The Conservatory of The Baltimore Actors' Theatre has been associated with TRINITY COLLEGE, LONDON since 1997 through its INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS PROGRAM. Students enrolled in The Conservatory are prepared to take both written and practical examinations in Speech & drama and Music recognized in 50 countries worldwide. This program of examinations offers students recognition for their progress of training and provides professional evaluation of their knowledge and skill development. The examination program is appropriate from Initial through Grade Eight and Post-Secondary Professional Diplomas for students over age 18.

Every year the College's team of expert and experienced examiners travels many thousands of miles to examine candidates around the world. An important new venture is the introduction of duo acting examinations. The Acting in Pairs option joins other ensemble examinations in Group Drama and Choral Speech to enhance the Trinity College London Speech and Drama Syllabus.

The Diploma Examinations provide an intensive program for those individuals who are interested in professional Speech & Drama and Music study. These diplomas, once achieved, are the benchmark of professional competence in these fields of study. For students wishing to study in Great Britain, satisfactory completion of the Grade Eight Examination serves as the gateway for entrance into continued conservatory training. Achievement of the Licentiate Diplomas qualifies students for post-graduate study. Depending on previous training, the diploma program at The Conservatory provides the training and performance opportunities; Trinity College provides the examination by a certified examiner.

In 1998, The Conservatory awarded its first Trinity College, London Licentiate in Speech & Drama to one of its Professional Development students, who was then accepted for graduate study in Musical Theatre at the Guildford School of Acting in England from which he graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Musical Theatre, and is now pursuing his professional career in the United States. That same year, The Conservatory Chorale was awarded the Trinity College, London Diploma of Distinction in Choral Assessment, Gold, the highest honor.

In July 1999, Trinity College, London was selected as the national assessment and awarding body for Speech & Drama and Dance qualifications in Great Britain. Trinity's syllabii, examinations, and examiners will now represent the national qualitative standards for graded and diploma courses. This is the first time that students studying in these performing arts areas will be evaluated from the perspective of an international standard based on Trinity Examinations.

Our students have met with success on the graded and diploma examination levels which recognizes them for their professional accomplishment, and gives our arts faculty a sense that our students are meeting the standards set here at the Conservatory and those of the oldest international examination board, now the British National Standard.

Trinity College of Music was founded in London in 1872. It is the second oldest UK-based music conservatory, being preceded in dedicated practical study only by its near neighbor, the Royal Academy of Music. Trinity College of Music has always had a reputation for innovation in music education. It was, for instance, the first UK Conservatory to establish a Junior Department for young, talented musicians, an Early Music Department, and an Electronic Studio, as well as indroducing jazz studies into its teaching program. TCM was also instrumental in the establishment of London University's first professorship in music and acted as a consultant in the setting up of the City of London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Trinity College of Music's alumni have over the years worked as performers, teachers and administrators. They include the conductors Sir John Barbirolli (a former Music Director of the New York Philharmonic) and James Judd (currently Music Director of the Florida Philharmonic), distinguished composers and some very successful singers such as Dame Margaret Price and , more recently, the 1995 winner of the prestigious international Cardiff Singer of the World competition, Katerina Karneus.

There is no doubt that Trinity College's major international contribution to music education was its pioneering work in establishing a program of external practical music examinations which offers professional and impartial assessment for all levels from beginner to accomplished concert artist. Begun in 1876/77, around 120 years ago, the Trinity scheme has been taken up by other institutions both in Britain and overseas. TCM's examinations, which are now operated on behalf of the Trinity International Examinations Board, are available in 50 countries worldwide. Trinity College examinations have taken place in the USA since the 1930's on a restricted scale and Trinity is now working actively to extend its operations here through the opening of new centers. Trinity's examination program in the USA has expanded to include Choral Assessment, Speech & Drama, Musical Theatre, Performance Arts, and Effective Communications.