You can be an ICON.

A half day, full day and gap year
commuting and boarding conservatory

At ICON, you are the center of your high school experience. Every aspect of ICON is curated to foster your transformation as a student-artist. Expand your skills set in dance, theatre arts, music, or design and production. Immerse yourself in project-based learning (PBL) under the care of teachers-artists. Collaborate with peers in artistic endeavors.

Your experiences as a student artist matters. We will see your passion and promise to feed it. We will hear your voice and promise to value it. We will discover the essence of who you are and develop who you aspire to be – an ICON.

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Unlock your artistic potential in Iowa City, IA

ICON OFFERS AN IN-PERSON, INTENSIVE ARTS EDUCATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGES 14-19, COMPLEMENTED WITH AN ONLINE ACADEMIC COURSE OF STUDY.

Education

ICON Arts Academy embraces Project-based learning (PBL) at the heart of our curricular design.

This 21st-century approach to learning is student-centered and brings real world applications to arts education. The teacher acts as a facilitator for student learning, scaffolding deep engagement in artistic content as students engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

At the heart of PBL is a deep understanding of content, mastery of skills and personally satisfying, relevant student project outcomes. We strive to facilitate authentic arts experiences, growing students’ skill and expertise through hands-on, innovative projects, centered both within their own discipline and across majors. Arts-rich PBL contexts build 21st century skills: critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Students attend ICON from 9AM – 4PM Monday-Friday, with more than 20 hours of arts education weekly. We offer studies in the areas of classical and contemporary dance, vocal/percussive music and composition, theatre/musical theatre, and design and production.

Students take core classes within their chosen arts major to pursue their interests in depth, and select electives to round out their arts education. Opportunities for collaboration within and across majors are built into our programming daily, and our faculty is committed to facilitating interdisciplinary artistic projects with rich outcomes for every student-artist.

Campus

Students have the option to commute daily to ICON from their home or live on campus in apartment-style co-op living within three blocks of the school. All boarding students have live-in chaperones, with low chaperone-to-student ratios.

According to Livability.com, Iowa City packs a ton of cultural and recreational opportunities within a safe, caring town for the education and arts.

Iowa City systematically provides diverse, gifted artists from around the world ample opportunities to engage schools, venues, audiences, and souls with what they create. Tradition blends with innovation and the inspiring mentor the aspiring. Farmers’ markets, vibrant murals, and downtown festivals all thrive in Iowa City because of intention. The canvas is ever-changing, but the commitment to growth and creativity endures.

ICON offers an in-person, intensive arts education for your people ages 14-19, with program offerings designed to complement each student's academic course of study.

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Dance

Dance

A program for high school students who are suited for and dedicated to the study of dance.

Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts

A program for high school students looking for a deeper experience in all aspects of theatre education.

Music

Music

A program for high school students interested in growing their individual musicianship with non-traditional music-making opportunities.

Design & Production/ Visual Arts

Design & Production

A program for high school students who engage in the visual and fabric arts and want to take their work to the stage.

Dance

A program for high school students who are suited for and dedicated to the study of dance.

Theatre Arts

A program for high school students looking for a deeper experience in all aspects of theatre education.

Music

A program for high school students interested in growing their individual musicianship with non-traditional music-making opportunities.

Design & Production/Visual Arts

A program for high school students who engage in the visual and fabric arts and want to take their work to the stage.

Audition live at a location near you!

