Although primarily known as a music school, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) also offers acting and dance degrees. CCM's dance program has a strong emphasis on ballet, giving students who are strong en pointe the time to audition with a competitive boost. Acting auditions are held in a variety of cities every year, so students do not have to go to Cincinnati to try out.
The Juilliard School located in New York City is one of the most reputable conservatory programs in the United States. Because of its location, Juilliard students have access to a range of auditions, from independent dance and theater productions to Broadway shows. Because Juilliard accepts less than one-tenth of the students who audition, prior professional experience in theater or extensive dance training will give applicants a necessary edge.
Located in Dallas, KD College is a conservatory of film and theater. Founded in 1979, the program offers associate degrees to those who wish to do a two-year degree before moving on to a bachelor's degree program. KD College also offers summer programs for children and teens, making it an effective training program for students who wish to apply to four-year conservatories after high school.
The State University of New York at Purchase offers BFA programs in modern or ballet perfomance, dance production and choreography plus an MFA program in choreography, performance and teaching.
Purchase's BFA program in acting is one of only four in the nation that qualifies for the Consortium of Conservatory Theatre Training Programs. Notable graduates include Parker Posey, Wesley Snipes, Nelson Cabassa and Vivian Eng.