Leadership
Daena Santoyo, Artistic Executive Director
Daena Santoyo is dedicated to cultivating theater arts, inspiration, and knowledge for children and families in the Ojai Valley. Since joining the Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio (OYES) in 2012, she has led with vision and versatility, stepping into the role of Artistic Executive Director in 2016. With a strong foundation in project management and organizational development from her years in architectural design, Daena has successfully guided OYES through periods of significant growth, transition, and creative expansion. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the nonprofit's administrative infrastructure, developing sustainable programming, and ensuring long-term viability for youth arts education in the community.
Megg Sicotte-Kelly, Co-Artistic Director
Megan Sicotte Kelly is dedicated to delivering high-level production design with a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of the needs of characters, and strong organizational skills. With a B.A. in Film and Digital Media from U.C. Santa Cruz, she has worked with prestigious organizations like Warner Bros., Silvercup Studios, and MPH Entertainment. After rediscovering her passion for theater in New York, she further honed her craft at HB Studios. Megan has contributed to numerous productions, including those at the Getty Villa and with director John C. Reilly. Since joining OYES in 2013, she has brought her expertise to over 16 productions, focusing on her roles as Artistic Director, Sound Designer, Sound Engineer, and Costume Designer. She also works as an educator at Ojai Valley School and as a Production Designer for Oak Grove School Theater.
Adam Dunn
, Resident Lighting Designer & Core Artistic Collaborator
2015-Present • Adam Dunn has been an integral part of Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio (OYES) since 2016, serving as our Resident Lighting Designer and Core Artistic Collaborator. Adam takes pride in his role, having contributed significantly to shaping the creative vision of our productions and enhancing the educational experience for our students. He was directly involved in developing the lighting and grid design for the OYES Youth Center Theater, co-directing the technical and creative layout that helped establish the immersive, high-quality theater experience that defines our youth programs.
Educators, Directors, Production Team
Casey Robbins
, Director, Educator
2022-Present
Teaching Philosophy
“The beauty of theater to me is that no matter what age, background, or passions we have, we always have something simple or profound to learn from each other; something valuable to give. I believe that the vocabulary and tools we build together may last a long time indeed, but the imagination, compassion and confidence we develop will last a life-time”
Emma-Rose Allen, Choreographer, Educator
2016-Present • Resident choreographer since 2017, is a dancer, creator and movement educator working in Los Angeles and Ventura County with companies like Geffen Academy at UCLA and Santa Paula Theater Center. She holds a B.A. in Dance from UCLA with a focus on choreographic inquiry and brings the Laban Movement Efforts instruction to OYES. Passionate about working with movers of all ages, she believes in the transformative power of dance.
Emily Hall
, Vocal Director
2019-Present • Growing up in Ojai as the child of two classically-trained actors, Emily studied Vocal Performance at the University of Redlands and trained in opera and lieder at IES Vienna. Emily is a sought-after vocal coach and music director in Ventura County, working with both adult and youth programs, and conducting Ojai’s Madrigali Renaissance choir. They are also a music educator for Ventura Music Academy and Ojai Valley School.
Angelica Smith
, Director, Educator
2022-2023 • Angelica Smith specializes in bi-lingual education (English/Spanish) and joined OYES in 2022 as an assistant musical director and drama educator for the K-2 program and later expanded her role to assist with the Shakespeare program for youth in grades 6-12. While pursuing her acting career, she carves out time to work with youth, finding joy in teaching and nurturing young performers.
Chiya Newman, Assistant Director, Educator
Chiya Newman, a native of Ojai, is excited to return to OYES, where she began her journey as a student and young performer. A recent graduate of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre's (PCPA) Professional Acting Training Program, Chiya received extensive training in acting techniques, movement (Laban Efforts), and dance. Her diverse experience includes roles as a Swing, Dance Captain, Choreographer, Director, and Actor. Chiya joined OYES in the fall of 2024 as a drama educator, assistant director, and choreographer, bringing her passion for theater and commitment to fostering the artistic growth of the community.
Naomi Santoyo, Stage Manager, Production Assistant
Naomi Santoyo joined OYES in 2016 as a student member of the crew. She studied stagecraft and stage management at Ventura College, where she also earned an AA degree in Business Management. Naomi has stage managed over 30 youth productions for OYES and currently stage manages productions for Oak Grove School and assists with stage crew for 5 Star Theatricals in Thousand Oaks.
Former Production Team Members
Cassie Kelso
Director/Educator
2016-2020
Sarah Arlon,
Choreographer, Educator
2016-2020 • Choreography / Assistant Director / Educator
Connie Woodson
Vocal Director
2016-2020 • Vocal Director
Caroline McDonald
Former Stage Manager and Student
Former Assist. Production Manager
Sheryl-Jo Bedal
Costume Design and Construction