Live Auditions held in January THROUGH April 2023

Iowa City, IA
January 14th 2023 8:00AM-5:00PM CST
The James Theater 🔗
Iowa City, IA
January 14th 2023
8:00AM-5:00PM CST
The James Theater 🔗
St. Louis, MO
January 21st 2023 9:00AM-6:00PM CST
Center of Creative Arts (COCA) 🔗
St. Louis, MO
January 21st 2023
9:00AM-6:00PM CST
Center of Creative Arts (COCA) 🔗
Chicago, IL
January 28th 2023 1:00PM-6:00PM CST
Visceral Dance Center 🔗
Chicago, IL
January 28th 2023
1:00PM-6:00PM CST
Visceral Dance Center 🔗
Austin, TX
January 29th 2023 10:00AM-4:00PM CST
The Vortex 🔗
Austin, TX
January 29th 2023
10:00AM-4:00PM CST
The Vortex 🔗
Winston-Salem, NC
February 4th 2023 3:00PM-9:00PM EST
University of North Carolina School of Arts (UNCSA) 🔗
Winston-Salem, NC
February 4th 2023
3:00PM-9:00PM EST
University of North Carolina School of Arts (UNCSA) 🔗
Des Moines, IA
February 10th 2023 8:00AM-4:00PM CST
Iowa Ballet Academy 🔗
Des Moines, IA
February 10th 2023
8:00AM-4:00PM CST
Iowa Ballet Academy 🔗
Omaha, NE
February 12th 2023 11:00AM-7:00PM CST
Mary Lorraine's Dance Center 🔗
Omaha, NE
February 12th 2023
11:00AM-7:00PM CST
Mary Lorraine's Dance Center 🔗
Denver, CO
February 18th 2023 12:00PM-5:00PM CST
Denver Arts and Venues 🔗
Denver, CO
February 18th 2023
12:00PM-5:00PM CST
Denver Arts and Venues 🔗
New York, NY
March 11th 2023 10:00AM-6:00PM EST
Gibney Center 🔗
New York, NY
March 11th 2023
10:00AM-6:00PM EST
Gibney Center 🔗

Audition virtually* from anywhere!

Virtual auditions on April 1st and April 2nd, or by appointment!

*Required for Design & Production/Visual Arts majors and optional for Music (Composition)

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ICON's core values...

Caring

At ICON, our first priority is developing a community of caring human beings. This means giving attention to all aspects of ourselves and others in our community: body, mind, and heart. To be caring requires a mindful approach. We make time, we listen, and we engage with one another with respect and integrity. We allow space for reflection and remember that every day is a new day.

Approaching our work together with care sets the stage for healthy collaborations and reminds us we are supported by our fellow community members.

Innovating

As artists, we are most often engaged in creative practices. Within creativity there are new insights, pathways, and perspectives to be found. This is a core value at ICON, as we believe innovation is what propels us forward in our growth as artists. We may be reimagining something that has been done before, developing something entirely new, or refreshing strategies for problem-solving. Sometimes an unexpected outcome –maybe even something that feels like a failure–can bring about an exciting shift in our awareness and expression.

Persevering

Part of our journey as artists and humans is developing resilience. We know that at times we all face difficulties. This is a part of life.

At ICON, we work through all kinds of challenges together, as collaborators in the arts, as friends, as colleagues, and as responsible citizens. Remaining steadfast in our commitments helps us to maintain academic rigor, reach our educational goals and develop our artistry.

Iowa Conservatory Directors

Leslie Nolte

Art is an essential expression of life, and I have spent my career championing myriad aspects of the arts. As Founder and Head of School, my role is to celebrate and guide our institution, helping to realize goals and build a world-class platform for our students and faculty.

Dr. Timothy Williams

As artists, we are most often engaged in creative practices. Within creativity there are new insights, pathways, and perspectives to be found. This is a core value at ICON, as we believe innovation is what propels us forward in our growth as artists. We may be reimagining something that has been done before, developing something entirely new, or refreshing strategies for problem-solving. Sometimes an unexpected outcome –maybe even something that feels like a failure–can bring about an exciting shift in our awareness and expression.

Kathryn Edel

As the Director of Student Life, I aspire to create an individualized, student-focused path for success through active engagement.  Creating an environment that is inclusive - one that reflects a sense of belonging for all - is what I value most in this role.

ICON Audition Panelists

Judging panelists will be made up of a six-person audition panel from the following collection of visiting or full-time faculty:

  • All
  • Dance
  • Design & Production
  • Music
  • Theatre Arts
Music

Beth Brown

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Dance

Leslie Nolte

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Music

Emily Pritchard

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Dance

Gavin Larsen

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Design & Production

Rebecca Sanabria

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Dance

Debra Austin

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Music

Chase Garrett

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Dance

Jennifer Welch Cudnik

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Dance

Loren Williams

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Design & Production

Akwi Nji

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Quotes & Accolades

The Iowa City arts community provided the support and discipline to prepare me for a career as a professional stage director. Part of why I chose The University of Iowa Theatre Department to study was the vibrancy and diversity of the Iowa City community. I was afforded so many opportunities to grow as an artist, the community was instrumental in shaping the artist that I became.

Over the last ten years I have had the privilege to return and collaborate with Leslie on various theatre productions. She remains one of the most creative, focused, and positive collaborators that I have worked with. Leslie Nolte exemplifies what is best about Iowa City, she is an inspiring arts leader who has cultivated an inclusive array of performers, artists, and educators to train the next generation of artists.

