Joe Price Leads Stephens College Performing Arts
The dean outlines the conservatory’s approach to training the next generation of professional theater performers.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Children’s Theater
Joe Price serves as dean of the Stephens College Conservatory for the Performing Arts. He leads a faculty comprised of Broadway veterans through a hands-on educational approach.
Why it matters
The program prepares students for professional careers by blending rigorous academic instruction with real-world performance experience under the guidance of industry experts.
The conservatory produces at least 5 annual theatrical productions to provide hands-on experience. This volume of work serves as the foundation for the department's professional training curriculum.
The players
Joe Price
He serves as the dean of the Stephens College Conservatory for the Performing Arts.
Stephens College Conservatory for the Performing Arts
This institution is located in Columbia and maintains a faculty of Broadway veterans.
The details
The conservatory utilizes a hands-on approach to performing arts education that emphasizes practical skill development. Plans are already in place for future productions including Eurydice, She Loves Me, and The Addams Family.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: Joe Price discussed the program during an interview.
Industry Dynamics
The conservatory reflects a broader trend of university programs integrating active Broadway veterans into faculty roles to modernize arts education. This shift positions the institution as a direct pipeline for students entering the professional theater industry.
Local theatergoers in Columbia can expect to see professional-grade performances as the school prepares to stage upcoming works like The Addams Family. These productions offer the community regular opportunities to view emerging talent in a collegiate setting.
The takeaway
Students benefit from a curriculum that replaces purely theoretical study with consistent, active production cycles. Aspiring performers should look for programs that prioritize professional veteran faculty to ensure their training remains current with industry standards.
Further reading
Learn more about local performance opportunities in the Children’s Theater section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KBIA.
