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.

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.

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

““The educational component of our theatre program builds a wide range of skills both on and off the stage. These experiences can continue to help young people throughout their adult lives with public speaking, confidence, persistence, and an understanding of collaboration, self-organization and community.” ”

— - Daena Santoyo, OYES Executive Director

Classes

For each Spring, Summer and Fall/Winter session, OYES may offer a variety of classes, camps and workshops complimentary to the musical theatre program.

Over the years, OYES has offered workshops and classes for Auditions, Improv, Stage Acting, Student Directed One-Act Plays, Voice/Chorus, Physical Theatre, BodyTalks Movement, On-Camera Acting, Writing, Monologues (writing and coaching), Technical Theatre, Film Production, and more.

What We've Achieved

In 2012 Founding Artistic Director, Krista Kim, began Ojai's first all-youth musical theatre program designed to work with the busy schedules of families in the Ojai Valley, with rehearsals taking place only once per week culminating in a full-scale performances.

Since 2012 OYES has...

Produced over 60 youth and intergenerational musical productions and plays
Awarded over $20,000 in scholarships
Reached thousands of families as students and audience members
Helped students overcome shyness, build healthy relationships, set and achieve goals, build public speaking confidence, and many more life-skills which are integrated into our teaching methods