Daena Santoyo

| Artistic Executive Director

| Producing Director

Daena Santoyo is the Artistic Executive Director and Producing Director of Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio (OYES), where she has served in artistic, educational, and organizational leadership since 2014. Appointed Artistic Executive Director in 2015, she has helped shape OYES into an established youth theater organization, guiding its artistic vision, educational programming, and organizational development through periods of significant growth and transition.

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With a background in theater, performance, and architectural design, Daena brings a multidisciplinary approach to her work. She oversees OYES's annual production season, producing six theatrical productions in the 2025–2026 season and directing five. Her contribution extends across artistic programming, curriculum development, production planning, and the coordination of creative teams, teaching artists, and technical professionals. She fulfills the practical and creative demands of a year-round production program by overseeing the organization's extensive collection of costumes, props, and scenic resources.

A trained Speech Level Singing (SLS) vocalist, Daena studied with SLS coach Laura Ahlstrand-Gwin. She has directed and produced more than 25 musical productions and brings decades of experience as an actor, educator, producer, and solo performing artist.

Drawing on her professional background in architectural design, drafting, and project management, Daena has played a central role in strengthening OYES's operational infrastructure, developing sustainable programming, and navigating the challenges. Her leadership combines artistic ambition with the practical work of building and sustaining an accessible, community-centered arts organization.

At the heart of her work is a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young performers to develop their skills, discover their creative voices, and experience the collaborative discipline of live theater.

Philosophy:

From discipline, comes beauty.