Denver Performing Arts Schools & Programs

Denver is committed to providing top-notch training for performing artists starting as early as possible, as evidenced by the fact that it is home to the Denver School of the Arts – a high school that offers dance, theatre and music instruction alongside a strong academic program. The University of Denver offers undergraduate degrees for actors, musicians and singers, and post-graduate study for musicians and singers. Opera singers can apprentice at the Central City Opera. While there is no university training available for dancers, the Colorado Ballet offers a prestigious apprentice program. In addition to the traditional education routes, there are a myriad of summer festivals that offer top-notch training with the best teachers from around the world.

Projections for the music, dance and acting sectors compare favorably with the rest of the labor market in general. All sectors are set to experience a 2% growth annually through to 2012. Dancers can expect 15 new full-time jobs to open up yearly, while musicians and actors can expect 79 and 18 annual positions respectively. It is wise to remember that roughly half of these openings will be replacing vacancies in existing positions as opposed to being newly created jobs – but one should also note that part-time and/or un-salaried positions above and beyond these numbers will likely be available. Overall, the field is very welcoming, especially for musicians.


Performing Arts Schools, Programs & Courses in Denver
Subjects listed are highlights of programs and/or courses offered.
  • The Art Institute of Colorado
    Digital Filmmaking & Video Production, Interactive Media Design, Photography, Video Production, Visual Effects & Motion Graphics

Harrington College of Design Brown College Argosy University University of Phoenix American Intercontinental University Kaplan University Le Cordon Bleu Schools International Academy of Design & Technology Argosy University Audubon Expedition Institute Brooks Institute of Photography Brooks Institute of Photography The Art Institutes The Art Institutes Sanford Brown Institute Harrington College of Design University of Phoenix Brooks Institute of Photography Brooks Institute of Photography Argosy University DeVry University Vet Tech Institute The Art Institutes The Art Institute Online

Why Denver is a Great Place to Study Performing Arts

Denver, along with the nearby communities of Boulder and Colorado Springs, covers nearly every performing arts discipline and sub-discipline. The opera, ballet, and symphony orchestra cover all the traditional bases, but there is also an alternative opera company, as well as a very popular modern dance theatre. Theatre lovers will be kept busy by the large number of traditional and independent theatre companies resident in the city.


Other Resources for Performing Arts Education and Careers in Denver
  • Denver Ballet Guild
  • Denver Musicians Association
  • Denver Dance Listings
  • Denver City Wide Marching Band
  • Friends of Chamber Music Denver
  • Junior Symphony Guild
  • Performing Arts - Employers in Denver
  • Opera Colorado
  • Colorado Ballet
  • David Taylor Dance Theater
  • Colorado Symphony

  • Performing Arts - Internship Opportunities in Denver
  • Denver Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Denver Theater
  • Denver Women's Chorus
  • St. Martin's Chamber Choir
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