a polished production but a lasting impression of their growth and artistry.

ABOUT THE SESSION

Dates: February 17 - May 10, 2026

Overview: Join us for an exciting Spring Session as we prepare a full production in the Babcock Theatre.

Tuition and Fees:

  • Tuition: $215
WHEN & WHERE

Day and Times

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • 6 pm - 8 pm

Class Location

Audition for the 2025-2026 Conservatory Season

AUDITIONS FOR 2025-2026 Conservatory are CLOSED

Auditions
📅 Thursday, August 21
🕓 3:30–6:00 pm (10-minute slots)
📍 University of Utah, Department of Theatre – Room 107

If you need a different audition day due to availability, please contact Penny at p.caywood@utah.edu.

What to Prepare

  • Monologue (1 minute maximum)
    • May be Shakespeare, contemporary, poetry, or your choice.
    • Must be age-appropriate (no swear words).
  • Song (verse + chorus) about 1 minute
    • Musical theatre or musical-theatre-style song.
    • Bring your own accompaniment. A Bluetooth speaker will be provided.
    • No a cappella singing, please.
    • Free accompaniment tracks can be found on YouTube.

In the Audition Room

  • You will perform your monologue and/or song.
  • The YTU Director will ask you a few questions, such as:
    • Why do you want to be part of this group?
    • What do you hope to learn?

Important Notes

  • The Conservatory is capped at 16–20 students total.
  • We aim for balance across grade levels, but numbers may vary each year.
  • Auditions are competitive; not all who audition will be selected.

About the Conservatory
The Conservatory is a year-round program where middle and high school students train, perform, and build lasting ensemble experiences. This season includes:

  • Shakespeare Competition (Aug–Nov)
  • Musical Theatre Competition in California (Dec–Feb)
  • Spring Show (Mar–May)