Special Events

CETA is pleased to provide a variety of special events. Be sure to check back often for updates!

President’s Welcome

Upon arrival, join us for a special reception with CETA President Michael Despars and the CETA Board to welcome you in style!  Join us in the Kent Room at the Santa Maria Inn.

Keynote Speaker: Eric Engdahl

This year’s Keynote Speaker is Eric Engdahl, Ph.D.  He is the Chair of the Department of Teacher Education at CSU East Bay and President-Elect of the California Council on Teacher Education. To find out more about Dr. Engdahl, visit our Keynote Speaker page.

Speed Date

This is your chance to learn about the plays that other educators are excited about. In this rapid exchange based on “speed dating,” you’ll connect with dozens of educators and walk away with great ideas to explore over the weekend.

Theatre “Games”

Ready for a rumble? Think you know a few things about theatre? Are you a musical theatre nerd extraordinaire? We’ll find out at this riotous opening night event!  Form a team with your newly-met colleagues to test your theatre trivia skills and win prizes to enhance your classroom.

2 Ring Circus

Based out of New York City, 2 Ring Circus merges the art of circus with the heart of the Big Apple: Broadway. Taking the term “triple threat” to the next level (literally), they take their love of dance and musical theatre to the air to create a polished theatrical experience that is taking the Great White Way to new heights.

Founded in 2011, 2 Ring Circus was created by a team of versatile and multifaceted artists, who not only create and choreograph the circus elements for a production, but they also perform them, too. From aerial acrobatics to song and dance, the 2 Ring Circus company cover a wide range of skills allowing them to expertly fit into musical and play productions. They sing, dance, act, play musical instruments and perform all manner of circus skills.

2 Ring Circus will lead a special demo/workshop on Sunday featuring their work in the upcoming PCPA production of The Little Mermaid.

CETA Awards


Join us for this special dinner celebrating individuals and organizations that have made an important contribution to educational theatre! We are currently accepting nominations for this year’s awards. Submission deadline is August 1st.  Click here to read more.

Past Presidents Council Theatre Library Sale

Our retiring members often donate their theatre libraries to CETA. Take advantage of these great collections and often one-of-a-kind treasures!  All proceeds benefit our scholarship funds.

Technical Theatre Workshops

Because of our collaboration with PCPA this year, a wealth of tech theatre workshops will be available to you, including costuming, sound, scenic painting, portfolios and more.

Networking Brunch

We’ll have a networking brunch on Sunday. Another way to make great connections!

New Teacher Mentoring

We’ll have a special session for new theatre educators to orient them to CETA, plus all of the opportunities in the state, including festivals, organizations and more.  CETA will also provide connections between new educators with experienced mentors.

PLUS

All-Conference Session on New Arts Standards, Arts Framework, Theatre Credential
CETA Annual Business Meeting and Elections