Fall 2025-2026 

Musical Theater Program

OYES’ after-school theater program works much like music, dance, or sports classes: students attend weekly rehearsals that lead up to a weekend of showcase performances. Rehearsals combine drama games, skill-building exercises, and focused time to learn songs, staging, and choreography. Along the way, young actors build confidence, communication, and organizational skills while exploring their creativity through the theatrical process.

[ SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPT 1st - APPLY ]

New Downtown Location

OYES’ programs will take place at our new “home-base” location in downtown Ojai, CA. Fall performances will be held at Chaparral Auditorium, Ojai CA.

Peter Pan

A Broadway Junior Production

Based on J.M. Barrie's classic tale and featuring an unforgettable score by Morris "Moose" Charlap and Jule Styne with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Peter Pan is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favorites of all time. Featuring the iconic songs, "I'm Flying," "I've Gotta Crow," "I Won't Grow Up" and "Never Never Land," and a rousing book full of magic, warmth and adventure. OYES’ production of Peter Pan, Jr will be uniquely performed in the round at Chaparral Auditorium, Ojai, CA.

Characters

Characters - Link Coming Soon.

Skills and Learning Goals

• Voice: Pitch, volume, mouth shapes and basic pronunciation

• Memorization: Lyrics, blocking/staging, simple dance choreography

• Stage presence: The Actor’s Toolkit (body, voice, imagination), Emotions, Stage Directions

• Themes: Play/Improvisation/Creation vs Rehearsal, Repetition of learned material

Workshops

• Tableaus (stage picture and levels)

• Scene Study

• Improv!

• Laban Movement Efforts

LABAN FEATURED WORKSHOP FOR PETER PAN, JR:

With specialized training in the Laban system and her extensive dance education, Emma-Rose Allen will guide students to grow and enhance their performance skills in focused Laban workshops.  We will dive deep into expressing emotions to tell a story,  and how to make engaging, unique choices, that bring our acting roles to life! We will explore Laban’s eight efforts through weight, space, time, and flow to create unforgettable performances that will shine in any audition or show.

To learn more about the Laban movement course, click here

Registration Guide

Registration opens Sept 3 for returning students and Sept 5 for new students (space permitting). Enrollment is limited to keep roles meaningful, rehearsals manageable, and tech needs met. A waitlist is available once classes fill. For full details on policies and FAQs, please see our Registration Guide below.

• Priority Registration*

  For Returning Students only: Opens Wednesday, Sept 3
  

• Registration

  For new and returning students: Opens Friday, Sept 5
  

• Waitlist

  Available once classes are full

  
  *Priority Registration helps ensure returning students can continue their progress and reach new milestones. While this policy is firm, we are eager to expand our program when possible, as new students are always valued and welcomed!

Enrollment CAPS

Enrollment caps are in place to ensure that:

• Every actor has a chance to receive a speaking part

• Each student feels integral to telling the story

• Rehearsals remain productive and manageable

• Technical aspects can be met

FAQ (When classes are full)

Q: Can my student “squeeze in”?


A: A waitlist sign up is provided when registration is full.  We would love to be able to add one or two extra spots when requested, but even “just one more” can create big challenges:

• Adding even 1–2 extra students per cast can quickly upend the balance of production planning and increase unplanned costs across our program such as:

  • Additional mic equipment rentals

  • Extended rehearsal time for expanded material

  • Additional instructors to cover expanded material

  • Technical limits: Our sound board is limited to 28 channels. Additional mic’d actors mean complex mic-swapping and live balancing during performances (requiring more skilled technicians). Additional equipment rental to expand the sound board can add thousands of dollars in unplanned production expenses.

Q: I signed my child up, but all their friends are in a different cast. My child wants to be with their friends. Can we switch?

A: Switching casts may only be possible if there is space in the preferred cast. If the cast is full, you will need to join the wait list for preferred cast. We are unable to guarantee students will participate with their friends if a cast fills up. 

Enrollment caps protect the quality of the program. We sometimes adjust to accommodate more students, but space is not guaranteed.

