Daniel Renner, Dean
Jennifer Forsyth,  Registrar and general information
1101 13th St. Denver, CO 80204 | 303.446.4855 | FAX: 303.623.0693

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts has announced the decision to phase out the National Theatre Conservatory over the next two years. The three year MFA program will remain fully intact through the spring of 2012 so that the 28 enrolled students will receive their degrees while experiencing the high quality education they have come to expect. The Center will continue its other highly successful education offerings which serve over 50 thousand students each year through student matinee and Academy programs.

This extremely difficult decision was made in light of the new financial reality in which we exist. The economic downturn of 2008 impacted performing arts organizations around the world and the DCPA is no exception. Reductions in ticket sales, corporate funding, individual giving and endowment support has forced the DCPA to take actions to protect and preserve its core mission - the production and presentation of quality theatre.

“Since 1984 the NTC (working with the Denver Center Theatre Company) has taught hundreds of young actors the skills they need to enter into the profession. As actors, directors, playwrights, producers and teachers they continue to contribute to the cultural life of our country. The values that were instilled and the vision of what theatre can be is the legacy of the Conservatory. It is ultimately not about bricks and mortar; it is about the next incarnation of the NTC. It is about the future as our alumni and artists go forward to share that vision in classrooms, rehearsals, on stages and as active members of communities across America.” Daniel Renner Dean, National Theatre Conservatory

Mission Statement
The National Theatre Conservatory's (NTC) mission is to provide gifted students from across the nation the opportunity to develop their talents and skills within the challenging environment of a performing arts center and to prepare them for active careers in the American theatre and in the film and television industries. The National Theatre Conservatory's MFA training program is designed to bring all students closer to the realization of their potential while steadily developing insights, attitudes, standards and disciplines that will nourish them for the rest of their creative lives. After three years graduates emerge not only with the skills required for a professional career, but also with the vision, heart and ethical standards needed for full artistic expression.