Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Through exceptional opportunities to audition, perform and network, the Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College prepares graduates to succeed in the highly competitive world of theatre, television and film.
Our faculty are accomplished Broadway performers and creatives who continue to work on national stages and Broadway tours. Our professional summer stock theatre in Okoboji, Iowa, has for the past 65 years provided our students an immersive and demanding opportunity to perform and work alongside professional actors and directors.
Back on campus, mainstage productions are complemented by a full season of performances in our student-run black box theatre. This intensive, year-round program allows students to earn Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in three years and to launch successful careers in the performing arts.
The Conservatory is a co-ed program, accepting both men and women.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees
Complete your degree in three years, including two summers of intensive workshops and professional theatre productions.
Musical Theatre
Graduate with the performance experience, resilience and work ethic to meet the challenges of the musical theatre profession. The Musical Theatre program emphasizes individualized student process and technique, and prepares graduates for career success.
Acting
Rigorous and immersive, the Acting program prepares students for their next role, whether it’s a position with a major national theatre company, a ranked MFA program, a competitive fellowship or an apprenticeship.
Costume Design
Significant production opportunities challenge and inspire while helping students build a body of work and prepare for career success.
Technical Theatre + Stage Management
Ideal for students interested in lighting design, scenic design, stage management or directing, the Technical Theatre program includes a varied, rigorous production schedule and has resulted in an outstanding placement record for its graduates.
Dream up at Stephens. Let's get started.
Stephens College Conservatory Features
Conservatory Mission Statement
CREATE. INSPIRE. IMPACT.
The Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College cultivates these guiding principles within a safe, collaborative, and supportive environment.
Okoboji Summer Theatre
Our professional summer stock theatre company in beautiful Spirit Lake, Iowa, Okoboji Summer Theatre provides immersive internships to undergraduate theatre students who work and perform alongside outstanding professionals from national companies and Broadway stages.
Faculty + Guest Artists
The performing arts faculty includes Broadway actors, ballet masters, regional theatre managers and artistic directors, New York City audition accompanists, professional lighting and design artists, and a regular rotation of working artists from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and other major markets.
Alumni Accomplishments
Alumni include television and film actor Stephanie Beatriz; television, film and Broadway actor Annie Potts; stage manager Karyn Meek; voice actress Ginny McSwain, TV actress Judith Chapman, the late Dawn Wells of Gilligan's Island fame, and many more.
Macklanburg Playhouse + Warehouse Theatre Company
Explore the campus theatres where you’ll perform, design, and run the show. Performances are open to the public.
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Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre, Jamey Grisham, was recently elected to represent the Central Region Board for Actors' Equity as a Principal Delegate for the next four years. The Central Region Board includes the states of Arkansas, Illinois…
Lisa Brescia, Associate Professor of Acting, has just returned from playing the role of Heidi Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen at the Noel Coward Theatre in London's prestigious West End. Brescia has now played the role on Broadway, on the Broadway National…
Almost, Maine won two awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region 5. The cast of Almost, Maine won a commendation for achievement in Ensemble Performance. AJ Hansen won a commendation for achievement in Scenic Design. The…
Conservatory for the Performing Arts
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