CA State Thespian Festival 2026

As vice president of Disney Live Entertainment at Disneyland Resort, Matt Conover is responsible for a diverse team of professionals in the creation, development, production, delivery and sustainment of a wide variety of productions— from parades and stage shows, to nighttime spectaculars, entertainment atmosphere and world-famous Disney Characters.

Previously, Matt was vice president of Project Design and Delivery for Disney Live Entertainment at Walt Disney Imagineering. In his role, Matt led a team of more than 200 entertainment professionals and was responsible for the design, development and production delivery for world class projects around the world. 

Matt joined Disney in 1989 as a stage technician at EPCOT and, two years later, joined the Disneyland Paris grand opening team as a production manager. In 1996, he joined Disney Cruise Line as a senior show producer where he produced three original new musicals for the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder ships. After, Matt served in several executive entertainment roles at Walt Disney World Resort, including general manager of entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and director of planning and production for Walt Disney Entertainment. Matt joined the Disneyland Resort team in 2005 as vice president, Entertainment and in 2009, became vice president of Creative Entertainment at Walt Disney Imagineering.

Some of Matt’s favorite accomplishments across his Disney career include being the executive producer for large scale special events like the christening of the Disney Fantasy cruise ship, the grand opening of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and the grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort.

Have a question you'd like him to answer from the stage? Ask it here

All troupes gather in the Bridges Auditorium for performances, keynote speakers, awards, and more.

Troupe Directors, please complete the Festival Feedback survey by March 31. One per troupe.
We read every comment carefully, and use your feedback to refine State Festival from year to year. Thank you for taking care with this!

APPLY HERE by April 14.
In conjunction with California Thespians, Stage Partners has commissioned playwright Weston Scott to develop a new one-act play for a California high school theatre troupe to premiere at a CA Thespians event. The application for this opportunity is open now, and the selected California school will have the opportunity to work directly with Ian on the development of the script.
Over fifty of Ian McWethy's plays have been published and have been performed in all fifty states as well as fifty countries abroad. He’s also co-written two novels with Carrie McCrossen, Margot Mertz Takes It Down and Margot Mertz For The Win, published by Penguin Random House. He’s happily married to that same Carrie McCrossen, where they live in Los Angeles with their two kiddos. Mr. McWethy is represented by Alex Platis of Untitled Management, Noah Ballard of Verve, and Jay Patel of Peikoff Mahan.
Stage Partners is an independent play publisher dedicated to making exceptional new plays accessible to all theaters and schools. Founded and run by writers experienced in theatrical licensing, Stage Partners aims to make finding the perfect new play easy, engaging, and exciting, whether you are a new drama teacher or an experienced artistic director. With scripts that are always free to read, lightning-fast licensing, and a passionate staff, Stage Partners is committed to offering industry-best services to both its customers and its playwrights.www.yourstagepartners.com

We are happy to report that California Thespians is thriving and healthy with many new changes coming up.  Our membership is currently 400+ troupes and professional members. We continue to offer many opportunities for Thespians and their teachers in California, as well as keep the membership informed about the events happening nationwide with the Educational Theatre Association.
We are looking for excited and enthusiastic people to join the board to help continue to create amazing content for our state troupes.  Any adult currently residing in California who is interested may apply and be considered for a role on the CA State Thespian Board.

Start your application here: https://edta-chapter-events.secure-platform.com/a/organizations/California/solicitations/1531/home