Scroll to bottom of the page for Registration Link.

Summer 2026

Musical Theater Program

OYES’ after-school theatre program follows a rehearsal process similar to music, dance, or sports training. Weekly rehearsals develop performance skills that culminate in a weekend of live performances.

This Program is supported in part by the City of Ojai Arts Commission.

How To Train Your Dragon, Jr.

Musical theater camp

Step into a world of dragons, adventure, and fearless storytelling in our How to Train Your Dragon, Jr. Musical Theater Camp!

Designed for students in grades 2–8, 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 day 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 final weekend of performances for family and friends.

Camp Dates: June 29 – July 23 (dates subject to change)
Schedule: Monday–Friday • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (NO CAMP: Friday, July 3)
Performances: July 24 – July 26
Who It’s For: Grades 2–8

At OYES, we don’t just put on shows, we build worlds. Join us this summer and watch your performer take flight!

ABOUT THE SHOW

Registration Guide

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 Saturday, May 16, 9am.
  

• Standard Registration

  For new and returning students: Opens Saturday, June 6, 9am
  

• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration by Cast

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

dragons cast

For How to Train Your Dragon, cast members will be divided into two sub-casts: Cast A and Cast B. Students in double cast roles will perform 2 performances in an acting role and 2 performances in a supporting ensemble role, for a total of 4 performances across one weekend. All participants are eligible to be cast in any role, of any gender as specified on their enrollment form.

Roles that will not be double cast:

Hiccup

Toothless

Phlegma, Hoarck, and Gertrud

Stoick

BEARS CAST (Grades 6–12)

Because the Spring musical is geared toward younger actors, there will be no Bears cast this session. Bears-aged and older students will instead merge with our Young Actors Ensemble program for the production of THE LIGHTNING THIEF: The Percy Jackson Musical

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! 

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 (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.

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 registration before the program begins. To receive a cash refund (minus a $25 cancellation fee), your request must be submitted in writing within 48 hours of registration.

After the 48-hour window, cancellations are eligible for a credit (minus the $25 fee) 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).

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

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 – $675

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

• Inclusive rate 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.

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

• 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: JUNE 15th

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 Saturday, May 16, 9am.

Standard Registration

For new and returning students: Opens Saturday, June 6, 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. Fall performances will be held at Chaparral Auditorium, Ojai CA.