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Iowa Conservatory

A Visual and Performing Arts Accredited School

Iowa’s Premier Launchpad for Emerging Artists

We don’t just accept the best — we create the best.
At ICON, we help young artists grow through bold academics and extraordinary real-world training.
We see potential — and turn it into something powerful.

Brilliance at every stage.

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November 7th
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You’re Not Learning About the Industry. You’re In It.

At ICON, students work one-on-one with

Broadway performers, exhibiting artists, and industry leaders.

We don’t just teach the arts—we shape bold, creative thinkers ready to make an impact.

ICON is a multidisciplinary conservatory where musicians, dancers, visual artists, actors, and designers

grow together through immersive, real-world experiences.

Iowa Conservatory Programs

7th–12th Grade Arts EDUCATION

Day & Boarding School
for Visual + Performing Artists

Dance | Visual Arts | Theatre | Music | Design & Production | Open Major

Train with world-renowned faculty, collaborate across disciplines, and pursue a rigorous academic education designed with artists in mind.

Choose to commute or board in downtown Iowa City.
Graduate with a High School Diploma and Certificate in Performing and Visual Arts Industry Fundamentals.

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Middle School STEAM Education

6th-8th Grade Creatives

Creativity meets critical thinking in this one-of-a-kind middle school experience. ICON STEAM students dive into core academics through the lens of the arts, technology, and engineering.

3–4 arts courses per semester across all disciplines.
We’re looking for 20 sixth graders to become our founding students.

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ARTS Gap Year

Post-High School, Age 18+

Spend a focused year preparing for auditions, college apps, or professional careers. With one-on-one coaching, hands-on portfolio support, and masterclasses with industry leaders, you’ll grow artistically, personally, and professionally.

Boarding or commuting options available.
Graduate with a Gap Year Certificate and a polished portfolio.

Discover

Dance

Visual Arts

Theatre Arts

Music

Design & Production

Open/Undecided

Now Accepting Applications for the 2025/26 School Year!

Where ICON Leads

After graduating, Iowa Conservatory alumni continue their studies at premier collegiate arts programs in their specialties. Graduates have been accepted to dozens of top-tier programs and attended:

  • Florida State University BFA Musical Theatre

  • Molloy University CAP21 BFA Musical Theatre

  • Boston Conservatory at Berklee BFA Musical Theatre 

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100%

of ICON graduates are accepted to premier arts programs or cast in regional productions before finishing their studies.

100%

of students receive dedicated, one-on-one help building portfolios to prepare for auditions, college applications, and postgraduate work weekly.

100%

of icon students who have auditioned for regional theater work were cast.

Hear from the Class of 2024

“There are not enough words to describe what my time at ICON has meant to me. Every single teacher, faculty member, and student has made such a lasting impact on me and my artistry. ICON has provided me with a space where I always felt welcomed, supported, encouraged to try new things, and allowed to be myself. I am eternally grateful for the most unexpected, yet most amazing senior year I could have ever dreamed of. To just say thank you is not enough, so I will continue to show my utmost gratitude for ICON now and in my future endeavors. I will carry my knowledge and everlasting memories with me as I continue on my next journey. This has been the most cherished experience. Thank you, ICON. I love and will miss you dearly.”
Iowa Conservatory alumni Londyn Kirol '24
Londyn Kirol '24Now pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Florida State University
“I have greatly enjoyed getting to express my interest in the arts through ICON! I've gotten to learn different acting, singing and visual art techniques that have prepared me for college. I appreciate all of the teachers for being so supportive and pushing me to become not only a better performer, but also a better human. I’m so grateful to be a part of the first graduating class of ICON, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this school!”
Iowa Conservatory alumni Avery Slaubaugh '24
Avery Slaubaugh '24Now pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Molloy University's CAP21 Conservatory
“During my time at ICON I was provided with an immensely safe and supportive environment where I could be myself, offer new ideas, and commit to new ventures that I would never have thought to explore prior to enrollment. I would like to thank the faculty and staff for the astounding advice and guidance offered to me throughout my journey with ICON, and for welcoming me with open arms.“
Iowa Conservatory alumni Andreas Warren '24
Andreas Warren '24Now pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Boston Conservatory at Berklee
“I genuinely mean it when I say that my time at ICON has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. This school has not only helped me hone and enhance my skills as a musical theatre major, but it has also given me the invaluable opportunity to explore and learn about various additional areas of the arts. I've discovered a deep love for costume design, visual arts, and so much more. None of this would have been possible without the incredibly supportive environment fostered by every teacher, faculty member, and student. Their encouragement has given me the skills and courage to continue pursuing my passion in this field. I will miss everyone immensely.”
Iowa Conservatory alumni Melia Bohn '24
Melia Bohn '24Now working professionally in her first regional production
A student discussing her artwork during critique.

At ICON, we see and support the whole artist.
Our small size means every student gets personal attention—not just in their major, but across disciplines.

  • A musical theatre major might take private piano; a Dance major might explore costume design.
  • This interdisciplinary approach lets students follow their curiosity and grow as complete artists.
  • By junior and senior year, students get dedicated solo time to prepare portfolios, audition tapes, and applications.

The Artists Behind ICON. The Mentors Behind You.

Our faculty aren’t just teachers—they’re working professionals who guide, challenge, and collaborate with you every step of the way.

