KD Studio Actors Conservatory was founded in 1979 in response to the growing need for high-quality, no-nonsense acting training available to anyone with a desire to act for film and stage. Combined with our belief that each student possesses unique qualities and strengths that can flourish in the right learning environment, lead to establishing of KD Studio.

From the very beginning our focus was on creating an ideal environment for learning the art of acting - a place of self-discovery, individuality and rigorous discipline which are required for launching a career in film, television and stage.

Today, more than two decades after the first students graduated from KD Studio, hundreds of students of all occupations, races, ethnicities, and ages have benefited from the extraordinary education offered at our school.

The exceptional training and professional environment at KD Studio, have earned us a reputation of being one of the most unique and proficient acting schools in the U.S. today.

Our History

Founded by Kim Dawson and Kathy Tyner, KD Studio began operation in April 1979 with the approval of the Texas Education Agency. The initial program consisted of advanced professional workshops for experienced actors. However, it quickly became apparent that there was also a growing need for high-quality, hands-on training for beginning actors. This consequently lead to the creation of the very successful Career Acting Program offered today by KD Studio Actors Conservatory.

In 1985 the school obtained accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and in June of the following year, was approved by the Texas Education Agency to award an Associate of Applied Arts Degree. A decision was later made by the Administration and Board of Directors that the student body of KD Studio would be better served by changing to a more specialized accreditation. Consequently, in 1988, KD Studio was accredited through the National Association of Schools of Theatre. In 1993 the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved KD Studio as a post-secondary degree granting institution. Following a 2001-2002 site visit by The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board the AAA degree in Acting Performance received an exemplary rating.

Our Founder and President - Kathy Tyner

Prior to founding KD Studio, Kathy Tyner served as General Manager of the Kim Dawson Agency, the largest talent and modeling agency in the Southwest. When it became apparent that many actors were in need of a workshop space to further enhance their skills, Ms. Tyner resigned her position at the agency and, with Ms. Dawson, founded KD Studio.

Over the years, her tireless effort to provide the best quality training for aspiring actors has earned her respect and reputation around the country. Today, Ms. Tyner serves on many committees and is a member of several film, theatre and arts organizations to create further opportunities for actors to work professionally. Her various affiliations include:

USA Film Festival - Board Member
Texas Motion Picture Alliance - Member
Dallas Film Commission - Ad Hoc Committee
Texas Association of Film & Tape Professionals
Dallas Producers Association - Member
Women in Film Dallas - Board Member

Ms. Tyner has served on the Commission for Accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Theatre, is a past member of the Curriculum Committee for the Texas Educational Theatre Association and has served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Private Schools.

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For more information call our Office toll free:
1-877-278-2283
or drop us a note.