“At OYES, children from all walks of life are brought together.”
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.
Accessibility
Our programs are supported through tuition, grants, and community sponsorships, which together sustain high-quality instruction and year-round youth arts opportunities. Tuition covers only a portion of the actual cost, and fundraising support helps bridge the gap so every child can experience the arts. To ensure our programs remain within reach for any young person who wants to participate, we offer sliding-scale tuition, payment plans, and need-based scholarships. No student is ever turned away for financial reasons.
PROGRAMS
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 for youth. 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.” ”
Achievements
Although Theater 150 offered youth programming intermittently throughout its season, the heart of our mission shifted in 2011 to year-round, youth-centered theater. That year, Artistic Director Krista Kim officially launched the Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio—a musical theater program designed to meet the needs of busy families in the Ojai Valley. The program quickly became a passion and a cornerstone of our work. In 2026, we begin celebrating 15 years of year-round youth performing arts, serving hundreds of children annually and inspiring thousands of young audience members—and future arts enthusiasts!
OYES’ year-round arts program has…
Produced over 65 youth and intergenerational musical productions and plays
Awarded over $25,000 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
