REGISTRATION OPENS IN AUGUST
Fall/Winter 2026 Musical Theatre Program
Designed for students in grades K-2, 2-6, and 7–10, this immersive summer experience invites young performers to explore acting, singing, movement, and ensemble storytelling, all while bringing a beloved story to life on stage. From the first rehearsal to final bows, students will build confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills in a supportive, high-energy environment.
Each class rehearsal blends theater games, skill-building, and rehearsal as students work together toward a fully staged production. What begins as play becomes craft, culminating in a thrilling finale of performances for the community.
At OYES, we don’t just put on shows, we build worlds. Join us this fall and watch your young artist grow!
Production Calendar (Fall 2026)
Registration
Sun, Aug 30 – Registration Opens for Returning Students Only
Fri, Sept 4 – Registration Open to Public
Sept 17-21 – Auditions by appointment
Week of Sept 28 – Start Weekly Rehearsals
Tuesdays, 3:30–6:30pm: Lions Cast (grades 2–6) – Shows Feb 5–7, 2027
Wednesdays, 2:30pm–4:00pm: Monkeys Cast (grades K-2) – Shows merge with Lions or Tigers Cast
Wednesdays, 4:30–7:45pm:
Bears 1 Cast (grades 7–10) – Shows Jan 22–24, 2027
Bears 2 Cast (grades 6–10+) – Shows Feb 12–14, 2027
Thursdays, 3:30–6:30pm: Tigers Cast (grades 2–6) – Shows Jan 29–31, 2027
Saturdays: Dates and times vary per cast. See schedules below.
The Production
Due to conflicts with the North American Tour, licensing for our original selection is no longer available. Production will be announced soon!
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 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 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
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A: Unfortunately, no. When registration reaches capacity, a waitlist sign-up will be provided. While we would love to add “just one more,” even 1–2 extra students can cause major challenges. Additional enrollment increases unplanned costs such as extra mic rentals, extended rehearsal time, more instructors, and technical limits (our sound board only supports 28 channels, and upgrading would require thousands in new equipment and skilled technicians).
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A: Switching is only possible if space is available in the preferred cast. If that cast is full, your student will need to join the waitlist. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that friends will be placed together once a cast has filled.
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Enrollment caps protect the quality of the program. We sometimes adjust to accommodate more students, but space is not guaranteed.
IMPORTANT
Please Read Before Your Register
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!
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)
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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!
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Participants 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!
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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.
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 (Sep-Jan)
1 planned absence during the Spring session (Feb-May)
2 planned absences during the Summer session (Jun-Aug)
All planned absences must be submitted before the first rehearsal.
Additional absences must be approved by the director in advance.
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.
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:
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
You may cancel your registration with a cash refund (with a $50 cancellation fee), however, your request must be submitted in writing within 48 hours of registration.
After the 48-hour window, cancellations are eligible for a credit that can be applied to future OYES programming.
If a class does not meet minimum enrollment, OYES may cancel the program and will issue a full refund.
There are no refunds or credits for missed classes. OYES is unable to offer refunds for cancellations due to circumstances beyond our control (such as natural disasters or public health events).
TUITION
Tuition fees are due at the time of registration. Payment plans are available.
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 or your student are unwilling to participate in an online format should the need arise. There will be NO refunds.
Each cast member participates in 75+ hours of instruction, rehearsal, and performance preparation. To keep the program accessible, we have introduced a tiered tuition model.
Base Tuition – $725
Covers essentials (instruction, space rental, basic production costs).
Inclusive rate to keep the program accessible.
Supportive Tuition – $895
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 – $1,250
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.
Payment OPTIONS
Pay in Full – One-time payment at registration.
Payment Schedules (deposit required, auto-billed on due dates):
2 Payments – 50% deposit, 1 remaining installment
3 Payments – 35% deposit, 2 remaining installments
4 Payments – 35% deposit, 3 remaining installments. 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: AUGUST 25th
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 or session.
Registration Portal
Priority Registration
For Returning Students only: Opens Sunday, August 30, 9am.
Standard Registration
For new and returning students: Opens Friday, Sep 4, 9am
Any new students who sign up before the designated date will be removed and must wait until general registration opens.
New Downtown Location
OYES’ programs will take place at our new “home-base” location in downtown Ojai, CA. Summer performances will be held at Matilija Auditorium, Ojai CA.
