To graduate requires a solid portfolio of the student's work, passage of SAT tests and a participation in community service programs. The school doesn't grade its students — "either you know the subject matter or you don't," Lockwood said.

"We have ACT testing all the time," she added. "A student has to want to be here. We don't baby-sit them."

While the Villa acts as the main campus for the college, a large home in Springville serves as the setting for some of the academic classes.

Tuition is $6,000 a year and many of the students use the work-study approach to cover costs.

Among them is Katie Young, who is working on a bachelor of fine arts degree.

"I want to make films," she said. "This is a good place to start."

Also a performing arts student, she works on the sets and teaches dance.

While most students are from Utah, a few have matriculated from around the country — "all over the United States," Lockwood said.

While this year's class is small, as many as 50 students have attended in past years.

Many of the plays are musicals. Lockwood sees music as vital in developing future leaders, even scientists.

"You need music to connect the brain," she said. "Then you have your scientists."

Many scientists were also musically talented, she added.

Lockwood says performances at the theater are always energetic and high powered with an edge.

"People go, 'wow.' "

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E-mail: rodger@desnews.com