in the classroom...
Why Not A Conservatory?

The main reason is because you will receive a degree! Yes, there are some great conservatory schools out there offering excellent acting techniques and such, but they do not offer a Bachelor's Degree. When you finally finish school and step out into the sunlight of the real world, you are going need a job. Waiting tables is fine and dandy, but what if you need a job to provide a bit more cash? Good luck without that degree.

Also, a university offers a diverse selection of education. A well rounded, educated actor will go further in life and career. Not only will you be able to act, but you will know Art and Music History, Accounting, Dance, whatever! These secondary classes will round you out, give you something to draw from when on stage, or in real life.

After you have your degree, and have tasted four or five years of training in the different aspects of theatre, then it would be a good time to decided whether or not you want to continue training at a conservatory. Most Conservatories will focus on one or two specific styles of theatre. There is the Shakespeare Conservatory, or maybe even The Del'Arte School of Physical Theatre. There are modern acting conservatories such as Actors' Theatre Louisville, or A.C.T. in San Francisco. All of these schools allow their students an opportunity to really concentrate on one form or the other, and offer a certificate for completion of study. But please note: Most conservatories will not accept your application until you have been out on your own for a couple of years. They want to make sure that you know what you want to do and study. IF you are just starting out and looking for a school to train at, I would HIGHLY suggest a University Training Program.