Production Calendar (Fall 2025)

Sept 3–5 – Registration Opens

• Sept 3 – Returning Students Only

• Sept 5 – Open to Public

Sept 22–26 – Auditions

Week of Sept 29 – Start Weekly Rehearsals

• Tuesdays, 3:30–6:30pm: Lions Cast (grades 2–6) – Shows Feb 6–8, 2026

• Tuesdays, 6:30-9:00pm: [TENTATIVE] Bears 2 Cast (grades 8–10+) – Shows Feb 13–15, 2026

• Wednesdays, 4:00–7:00pm: Bears 1 Cast (grades 6–10) – Shows Jan 23–25, 2026

• Wednesdays, 7:00–9:30pm: [TENTATIVE] Bears 2 Cast (grades 8–10+) – Shows Feb 13–15, 2026

• Thursdays, 3:30–6:30pm: Tigers Cast (grades 2–6) – Shows Jan 30–Feb 1, 2026

• Saturday: Dates and times vary per cast. See “schedules” below.

Registration by Cast

Schedule is subject to changes prior to registration opening. Please check thoroughly before registering.

MONKEYS CAST (Grades K–2)

DETAILS

Children in Monkeys cast will attend weekly class rehearsals where they’ll enjoy theater games, exercises, and learn choreography, music, and scenes for the play.

The Monkeys cast will perform as featured ensemble “Lost Boys” characters. Monkeys prepare a scene with speaking lines and 2-3 musical numbers for the Peter Pan Jr. performances.

This K-2 cast will be split into two groups. Each group will be assigned to either the Lions or Tigers cast for performances and will participate in select Saturday rehearsals (TBD) and Tech Week with their assigned group.

SCHEDULE

Monkeys Auditions: Monkeys will submit a self-tape audition. Instructions to follow registration.

Weekly Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 2:30–4:00pm

Saturday Rehearsals:

• Nov 22 · 9:00–12:00 (with Lions)

• Nov 22 · 12:30–3:30 (with Tigers)

• Dec 13 · 9:00–12:00 (with Lions)

• Dec 13 · 11:00–1:00 (with Tigers)

Tech Week Rehearsals: REQUIRED. NO ABSENCES PERMITTED

Will rehearse with either Lions Tech and performances (Feb 2–5) or Tigers Tech and performances (Jan 26–29) depending on assignment.

Performances: To be assigned to either Tigers (Jan 30–Feb 1) or Lions (Feb 6–8). Cast assignments are determined by the third week of rehearsals.

LIONS CAST (Grades 2–6)

Weekly Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 3:30–6:30pm

Saturday Rehearsals:

• Oct 4 · 9:00–11:00

• Oct 25 · 9:00–11:00

• Nov 22 · 9:00–12:00

• Dec 13 · 9:00–11:00

Tech Week Rehearsals: REQUIRED. NO ABSENCES PERMITTED

• Mon, Feb 2 · 3:30–6:30

• Tue, Feb 3 · 3:30–6:30

• Wed, Feb 4 · 3:30–7:00

• Thu, Feb 5 · 3:30–7:00

Performances: Feb 6, 7, 8, 2026

Friday evening show, Saturday matinee, Saturday evening, Sunday matinee | Tickets $15-$18

TIGERS CAST (Grades 2–6)

Weekly Rehearsals: Thursdays, 3:30–6:30pm

Saturday Rehearsals:

• Oct 4 · 11:00–1:00

• Oct 25 · 11:00–1:00

• Nov 22 · 12:30–3:30

• Dec 13 · 11:00–1:00

Tech Week Rehearsals: REQUIRED. NO ABSENCES PERMITTED

• Mon, Jan 26 · 3:30–7:00

• Tue, Jan 27 · 4:30–7:30

• Wed, Jan 28 · 3:30–7:00

• Thu, Jan 29 · 3:30–7:00

Performances: Jan 30, 31, Feb 1, 2026

Friday evening show, Saturday matinee, Saturday evening, Sunday matinee | Tickets $15-$18

