California Educational Theatre Association
in collaboration with the historical and storied
Pasadena Playhouse, State Theatre of CA,
presents
Pasadena | September 24 - 27, 2026
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!
The conference will be held at the beautiful boutique Hotel Dena and the Pasadena Playhouse.
NEW TEACHERS: Find the help you need! Find resources and mentoring through our special opportunities, just for you.
Join educators from across California at Pasadena Playhouse and the Hotel Dena this fall! Registration opens May 1st. Use Prop 28 funds to attend!
We invite you to explore the site and reserve your lodging early!
ABOUT PASADENA PLAYHOUSE
Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theater of California and recipient of the 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award, is internationally recognized for its significant role in the development of American theater. One of the most prolific theaters in the country, the Playhouse has staged thousands of original productions since its founding in 1917 including premieres of works by Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, Suzan-Lori Parks and hundreds more. For decades, its pioneering School for Theater Arts was a training ground for actors and theatermakers who went on to make significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman since 2016, Pasadena Playhouse’s productions and community programs are centered on its founding idea of being a living force in its community, making theater for everyone. Today, the Playhouse continues to advance the American theater and serves as a hub for the top theater-makers of our time.
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CETA is committed to a safe and accessible conference for everyone.