OUR MISSION

“Preparing Ojai’s Youth for Life’s Stage”

Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio (OYES) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to challenging, inspiring, educating & entertaining children and families in the Ojai Valley through the experience of quality theatre, dance and music. Through the theatrical process, OYES helps students explore their creative potential and find their authentic voice.

Preparing Ojai’s Youth for LIfe’s Stage

Inspiring a Lifelong Love for the Arts

Research shows that the arts play a vital role in building strong, connected communities. At OYES, we believe that fostering a love for theater at a young age not only nurtures creativity—it also helps shape compassionate, engaged individuals who value the power of storytelling and shared experiences.

Our programs are designed to inspire young people both on and off the stage, cultivating an authentic appreciation for the performing arts and the role they play in community life. Today’s young performers are tomorrow’s devoted audience members, artists, and advocates.

You can help spark this passion. By supporting OYES, you’re helping children grow, connect, and thrive through the transformative power of the arts.

Youth PERFORMING ARTS Programs (Grades K–12)

• OYES offers engaging after-school theater programs for students in grades K through 12, providing a creative alternative to traditional extracurriculars like dance, music, or sports.

• Our weekly rehearsals combine drama enrichment activities—such as performance games, skill-building exercises, and team-building experiences—with structured time dedicated to learning music, staging, and choreography for a full theatrical production.

• Each show is designed to help students develop specific skills, encouraging growth and mastery in a supportive, collaborative environment.

• Every registered participant is cast in the production, ensuring all students have a meaningful role and onstage experience.

CLASS OFFERINGS (varies per season)

• Musical Theater

•  Acting & Improv

• Young Actors Ensemble (YAE)

• Shakespeare

• Voice & Dialects

• Dance & Movement

• On-Camera Acting

• Devising Theatre

• Private Lessons

PerformanceS TO EMPOWER YOUTH

Main Stage Youth Productions

OYES produces fully realized theatrical productions, presented in some of Ojai’s premier performance venues, including Matilija Auditorium and Thacher School’s Milligan Center for the Performing Arts. We bring our own professional lighting and sound equipment to every venue, ensuring a high-quality, immersive experience for both performers and audiences.

Preparing to perform for a live audience teaches students essential life skills such as preparation, organization, teamwork, goal-setting, memorization, and commitment. Through this process, children grow in confidence, creativity, and collaboration.

Students experience the power of working closely with peers and adult mentors toward a shared artistic goal.

We honor their dedication by producing polished, professional performances that reflect the passion, effort, and joy each young performer brings to the stage.

Balancing Busy Lives & Family Time

At OYES, we understand that families lead full and active lives. That’s why our youth theater program is intentionally structured to support a healthy balance between creative enrichment and everyday commitments.

With class rehearsals held just once a week, students can fully participate in theater while still having time for schoolwork, dance, music lessons, sports—and, most importantly, quality family time.

Although our program is a significant commitment, we’re here to support families every step of the way. Theater takes dedication, consistency, and collaboration, and we honor that by creating a positive, well-organized experience for our students and their families. We believe that with the right support, every family can say “yes” to the arts—and we’re proud to be part of that journey.

COME SEE A QUALITY YOUTH PRODUCTION & SUPPORT KIDS ON STAGE!

Help a Child

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.

"At OYES, children from all walks of life are brought together."  

-Debra Kirkland (Ojai, CA)

Sponsors

Special Thanks to:

Ojai Self Storage for ongoing sponsorship and support!

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