Leslie understands how to train artists for a successful care by personalizing their education to refine their natural abilities and gifts. Leslie empowers her students to embrace what makes them unique, she then trains them to maximize their skills, and cultivate the work ethic to succeed. Coupled with rigorous training in a compassionate and inclusive community, the ICON Arts Academy will empower their students to be successful in the arts and entertainment industry. Part of why I have such enormous respect for Leslie is that she is a dreamer with the skills and enthusiasm to realize her dreams. She instills this determination and passion in her students, which prepares them for the rigors of a very competitive industry.
Chad LarabeeDirector & Creative Producer
Beth Brown is the most committed and dynamic educator I have ever known. She has had an incredible impact on every organization she has worked with and her administrative and curriculum integration experience are perfect for building a school like ICON. She is a strong leader and is especially skilled at creating a great team. I can’t wait to collaborate with ICON faculty and students!
Carey BostianArtistic Director, Red Cedar Chamber Music
Leslie Nolte is the bedrock of the Iowa City arts community. Having worked with Leslie’s students, collaborated with her on creative projects, and having visited the footprint and renovation of the building — ICON will, without question, be a hub for arts education and expanding the next generation of creatives who will influence the field for years to come.
Brandon CournayExecutive Artistic Director, Mark Morris Company Member
My experience working with Leslie Nolte has left me with high admiration for not only her skills as a director and teacher, but as a visionary. The scope of her ambition for young people is broad, yet practical and truly inspired. Leslie knows that the value of art in young lives is priceless. Her mission to enrich those lives through education, nurturing, guidance and motivation has already been successful, as evidenced in the scores of youth who have passed through her school with more confidence, self-worth, empathy for others, physical and mental achievement, and a true love and appreciation for what art is.

The community of Iowa City is immensely lucky to have someone like Leslie with such dedication, wisdom, and integrity.
Gavin LarsenDance Teacher & Writer
Dr. Beth Brown is a beloved music educator in Iowa City who has nurtured the talents of hundreds of young students in her work in the schools, and as the director of the Iowa City Youth Choir. I love seeing young faces come alive when they see Dr. Brown in the Iowa City community, because she inspires them! At ICON Arts Academy, Dr. Brown pairs desire to inspire students with her talents in creating innovative curriculum that supports growing artists. Combine this with a vibrant arts community, and students will be amazed at the opportunities they find here!
Sarah Fairfield Ph.D.Iowa City Community School District Leadership Support and Development Strategist, Curriculum and Mentor Focus
As an educator, Dr. Brown has a great capacity for inspiring both in-service and pre-service teachers. Working with scores of adult learners in the UI College of Education MAT and undergraduate programs, she has shown time and time again her dedication to guiding and shaping innovative, caring teaching practices. Her expertise and long-time experience in the public schools and working with so many different kinds of learners has poised Beth to offer something unique to teachers: collegiality, understanding, and a consistently central focus on making instruction fit the learner. Her focus on learner-centered instruction is central to her philosophy of education, and I cannot imagine a more competent arts educator at the helm of designing curriculum for ICON.
Dr. Mitchell KellyUniversity of Iowa Clinical Professor and Director of Office of Graduate Teaching Excellence
Iowa City is an oasis in the Midwest. Small town friendliness coupled with an amazing arts and culture scene. Leslie and the entire Nolte team have been instrumental in creating a vibrant and thriving community here in Iowa City and ICON promises to take it all to a whole new level!
Nate KaedingEntrepreneur & Retired NFL Player
Having grown up in Manhattan, dancing for Mr. Balanchine in the NYCB, I am not easily impressed by art scenes in other places. But, Iowa City and all Leslie Nolte has done for the dance and theatre scene in Iowa City has really impressed me.

I love my summers participating in the Open Doors festival. Leslie brings exciting and renowned artists to work with the young aspiring students.

The addition of Leslie and Mark Nolte’s James Theater is a great plus for the city. What an opportunity for smaller scale performances. I can speak from personal experience, my story ballet couldn’t have been performed anywhere else. At the James, the dancers performed to sold out crowds.

