Conservatory is not simply a class.
It is a company of young artists committed to building meaningful theatre together.
Youth Theatre Conservatory is a selective training program for serious high school actors who want deeper artistic challenge, collaboration, and performance opportunities. Students work in a small ensemble of 9th–12th graders and train together throughout the year in acting, voice, movement, and devised performance. The program emphasizes artistic discipline, creative contribution, and ensemble leadership.
Program Details
Grades: 9–12
Enrollment: approximately 16–28 students total
School Year Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 pm - 8 pm
Summer Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 4 pm - 6 pm
Location: University of Utah Department of Theatre
Admission: Application and audition process
What Students Do in Conservatory
- Train weekly in acting, voice, movement, and ensemble creation
- Devise original performance material with the ensemble
- Perform in public presentations, competitions, and festivals
- Develop leadership and mentorship skills
Who Should Apply
This program is designed for students who:
- are passionate about theatre and want serious training
- enjoy creative collaboration and ensemble work
- are willing to take artistic risks
- can commit to regular rehearsals and performances
- want to deepen their skills before college or professional training
Why We Work as an Ensemble
Conservatory is built around ensemble training rather than traditional casting structures. Our work focuses on shared stage time, collaboration, and artistic responsibility.
Rather than building productions around a few leading roles, Conservatory performances are designed to highlight the entire company. Every student contributes to the storytelling through acting, movement, vocal work, and collaborative staging.
Students help shape the work through creative contribution. This can include writing moments of text, developing staging ideas, contributing physical storytelling, and solving theatrical challenges together.
While students also develop individual skills through solo events and focused training, the heart of the Conservatory experience is the ensemble. Students learn how to support one another, share the stage, and build meaningful theatre as a company.
This structure allows for deeper artistic growth, stronger collaboration, and a rehearsal process where every student plays an essential role.
Save the Date
Thursday, May 21
6:00–9:00 PM
University of Utah Department of Theatre
Room 107
If you cannot attend this date, please contact Penny at p.caywood@utah.edu to discuss alternate arrangements.
APPLICATION FORM
What to Prepare
Monologue
Up to 1 minute
May be Shakespeare, contemporary, poetry, or another piece of your choice.
Material must be age-appropriate. No profanity.
Song
About 1 minute (verse and chorus)
Musical theatre or musical-theatre style.
Bring your own accompaniment.
A Bluetooth speaker will be available.
No a cappella singing.
Free accompaniment tracks can often be found on YouTube.
In the Audition Room
Students will perform their monologue and/or song.
The director may also ask a few brief questions such as:
Why do you want to be part of Conservatory?
What do you hope to learn or explore this year?
Important Notes
We aim to create a balanced ensemble across grade levels and experience levels.
Auditions are selective. Not all students who audition will be offered a place in the Conservatory.
2026–2027 Conservatory Season
At a glance
JUNE 2026
Summer Conservatory
June 2 - June 26
- Shakespeare Comp Prep
- MTCA Ensemble Piece Prep
- Individual Coaching Rotations:
for Shakes and MTCA
JULY 2026
Summer Conservatory
July 6 - July 24
- Begin Ensemble Shakespeare
- MTCA Piece fully blocked
- IE's for both Competitions get selected
AUGUST 2026
Fall Session begins Aug 18
Tues, Thurs 6 - 8 pm
- Full Shakespeare focus
SEPTEMBER 2026
- Full Shakespeare focus
- Showcase
OCTOBER 2026
Shakespeare Comp
October 1 - 4
Oct 6–12
FULL WEEK OFF
WINTER SESSION
Starts Oct 13
Oct 13 – Nov 5 (3 weeks)
MTCA Musical Production build
NOVEMBER 2026
Conservatory Break
Nov 7 - Nov 30
Optional Individual Lab
T/Th 6–8
Students sign up for coaching slots
DECEMBER 2026
December 1–18 (3 weeks)
- MTCA Showtune Clean
- MTCA Musical Production
Winter Break begins Dec 18
JANUARY 2027
We return Jan 5
- MTCA Focus
- Showcase
FEBRUARY 2027
MTCA Competition
Feb 4 - 8
Feb 15 - Early May
Write New Show for
Off Broadway Production
MARCH 2026
Write and Rehearse Show for
Off Broadway Production
APRIL 2027
Write and Rehearse Show for
Off Broadway Production
MAY 2027
New York/ New York
June 23 - 27, 2027