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STAGED READING FESTIVAL 2026
AUGUST 2026 | The Grand Ritz Theatre in Escondido, CA
301 E Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
CCAE Theatricals' Staged Reading Festival returns for its third annual celebration of bold, original storytelling! We are currently accepting submissions for our 2026 festival. Click below for the official guidelines and submission process.
2025 FESTIVAL TESTIMONIALS
Why join us for our 2026 Staged Reading Festival?
"Being selected for this festival has given my career a boost." - 2025 Festival Playwright
"Not only did CCAE Theatricals bring my play to life with an amazing cast lead by a visionary director, they also created a community of theater folks who were warm and welcoming to all." - 2025 Festival Playwright
"It was extremely well run and organized, and a great location. I loved that there was always someone around to ask a question. Everyone was upbeat and helpful. Terrific schedule with no need to rush between performances. WELL DONE!" - 2025 Festival Playwright
"I think the shows were well put together. I wasn't sure what to expect but I will definitely be coming next year and signing up to watch more shows. The food selection was amazing as well!" - Anonymous
"Thank you, everyone at CCAE Theatricals for creating a space for artists to create, develop and find the core of our pieces' beauty to share. Thank you to everyone at the Grand Ritz for all of your generosity and help... We love you!" - Analia Romero, 2025 Festival Playwright
"Though I'd never met anybody involved in this festival, everybody made me and my guests feel like family. Just to give a place for writers to see their work realized would be enough, but CCAE Theatricals took the next step to create a community. The meals and after party were a great way to not only meet others, but to proudly say, yes, I'm a writer and not have to explain (like at Thanksgiving dinner with the family) what that means." - 2025 Festival Playwright
"This was my first time putting a piece forward, I am so very happy I did. I am excited to create more works, to dive into my playwrighting strengths and to continue to expand [my piece]." - 2025 Festival Playwright
"I feel like it really hit me on the festival day how much support I felt from the community. Having produced this piece on my own, I know all the behind the scenes work that goes into making a production (however small) happen. And I was so thrilled to get to focus on the art itself rather than negotiating with a venue, promoting, selling tickets, making schedules with the actors... hauling sound equipment, hiring all the tech folks, etc. It was validating and incredibly HELPFUL to have a community of people working on the piece and moving it forward. THANK YOU!" - Korrie Yamaoka, 2025 Festival Playwright
2025 FESTIVAL GALLERY
Festival Photos by Stephen Daniels
