Program Overview

Introduction to the Conservatory Program

The 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. The program accepts roughly 4 - 6 students from each grade (9th–12th), keeping 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: The program is rigorous and rewarding - perfect for students ready to take their training seriously.
• Latest Project: In 2025, the Conservatory performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

2025–2026 Conservatory Season | Beyond the Stage

This year, 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

• Dates: August 19 - November 9
• Description: 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.
• Rehearsals: August 19 - November 9
• Competition Dates: October 2 - 5
• Tuition and Fees:
  • Tuition: $215
  • Travel Fees: $350
  • Total for Fall Session: $580
• Day and Times:
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6 pm - 8 pm
  • Saturdays in September: 10 am - 1 pm
• Class Location: Price Theatre Arts Building Room 107, 332 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City UT 84112
• Utah Shakespeare Festival Competition Trip: October 2nd - 5th, 2025

Winter 2026

• Dates: December 2 - February 12
• Description: Conservatory students travel to California for MTCA, participating in adjudicated competitions, professional auditions, and Broadway-led masterclasses.
• Rehearsals: December 2 - February 12
• Trip Dates: February 5 - 9, 2026
• Tuition and Fees:
  • Tuition: $215
  • Travel Fees: $1,950.00 (Estimated)
• Day and Times:
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6 pm - 8 pm
• Class Location: Price Theatre Arts Building Room 107, 332 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City UT 84112
• MTCA California Competition Trip: February 5 - 9, 2026

Spring 2026

• Dates: February 17 - May 10
• Description: Conservatory students channel their training into a fully produced show on the Babcock stage, discovering what it means to create as an ensemble.
• 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
• Day and Times:
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6 pm - 8 pm
• Class Location: Price Theatre Arts Building Room 107, 332 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City UT 84112

Audition for the Conservatory Season

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

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 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)