“Preparing Ojai’s Youth for Life’s Stage”
Welcome!
At OYES, the production is the classroom. Built into reach rehearsal is an educational component designed to develop a young person as an artist. Throughout the rehearsal process, students strengthen voice, movement, memorization, stage presence, imagination, ensemble skills, and cultivate confidence.
The fundamentals remain consistent. The focus deepens and evolves with each production.
Educational Youth Theater
•
Young. Fearless. Unforgettable.
•
Educational Youth Theater • Young. Fearless. Unforgettable. •
THANK YOU, Ojai and beyond for an unforgettable
SUMMER FESTIVAL OF YOUTH THEATRE!
Where Young Artists Go Big
•
Theatre That Moves Generations
•
Where Young Artists Go Big • Theatre That Moves Generations •
What begins as play becomes craft
-
At OYES, the work begins long before opening night.
Every OYES production is built around an educational component designed to develop a young person as an artist. Through rehearsal and performance, students strengthen voice, movement, memorization, stage presence, imagination, ensemble skills, and creative confidence.
Each season, young artists gather weekly to play, experiment, stretch, and build a production together.
-
Our offerings vary by season to meet the needs and interests of our young community as they grow while remaining consistent though meaningful training, teamwork, and quality productions.
Musical Theater
Acting & Improv
Working Actors Workshops
Meisner Course
Young Actors Ensemble (YAE) Shakespeare
Voice & Dialects
Laban Efforts Movement
On-Camera Acting
Devising Theatre
Private Lessons
Visit: Programs
Programs blend drama games, skill-building, and ensemble work, culminating in a fully staged production.
What begins as exploration becomes discipline. What begins as play becomes craft.
Along the way, students build confidence, collaboration, technique, and access to their authentic voice.
Romeo & Juliet • OYES Young Actors Ensemble, Shakespeare Program
Performances TO EMPOWER YOUTH
At OYES, we don’t just put on shows. We build worlds.
From first rehearsal to opening night, students work side by side to create something bigger than themselves. They learn to rely on one another. They learn focus. Organization. Follow-through. They discover that excellence isn’t accidental — it’s built through commitment, collaboration, and trust.
Working alongside peers and mentors, they experience the rare joy of striving toward a shared artistic goal. They stretch. They stumble. They rise. And by the time the lights come up, they are no longer just participants, they are artists.
We honor that journey with fully realized performances that reflect their work, their courage, and their creative voice.
And when the curtain rises, you can feel the world they’ve built together.
Get Notified • Sign-Up for Emails •
Get Notified • Sign-Up for Emails •
The Wizard of Oz • Lions, Tigers, and Bears Casts (grade K-10)
Balancing Busy Lives & Family Time
At OYES, we understand that families are balancing a lot. School. Sports. Homework. Work schedules. Life.
So we build our program with intention.
With over 15 years experience as a youth-centered organization, we’ve refined a model that makes sustained participation possible — allowing siblings, returning students, and even the next generation to step onto our stages.
When families can say yes, more young people are served, and the impact deepens over time.
With rehearsals held once a week, plus occasional Saturdays, students can commit deeply to the creative process while still honoring school, activities, and family time. Theater asks for dedication and teamwork, and we provide a structure that is organized, supportive, and intentional.
We believe the arts shouldn’t just feel possible.
Arts for youth should be possible.
A confident, joyful “yes” for families who want their children to grow, connect, and find their voice.
JOIN
Help a Child Grow
OYES is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
You care about the children of the Ojai Valley. And you know that kids deserve the chance to learn and grow through the arts. Your gift can help a child grow through the arts at OYES.