BEARS 1 CAST (Grades 6–9)

Weekly Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 4:00–7:00pm

Saturday Rehearsals:

• Oct 11 · 9:00am–1:00pm

• Oct 25 · 1:30–4:00

• Nov 15 · 9:00am–1:00pm

• Dec 6 · 9:00am–1:00pm

• Jan 10 • 9am-2pm (Bears 1 only, not combined)

Tech Week Rehearsals: REQUIRED. NO ABSENCES PERMITTED

• Mon, Jan 19 · 4:00–8:00

• Tue, Jan 20 · 3:30–7:30

• Wed, Jan 21 · 3:30–7:30

• Thu, Jan 22 · 4:30–8:30

Performances: Jan 23, 24, 25, 2026

Friday evening show, Saturday matinee, Saturday evening, Sunday matinee | Tickets $15-$18

BEARS 2 CAST (Grades 7–10+) · Tentative

[UPDATED AS OF 08/26]

The Bears 2 cast still tentative. Weekly rehearsal times listed below are class times under consideration. Performance dates are confirmed.

Weekly Rehearsals:

A) Mon 4pm-7pm, or 5pm-8pm, or 5:30pm-8:30pm

B) Tue 6pm-8:45pm

C) Wed 7pm-9:30pm

D) Thu 6pm-8:45pm

Saturday Rehearsals:

• Oct 11 · 9:00am–1:00pm

• Oct 25 · 1:30–4:00

• Nov 15 · 9:00am–1:00pm

• Dec 6 · 9:00am–1:00pm

Tech Week Rehearsals: REQUIRED. NO ABSENCES PERMITTED

• Mon, Feb 9 · 4:00–8:30

• Tue, Feb 10 · 4:00–8:30

• Wed, Feb 11 · 4:00–8:30

• Thu, Feb 12 · 4:00–8:30

Performances (Tentative): Feb 13, 14, 15, 2026

Friday evening show, Saturday matinee, Saturday evening, Sunday matinee | Tickets $15-$18

Before you register…

ABOUT AUDITIONS

Auditions help our directors assign roles for the show. All participants to registered for the program receive a role in the production. Audition songs will be provided on our website.   Remember, we are rooting for you! 

About Casting

Students should not expect to play a “lead”. Our goal is to provide participants the tools they need to participate in an ensemble, and have a fantastic time learning and growing in this group process. We aim to provide as much stage time as possible to every participant, and encourage our cast members to be part of an ensemble group no matter what role they are cast to play. We’re here to enjoy the experience! The casting process takes into consideration various factors including presentations at audition, experience, training, passion, growth, commitment to rehearsals and practice, roles previously played, and last but definitely not least, the chemistry of the cast over all. Please encourage your child to embrace their casting, and remember, there are no small parts!

PLEASE NOTE

All OYES rehearsals/classes for all ages are closed, “drop-off” classes. There will be no parent/friend observation or participation in any class at any time. Classes provide final showcases or fully-staged public performances for this purpose)

Participation Policies

We know it is a big commitment of your time, trust and resources to register your student for an OYES program. Please review the information below before registering!

Cancellations — Since resources are committed to staffing, licensing/royalties, and materials well before a program takes place, all OYES tuition, deposits, and installment payments are, generally speaking, non-refundable. To avoid disappointment later, please fully review the following policy details:

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend all rehearsals (including Saturdays).

Absences & Schedule Conflicts

• Each cast member may have up to 2 planned absences during the Fall Session.

• A Conflict Form listing all planned absences must be submitted by auditions. No additional conflicts may be added after the first rehearsal.

• Planned absences submitted at auditions are considered excused. Unplanned absences are not excused (except for emergencies or illness), and may affect the actors role in the production.

• NO ABSENCES are permitted during Tech Week (the week leading up to performances).

• Missing rehearsals impacts the whole cast and schedule. Actors are responsible for catching up on any missed material. Private rehearsal time with directors is available at $45/hr if needed.

Volunteer Commitment

OYES relies on volunteer support to make productions possible.

