
Monday, October 26, 2026
9:30 AM - 6:15 PM
Z Space, Theatre of Yugen NOH Space,
& Joe Goode Annex in San Francisco
Human creativity powering the future of theatre.
California Theatre Conference: Artistic Intelligence puts a sharp focus on the creativity, wisdom, and collective knowledge we have built across generations of theatremaking.
As part of Theatre Bay Area’s 50th anniversary season, this year’s conference explores how we draw on deeply rooted artistic legacies to build bold and sustainable futures for the field. Featuring a keynote by P. Carl, cofounder of HowlRound and acclaimed writer, activist, and arts leader, Artistic Intelligence invites us to explore our artistic lineage and legacy while setting the stage for the future of theatre.
The conference celebrates storytelling, collaboration, and shared experience as essential forces shaping what comes next by centering the uniquely human power of live performance. Bringing together theatremakers from across the state, the California Theatre Conference invites participants to connect across disciplines, regions, and generations to explore the future of live theatre in California.

Featuring
Keynote by cofounder of HowlRound and acclaimed writer, activist, and arts leader P. Carl
Cost and Discounts
A ticket to the California Theatre Conference: Artistic Intelligence gets you access to the full day of conference programming including three breakout sessions, the plenary panel, and the keynote.
We are also excited to offer conference attendees an opportunity to add-on small group and individual coaching sessions with three theatre experts for an additional fee. Coaching sessions will be available on a first come, first served basis and are only available at the time of registration. So be sure to sign up when you register!
There are discounts available for TBA members including access to an exclusive discount during the TBA member presale period. Additionally, we have a student discount available. Please contact us at Meghan@TheatreBayArea.org if you would like to learn more about the student discount.
TBA Member Presale
Only available July 27 - August 3, 2026
Member Discount
Individual Premium, Company, & Associate Members
$85
Group Discount
Bring your friends! $10 discount will automatically apply to any purchases of 5 tickets or more.

Standard
Aug. 3 – Oct. 26, 2026
General Admission
$175
Member Discount
Individual Premium, Company, & Associate Members
$100
Group Discount
Bring your friends! $10 discount will automatically apply to any purchases of 5 tickets or more.
Student Discount
Encourage your students to attend the California Theatre Conference: Artistic Intelligence! Reach out to Meghan@TheatreBayArea.org to learn about our student discount.
Conference Add-ons
Select any of the add-ons below when you register for the California Theatre Conference.
Boxed Lunch
$25
A selection of meat, vegetarian, or vegan options.
Individual Coaching Session
$30
Book time to meet one-on-one with experienced theatremakers. Ask your burning questions and get advice to help you succeed. Visit the schedule page to learn more.
50th Anniversary Edition of Callboard Magazine
$20*
This special 50th anniversary edition of TBA’s Callboard Magazine is a celebration of Bay Area theatre in 2026 and over the past 50 years. We are producing a physical magazine for the first time in over a decade to honor the last half century of work and the community that has gotten us here. The magazine features articles and images by current Bay Area theatremakers, as well as a comprehensive directory of all of TBA's 200+ member companies. This commemorative magazine blends past and present by celebrating the legacy we inherit and the one we build together.
*this discounted price is only available to California Theatre Conference attendees!

Thank you to Z Space, Theatre of Yugen, and Joe Goode Performance Group for hosting the California Theatre Conference: Artistic Intelligence

Advertise at the California Theatre Conference
Reach engaged theatremakers attending the 2026 conference! Online, Print, and tabling opportunities available.
Space Partners



Season Sponsors









Nurture California Theatre
Organizational partners and in-kind donations make our events possible! We have sponsorship opportunities at multiple levels for the California Theatre Conference: Artistic Intelligence. Reach out to Meghan@TheatreBayArea.org to learn more about the sponsorship opportunities available or select your preferred sponsorship online!
Available Sponsorships
Lead Conference Sponsor: $15k
1 Available
As the exclusive Lead Conference Sponsor, you’ll power every moment of the California Theatre Conference: Artistic Intelligence. Prior to the conference, you’ll be highlighted in all online and print promotion as our headline sponsor. You’ll be recognized at the event during all plenary sessions, and your name or brand will be featured on all signage and attendee materials. As the conference’s highest-profile sponsorship, this opportunity offers unmatched visibility and underscores your leadership and commitment to the Bay Area theatre community.
Keynote Sponsor: $5k
3 Available
As a sponsor of the conference’s headlining keynote, you’ll make it possible for hundreds of theatremakers to become inspired by P. Carl, celebrated theatremaker, author of the critically acclaimed memoir Becoming A Man, and founder of the online journal, HowlRound, that continues to have significant impact on the conversations around inclusion and equity and professionalism in the American theater. His work has always focused on justice and basic human rights for all communities. He has had the honor of sharing his story in many contexts—professional and collegiate. He focused on connection, our connection to each other and to other ecosystems that rely upon seeing our humanity as a part of something larger. In acknowledgement of your support, you will be recognized at the top of the keynote address, and your name or brand will be featured in all promotional materials online, in print, and at the event.
Plenary Panel Sponsor: $2.5k
3 Available
As a sponsor of the morning plenary, you’ll support a vital conversation between leading industry professionals. In acknowledgment of your support, you will be recognized at the top of the plenary session, and your name or brand will be featured in all promotional materials online and at the event.
Performance Sponsor: $2.5k
3 Available
As the sponsor of the conference’s three live performances, you’ll support the inclusion of work from Bay Area theatre artists. Past performers have included; the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, Killing My Lobster, Shotgun Players’ production of Choir Boy, and more! In acknowledgement of your support, you will be recognized at the beginning and end of the day, and your name or brand will be featured in all promotional materials online and at the event.
Breakfast Sponsor: $1k
3 Available
As the sponsor of the conference’s breakfast and coffee station, you’ll help kickstart the day with fresh coffee, tea, and light bites as attendees gather to connect and collaborate. Your name or brand will be featured prominently at the station, in the printed program, and across online promotions.
Breakout Session Sponsor: $1k
10 Available
As a Breakout Session Sponsor, you’ll support one of the 2026 Annual Conference’s 10 unique breakout sessions, covering topics at the heart of the theatre industry. Sponsors may select the session that resonates most with their values or interests. In acknowledgement of your support, you will be recognized at the start of the session, and your name or brand will be featured in all promotional materials online and at the event.
Individual Coaching Sessions Sponsor: $500
3 Available
As an Individual Coaching Session Sponsor, you’ll support the 2026 Annual Conference’s personalized coaching opportunities with leading theatremakers and industry experts. Past experts included; Tony Award-winning playwright Jonathan Spector, Jeffrey Lo, and Dr. Melissa Hillman. In acknowledgement of your support, your name or brand will be featured in all promotional materials online and at the event.