Kristen DeGrazia, a Broadway veteran and member of Actors’ Equity Association, brings decades of professional performance experience and a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan to her work as a director, voice instructor, audition coach as a musical theatre coach at ICON.
Kristen DeGrazia, a Broadway veteran and member of Actors’ Equity Association, brings decades of professional performance experience and a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan to her work as a director, voice instructor, audition coach as a musical theatre coach at ICON.
Dr. Max Moreno, Music Department Chair at ICON, teaches music to all our students with the same care and professionalism that shaped his time performing with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square—an experience that deepened his belief in music’s power to uplift, connect, and inspire.
Dr. Max Moreno, Music Department Chair at ICON, teaches music to all our students with the same care and professionalism that shaped his time performing with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square—an experience that deepened his belief in music’s power to uplift, connect, and inspire.
Kristen Olinger, ICON’s Department Chair for Design & Production, is a professional lighting and set designer with credits in regional theatre, higher education, and new play development. ICON students benefit from hands-on learning and apprenticeship opportunities as she continues her work at the highest level—including projection design for a new play premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Kristen Olinger, ICON’s Department Chair for Design & Production, is a professional lighting and set designer with credits in regional theatre, higher education, and new play development. ICON students benefit from hands-on learning and apprenticeship opportunities as she continues her work at the highest level—including projection design for a new play premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Leslie Nolte, Founder and Artistic Director of ICON, is a nationally recognized dance educator, award-winning choreographer, and investor in the Tony-winning Broadway musical The Cher Show. With more than two decades of leadership in arts education, she has shaped the region’s creative landscape—and now brings that depth of experience directly into ICON classrooms, where students study technique, composition, and seminar with one of the Midwest’s most influential artistic voices.
Leslie Nolte, Founder and Artistic Director of ICON, is a nationally recognized dance educator, award-winning choreographer, and investor in the Tony-winning Broadway musical The Cher Show. With more than two decades of leadership in arts education, she has shaped the region’s creative landscape—and now brings that depth of experience directly into ICON classrooms, where students study technique, composition, and seminar with one of the Midwest’s most influential artistic voices.
Kyle Sydney Powell, ICON’s Visual Arts Department Chair, is a practicing fine artist and veteran educator with over 25 years of experience in classrooms, museums, and workshops nationwide. With an MFA from the New York Academy of Art, she brings technical excellence and creative depth to a program where students learn directly from an exhibiting artist whose work spans illustration, mixed media, and photography.
Kyle Sydney Powell, ICON’s Visual Arts Department Chair, is a practicing fine artist and veteran educator with over 25 years of experience in classrooms, museums, and workshops nationwide. With an MFA from the New York Academy of Art, she brings technical excellence and creative depth to a program where students learn directly from an exhibiting artist whose work spans illustration, mixed media, and photography.
Yoshito Sakuraba, ICON Dance Visiting Faculty and Artistic Director of Abarukas, is an award-winning choreographer whose work has been presented worldwide from New York’s Joyce Theater to festivals in Italy and Spain. Known for his striking imagery and emotional depth, he has created works for leading companies including Bayerisches Staatsballett, NW Dance Project, and Louisville Ballet.
Yoshito Sakuraba, ICON Dance Visiting Faculty and Artistic Director of Abarukas, is an award-winning choreographer whose work has been presented worldwide from New York’s Joyce Theater to festivals in Italy and Spain. Known for his striking imagery and emotional depth, he has created works for leading companies including Bayerisches Staatsballett, NW Dance Project, and Louisville Ballet.
Sasha Hildebrand is a seasoned actor, director, and costume designer with over 20 years in the industry. Trained at the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts and the University of Iowa, her career spans stages from London’s Fringe Festivals to Chicago’s Drury Lane and the Texas Shakespeare Festival. With more than 45 directing credits and 75 costume designs, she is equally devoted to teaching, shaping the next generation of theatre artists.
Sasha Hildebrand is a seasoned actor, director, and costume designer with over 20 years in the industry. Trained at the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts and the University of Iowa, her career spans stages from London’s Fringe Festivals to Chicago’s Drury Lane and the Texas Shakespeare Festival. With more than 45 directing credits and 75 costume designs, she is equally devoted to teaching, shaping the next generation of theatre artists.

Tuition

We believe that every young artist deserves access to exceptional training. Through generous financial aid packages and scholarships, we make sure cost isn’t a barrier for talented, passionate students. 


Request Info or Start the Application to learn more about what’s possible for your family.

Become an ICON

August 13th: Talent Scholarship Deadline

Days
Iowa Conservatory is an accredited 6th-12th grade Iowa School
Iowa Residents can use ESA funds for tuition support
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ICON's First-Ever Graduating Class
We are so proud of the class of 2024!
Learn more about our ALumni
Admissions are Open for the 2025-26 School Year
It's not too late to become an ICON!
Apply Now
Announcing our Summer Intensives
Spend time with us this summer!
Learn More

Visit with our founder, Leslie Nolte, to learn more about us!

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Iowa ESA Facts

Iowa residents enrolled full-time in one of Iowa’s accredited nonpublic schools can apply to receive funding equal to the “per pupil” rate allocated public school districts for the same budget school year. All Iowa residents are eligible.
Funds are held in an Education Savings Account (ESA), and are used for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. This fund can be used toward paying your tuition at ICON. 
The amount for 2025-26 is $7,826. 
The application window for the 2025-26 school year is open from 8:00 a.m. on April 16, 2025 through 11:59 p.m. June 30, 2025.

To apply for ESA:
https://iowa-households.withodyssey.com/login/

To learn more about the Iowa ESA:
https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educational-choice/education-savings-accounts

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Be an ICON

Student Visit Day: March 28th
Masterclass: March 29th

REGISTER HERE

March 28 9 AM-4 PM: Experience life as an ICON student.  Step into the classroom with hands-on classes.

March 29 9 AM-12:30 PM:Light breakfast, Family Q&A, and Masterclass with our talented ICON arts faculty:  choose between portrait drawing or musical theatre!

March 29 1-3 PM: Engage in a 20-minute session to receive 1:1 coaching on a visual arts portfolio, song, or monologue.