Every student must have a parent or guardian volunteer representative.

Families may choose from a variety of roles—ranging from leadership positions to simple one-time tasks. Opportunities include set building, painting, poster distribution, costume fittings, props, sewing, box office, concessions, and more.

TUITION

Tuition fees are due at the time of registration. Payment plans are available.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

You may cancel your program participation any time before the program begins, however, your cancellation must be received in writing within 48 hours of registration to receive a cash refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. After the 48-hour grace period, you may receive a credit (minus the $25 fee) to be used toward future OYES programming.

• If there are not enough students enrolled in a class, OYES reserves the right to cancel the class and provide a full cash refund. 

• There are no refunds or credits for missed classes. No refunds should a class be cancelled due to circumstances beyond OYES’ control (natural disaster, pandemic, etc.). 

national emergency-RELATED PROGRAM CHANGES

If a county, statewide, or national emergency make it impossible for OYES to continue in-person instruction or showcases, OYES will make every effort to move all programs and/or showcases will move to an online/virtual format IF FEASIBLE. WE RESPECTFULLY ASK THAT YOU DO NOT REGISTER FOR AN OYES PROGRAM IF YOU/YOUR STUDENT ARE UNWILLING TO PARTICIPATE IN AN ONLINE FORMAT SHOULD THE NEED ARISE. There will be NO refunds.

Tuition • Lions, Tigers, Bears

Each cast member participates in 75+ hours of instruction, rehearsal, and performance preparation. To keep the program accessible, we are introducing a tiered tuition model.

Base Tuition – $675

• Covers essentials (instruction, space rental, basic production costs).

• Inclusive rate ($9/hr) to keep the program accessible.

  
  

Supportive Tuition – $865

• Recommended for families who are able to pay full cost.

• Reflects actual costs of running the program ($12/hr).

• Helps sustain high-quality productions with professional staff, costumes, sets, and technical resources.

  
  

Sustainer Tuition – $1,050

• For families who wish to go above and beyond, covering not only their student but also supporting scholarships for others.

• Includes special recognition in the program/playbill.

Tuition • MONKEYS

Each Monkeys cast member participates in 45+ hours of instruction, rehearsal, and performance preparation.

Base Tuition – $415

• Accessible rate ($9/hr).

• Covers the essentials: instruction and basic production costs.
  
  

Supportive Tuition – $525

• Recommended for families able to pay full cost

• Supports professional staff, costumes, sets, and technical resources

• Reflects the actual cost of running the program ($12/hr).

  
  

Sustainer Tuition – $675

• For families who wish to go above and beyond, helping to cover scholarships for other students.

• Includes special recognition in the playbill/program.

  
  

Payment OPTIONS

Pay in Full – One-time payment at registration.

Payment Plan (deposit required, auto-billed on due dates):

• 2 Payments – 50% deposit, 1 remaining installment (Oct 24, 2025).

• 3 Payments – 35% deposit, 2 remaining installments (Oct 24, 2025 and Nov 21, 2025).

• 4 Payments – 35% deposit, 3 remaining installments (Oct 10, 2025, Nov 14, 2025, Dec 12, 2025). A $10 payment plan fee applies.

Scholarships

OYES is committed to making theater accessible to all youth. We offer partial scholarships, made possible through individual sponsors, ongoing fundraising and grants. 

Because scholarship funds are limited, we encourage families to consider our payment plan options before applying.

Deadline to apply: Sept 1st

APPLY NOW [CLICK HERE]

No student is turned away. We encourage all families in need to apply.

DISCOUNTS

Sibling Discount: 10% – when two or more siblings are registered for the same program, or for programs taking place in the same semester. Applicable to all registered siblings in the same program/semester. Email admin@oyespresents.org

Registration Portal

opening soon

Priority Registration

Opens for returning students: Wednesday, Sept 3 at 10am

Registration

Open to Public: Friday, Sept 5 at 10am

If a program is full, please add your student to the waiting list at the link below.

JOIN WAITLIST