KD Studio Actors Conservatory was founded in 1979 as the entertainment  business began venturing outside New York and Hollywood.  Since then, Dallas/Ft Worth has become the eighth largest media market in the country.  There are more than 25 professional theaters in the Metroplex; there are currently four network television shows shooting (with more nearby in Austin and Shreveport); there’s plenty of TV and radio commercial production.  We even have one of the largest animation studios in the country—Funimation, creators of Dragon Ball.

 We believe that each student possesses unique qualities and strengths that can flourish in the right learning environment.  We based the KD Studio Career  Acting program, started in 1985, on that belief.  In 2005 we added the Musical Theatre Performance  Program and two years ago, the Motion Picture Production Program.  We aim to prepare students for work in the entertainment industry.

From the beginning, our training programs have been based upon embracing modern methods that promote discipline and self-discovery, along with the development of technique. Our faculty consists of working professionals and master teachers. They lead students to deeply felt, psychologically true and physically realized performances. To support this process, students receive constant feedback from faculty who consult collaboratively on their progress.

The goal of KD College is to prepare students for careers in theatre, television and film. Our purpose is to provide a practical, post-secondary education that emphasizes the skills needed in today's competitive environment.

Founded by Kim Dawson and Kathy Tyner, KD Studio began operations 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 led 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 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.