I am excited about all that is to come with ICON and I look forward to being a part of it. Such a great opportunity for students from near and far to come and study in this vibrant atmosphere. Bravo Leslie, Nolte, and Iowa City!
Marjorie ThompsonPacific Northwest Ballet
Dr. Brown provided a thoughtful and engaging graduate course in learner-centered, PBL instructional design for classroom teachers. I genuinely looked forward to the reading, discussions, and collaborative assignments. I feel like I was able to target an area of growth that I am really working on right now and it just felt like perfect timing. I feel really inspired and validated in my educational philosophy. She took the time to engage and connect with us. It made a world of difference.
Jazmine JacksonBeauvoir National Cathedral Elementary School Teacher, Washington DC
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Beth Brown is the most committed and dynamic educator I have ever known. She has had an incredible impact on every organization she has worked with and her administrative and curriculum integration experience are perfect for building a school like ICON. She is a strong leader and is especially skilled at creating a great team. I can’t wait to collaborate with ICON faculty and students!
Carey BostianArtistic Director, Red Cedar Chamber Music
Leslie Nolte is the bedrock of the Iowa City arts community. Having worked with Leslie’s students, collaborated with her on creative projects, and having visited the footprint and renovation of the building — ICON will, without question, be a hub for arts education and expanding the next generation of creatives who will influence the field for years to come.
Brandon CournayExecutive Artistic Director, Mark Morris Company Member
Iowa City is an oasis in the Midwest. Small town friendliness coupled with an amazing arts and culture scene. Leslie and the entire Nolte team have been instrumental in creating a vibrant and thriving community here in Iowa City and ICON promises to take it all to a whole new level!
Nate KaedingEntrepreneur & Retired NFL Player
Dr. Brown provided a thoughtful and engaging graduate course in learner-centered, PBL instructional design for classroom teachers. I genuinely looked forward to the reading, discussions, and collaborative assignments. I feel like I was able to target an area of growth that I am really working on right now and it just felt like perfect timing. I feel really inspired and validated in my educational philosophy. She took the time to engage and connect with us. It made a world of difference.
Jazmine JacksonBeauvoir National Cathedral Elementary School Teacher, Washington DC

Have Questions?

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  • Auditions FAQ
  • Financial

What are your school hours?

Classes begin at 9:00am until 5:00pm on Mondays through Thursdays and 9:00am – 4:30pm on Fridays. Our half day students join us in the afternoons beginning at 1:00pm!

What does Iowa City have to offer?

Find your place in Iowa City. Home of the Hawkeyes, Iowa’s first capital, and the University of Iowa.  Iowa City tradition blends small-town charm with big city opportunities, keeping students, arts and culture at the forefront of the community.  ICON’s campus is peppered with coffee shops, restaurants, shops, theaters, and more. Iowa City is known as the greatest small city for the arts!   Iowa City was named one of the best American cities for creatives! Iowa City was ranked on of the best places to live in the United States! Iowa Q & A with staff and students What was your view of Iowa before moving here?  Field of Dreams, Cornfields and tornados.   What surprised you most after moving to Iowa City? The amount of arts culture is incredible and exceeded my expectations; the theatre scene is abounding and full of talent equal to that in other major cities! It seems like every weekend there is a festival of sorts and a theatrical production happening all the time.   Why should others move to Iowa City? There is always something to do and getting to do these things is always convenient. Iowa City is an arts forward city with lots of opportunities for artists to perform and take in. The city is beautiful!   Check out our Iowa City Staging Parters (scroll to the bottom)!

Why should I consider sending my child to boarding school?

This is a common question for all parents as you consider the best fit for your family!   There are several reasons boarding schools are a staple in private school instruction: the arts, small class sizes, individualized attention, college prep, academics, and more. We recommend looking at Boarding School Review’s Top 10 Reasons to Attend Boarding School! At ICON, we believe in caring for the whole child.  Our Student Life Director and Dean of Students oversee every aspect of student life, including opportunities to interact with the local arts community, social events for the student body, skill-building for successful independent living, and social-emotional learning.  The Student Life Team includes live-in residential assistants, school counselors, and learning coaches, all trained to respond to the unique needs of adolescent learners in a boarding school setting.  “After a busy day of singing, dancing, acting, painting, designing, rehearsing and studying is over, I get to go home to cook healthy meals with my roommates and RA.  We usually just relax on the couch in our awesome apartment unless it’s grocery day or laundry day then my RA’s or Student Life Director take me where I need to go and help me.  We have a nurse practitioner on campus but The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics have really accessible care in their clinics that are close by.  Plus, there’s lots of coffee places and restaurants close by!  We are a family!”  – Senior 2025 Welcome home!  

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Accepting auditions for 2023-24!

JANUARY 7th - FEBRUARY 18th 2023

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