“What begins as play becomes craft…”

- Daena Santoyo, Artistic Director

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What begins as play becomes craft

At OYES, the work begins long before opening night.

Each season, more than 100 young people — across grades K–12 — gather every week to play, experiment, stretch, and build something together. Our after-school programs blend drama games, skill-building, and ensemble work with the focused rehearsal process of a fully staged production. What begins as exploration becomes discipline.

What begins as play becomes craft.

Along the way, students grow not only in technique, but in confidence, collaboration, and creative voice.

Our offerings shift slightly each season to meet the energy and interests of our young community, but the intention remains constant: meaningful training, real teamwork, and a stage worthy of their effort.

Class offerings vary by season and may include:

Musical Theater • Acting & Improv • Young Actors Ensemble (YAE) • Shakespeare • Voice & Dialects • Dance & Movement • On-Camera Acting • Devising Theatre • Private Lessons

PerformanceS EMPOWERING YOUTH

At OYES, we don’t just put on shows. We build worlds.

From the first rehearsal to opening night, our productions are immersive, fully realized theatrical experiences — designed to challenge young performers and invite audiences into something alive and immediate.

As students prepare for the stage, something deeper is happening. 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 side by side with 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.

It is our privilege to honor that journey with polished, professional performances that reflect not only their talent, but their courage.

And when the curtain rises, you can feel it.

Hear them roar.

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.

For more than a decade 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 Us

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.

Currently enrolled in a production? Open the Production Guide to access music, schedule, etc.