“Conservatory is quite literally the center of my life. The training and performances are amazing, but the community is what makes it so special.”
“Conservatory has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. I’ve made so many memories and new friends, and I wouldn’t give that up for the world.”
“Conservatory has helped me find my strengths as a performer and come out of my shell.”
“I know much more about what it takes to be not only a talented actor, but also a responsible one.”
“I feel lucky to have such a supportive and unique group.”
“Every day I’m at Conservatory, I learn something new. ”
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 16–32 students total
School Year Schedule: Tues. and Thurs. 6 pm - 8 pm
Summer Schedule: Tues, Wed, and Thurs. 4 pm - 6 pm
Admission: Application and audition process
This Season
Every fall, our ensemble travels to the Utah Shakespeare Competition at Southern Utah University in Cedar City for performances, professional adjudication, workshops, and up to two shows at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Students prepare through 15 coaching/rehearsal sessions before competing in monologues, duo/trio scenes, and a group ensemble piece.
Key Details
- Rehearsal Schedule
- TU/TH rehearsals through September
- Trip Dates
- Oct 1–4, 2026
- Location
- Cedar City, UT
- Price
- $775 ($200 training + $575 trip)
Full Details →
Now in our 12th year, our winter trip takes the ensemble to the Musical Theatre Competitions of America (MTCA) Festival in Garden Grove/Anaheim, CA, competing with a 10-min Musical Production and a Showtune alongside Broadway-style auditions, masterclasses, and professional adjudication — plus a two-day Disneyland Park Hopper experience.
Key Details
- Rehearsal Schedule
- TU/TH rehearsals through February
- Trip Dates
- Feb 4–9, 2027
- Location
- Garden Grove/Anaheim, CA
- Price
- ~$2,588 ($200 training + $2,388 trip fees); optional solo/duet events extra
Full Details →
Our spring/summer capstone trip sends the ensemble to New York City for the Young Masters NYC Showcase — an Off-Broadway debut performance, Broadway-actor coaching, and professional masterclasses that bridge high school theatre and the professional stage.
Key Details
- Rehearsal Schedule
- Rehearsals Feb–May 2027
- Trip Dates
- June 23–26, 2027
- Location
- New York City
- Price (est.)
- ~$3,553 ($400 training + ~$3,153 trip); ~$300 food not included
Full Details →
- 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
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.
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
Auditions typically take place in May. We do not have audition dates set at the moment.
Students are asked to prepare the following
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.
No acappella singing.
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.
