In 1992, two women with a passion for the arts—Nancy Green and Judith Jessness—founded the Allied Arts Theatre Group to bring live performance to Cambria. They began with one-act plays, sketch shows, and revues in the historic 1881 Santa Rosa Schoolhouse, where performances continued until 2006.

When Cambria’s new grammar school opened on Highway 1, the Coast Unified School District offered the use of the old grammar school auditorium at 1350 Main Street. Nancy and Judith eagerly transformed the space into a proper theatre, complete with stadium seating, a thrust stage, upgraded sound, and enhanced lighting. Thus, the Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre (CCAT) was born.

For 16 years, Artistic Director Jill Turnbow guided CCAT with energy and vision, building its reputation as a cornerstone of Cambria’s cultural life. In 2023, Bryce Prunty became Artistic Director, carrying forward that legacy with a commitment to engaging storytelling and diverse productions.

Since Our Town, CCAT has staged an exciting slate of productions, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Into the Woods, Annie, The Drowsy Chaperone, and The Man from Earth. Each production has showcased the extraordinary talent of our community while expanding what theatre can be on the Central Coast.

Today, the 100-seat theatre continues to evolve—offering dramas, comedies, musicals, staged readings, concerts, and more. We invite you to be part of our story and to experience the joy of live theatre at CCAT.

Managing Artistic Director - Bryce Prunty

A graduate of the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts (PCPA). He became Artistic Director of Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre in 2023, following the 16-year tenure of Jill Turnbow. During his time at PCPA, Bryce performed in Annie, Oliver!, Hay Fever, Damn Yankees, and the world premiere of Robin Hood.

At CCAT, he has directed Red Herring, The Sunshine Boys, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Our Town, Death of a Salesman, Annie, and The Man from Earth. Audiences may also recognize him from his performances in Company (Paul), And the World Goes ‘Round (Man 2), Our Town (Stage Manager), and Into the Woods (Baker).

Bryce extends his gratitude to the CCA Board and to the many dedicated volunteers whose support makes the work of the theatre possible.

Resident Musical Director - Dakota Simpson

A multidisciplinary artist who has studied voice and piano since childhood, a path that naturally led him to the theatre. Over the years, he has held nearly every position in a production—from conductor to fly line operator—fostering a deep passion for all aspects of the stage.

As a director and music director, his credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (AD/MD), The Little Prince, Gogol’s The Government Inspector, The Full Monty (MD), Jesus Christ Superstar (MD), Annie (AD/MD), Into the Woods (Director/MD), and The Drowsy Chaperone (Director/MD).

As a performer, Dakota has appeared as El Fayoumy in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Officer Lockstock in Urinetown, Lodovico/Others in Othello, Marcus/Others in The Book of Will, Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde, and Dr. Everett Scott in The Rocky Horror Show.

He is grateful to the Cambria Center for the Arts community and volunteers for their dedication and support.