Conservatory for the
Performing Arts

own YOUR STAGE

The Conservatory welcomes artists of all gender identities and nurtures talent in a diverse, inclusive environment where every voice matters.

At the Conservatory, you will train with working professionals from Broadway, film, and television in a program designed to launch your career. Choose a BFA pathway in acting, musical theatre, filmmaking, theatrical costume design, design/tech/stage management, interdisciplinary theatre studies, or continue your training with an MFA in screenwriting—and gain hands-on experience every step of the way.

Students have numerous opportunities to perform, design, and create in theatre and film. Our majors also have the opportunity to work with industry professionals at our immersive summer stock theatre in Okoboji, Iowa.

The Conservatory nurtures talent in a diverse, welcoming environment.

Explore our Programs

Our Conservatory programs offer opportunities to build a strong skill set in each respective discipline, and to garner extensive practical knowledge and the business skills required to enter their chosen profession with confidence.

In April 2025, the Conservatory presented the world-premiere (in English) of the brand-new musical, Snow White & Me, by acclaimed West End composer-lyricist Pippa Cleary, with book by Philip LaZebnik and Ronald Krushchak. Under the direction of acclaimed Broadway director Scott Schwartz and Broadway veteran and interim Conservatory dean Lisa Brescia, our students not only brought the musical to life on stage, but will also be featured in their roles on the original cast album.

Create. ENGAGE. INSPIRE.

Carly Cramer - Conservatory Songs for a New World 2023

The education I have received at the Conservatory has been so instrumental in helping me reach my true potential, and I feel truly seen and cared for as an individual by all my professors. The time I’ve spent here is something I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Carly Cramer ’25, Musical Theatre

Catch a Show

Conservatory - Macklanburg Songs for a New World 2023
Macklanburg Playhouse & Warehouse Theatre Company

Box Office Hours: 12-3 p.m. weekdays; September – May. We offer general admission seating for all productions and a wide selection of concession items.

Visit Box Office
Okoboji Summer Theatre

Every summer, OST Company welcomes professional guest artists, designers, directors, and staff to produce an unforgettable season of musicals and plays in Okoboji, Iowa.

Learn More About 'Boji
Conservatory Stage Management

Events

Upcoming Events

Conservatory for the Performing ArtsConservatory for the Performing Arts

October 3, 2025, 11:00 am

Macklanburg Playhouse

A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde. Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes…

College & Campus|Community|Performing Arts

Conservatory for the Performing ArtsConservatory for the Performing Arts

October 31, 2025, 11:00 am

Macklanburg Playhouse

Cut off from the outside world by its remote location and shunned by all who know its forbidding and sinister reputation, Hill House has remained…

College & Campus|Community|Performing Arts

Conservatory for the Performing ArtsConservatory for the Performing Arts

December 12, 2025, 11:00 am

Macklanburg Playhouse

Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity.

College & Campus|Community|Performing Arts

Curtain Up 2024 dance performance

(573) 876-7194

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Historic Senior Hall

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