It’s September, time for A NEW SEASON:
It’s a new school year: New students, new classroom challenges, a new slate of productions.
It’s a new era:Theatre needs to be interdisciplinary, immersive, integrate new technologies.
It’s a new climate:Theatre is increasingly positioned as a primary tool for SEL, helping students cope with stress, anxiety, and isolation through embodied encounters and empathetic storytelling, but navigating the current social climate creates new challenges.
Choosing effective seasons often balance genres, explore complex human experiences, and align with societal, educational, or community-driven goals. Vital in choosing a season is considering your audience, ALL the stakeholders, be it getting approval through your administration at school site and district levels, participation from students and staff, and knowing the pulse of your community—who will be in those seats in the audience, and in the classroom.
Our 2026 Conference is designed to help you plan A NEW SEASON.
Workshops
Performances
Keynote Addresses
Exhibitors
Professional Development Units
Advocacy
Mentorship and Connection
PLUS: Live theatre, awards and more!
NEW TEACHERS: Find the help you need! Find resources and mentoring through our special opportunities, just for you.
Join educators from across California atPasadena Playhouse and the Hotel Dena this fall! Registration opens May 1st. Use Prop 28 funds to attend!
California Educational Theatre Association
in collaboration with the historical and storied
Pasadena Playhouse, State Theatre of CA,
presents
The 2026 CETA Theatre Educator’s Conference!
Pasadena | September 24 - 27, 2026
Grow Your Craft. Inspire Your Students. Lead Your Program
Your Backstage Pass
to Excellence!
A CETA membership equips California’s Educational Theatre Community with the tools and opportunities to lead. From the classroom to the capital, we help you make a positive, lasting difference in theatre education.
Ready for your cue?
Join us.
Elevate Your Program.
Inspire Your Students.
Join us for this year’s Fall Conference—the gathering for California’s theatre community. We’ve curated a schedule packed with elite workshops and advocacy tools designed specifically for the Golden State’s educators.
Master your craft. Lead the stage.
Define the future.
Don’t Wait for the Encore. Advocate Now.
CETA remains the primary voice for credentialed arts education in California. We advocate for the experts, because quality theatre starts with quality instruction. Learn how to navigate the world of advocacy.
Your program’s best advocate is you. We’re here to help.
The CETA Season:
A Stage for Every Story
From student festivals to professional development, CETA provides premier opportunities where California’s theatre community connects, creates, and leads. Our events are designed to empower your journey.
Mark your Places.
Your next act begins here.
Spotlighting Excellence in Theatre Education
CETA is proud to recognize outstanding contributions to Theatre Education. From lifetime achievements to groundbreaking classroom work, our awards program honors those who elevate the standards of theatre arts education.
Mark your Places.
Your next act begins here.
THANK YOU, 5
The Thank You, 5! program is CETA’s premier mentorship initiative, designed to give new theatre educators their "cue" for a successful career. We pair the wisdom of veteran teachers with the energy of those new to the wings, creating a supportive ensemble that strengthens theatre education statewide. Whether you are looking for a mentor to help guide your first production or want to share your legacy with the next generation, this is your place to connect.
Veteran wisdom. New energy.
Ready for the first act.
Elevate Every Voice.
Unify Every Stage.
Cultivate a Community.
News & Information
WISDOM SWAP
The Wisdom Swap is CETA’s collective masterclass where theatre teachers share their "secret scripts" for success. No one knows the classroom better than those in the wings, so we’ve created a space to trade best instructional practices. Step into the role of both mentor and student as we collaborate to elevate the standards of theatre education across the state.
Swap the strategy. Strengthen the stage.
SCHOLARSHIPS
CETA remains committed to supporting the growth of theatre education by providing critical scholarship funds for students and professional development assistance for teachers. From high school seniors to college professionals, we believe in rewarding excellence at every level. These awards are sustained by the generosity of our donors and board members, whose contributions determine our annual reach. Discover how CETA can help fund your next act.
Empowering Your Artistic Journey.
NEWSLETTERS
Our newsletter delivers vital advocacy updates, festival deadlines, and classroom resources right to your inbox. Designed for the busy educator, it serves as the central hub for news that impacts your program and our profession. Stay informed, stay inspired, and stay connected to the ensemble that’s moving theatre education forward across the state.
Your backstage pass to everything CETA.
THEATRE CREDENTIAL
CETA is your dedicated resource for navigating the California Theatre Credential. We believe every student deserves a theatre education led by a highly qualified professional. Our guide breaks down the certification process, offering the tools and information you need to secure your professional standing in the classroom. Whether you’re a new teacher or a veteran navigating state standards, we provide the clarity you need to stay center stage in your career.
Certified to inspire. Qualified to lead.
