By Mike Nelson | Photos by Viktor Budnik
Oct 8, 2025
Any form of arts education for young people — especially youth from underserved communities and economically challenged families — is welcome. But sustaining it long-term? “Ay,” wrote Shakespeare in “Hamlet,” “there’s the rub.”
Wouldn’t you know, it’s The Bard himself who is, in part, responsible for the success of the Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio (OYES), now into its second decade of providing theatrical opportunities for participants from kindergarten through high school. Since 2012, OYES has presented more than 60 youth productions (from classic Shakespeare to Disney musicals), awarded $20,000 in scholarships and engaged thousands of families in creating both quality performances and, just as importantly, a nurturing atmosphere.
At any given time, dozens of youth are involved in all aspects of on-stage and behind-the-scenes production, learning not just a craft but acquiring confidence and building friendships that last far beyond closing night.
‘The heart of our mission’
Founded in 2000 as Theater 150 — originally a boutique performing arts venue that served as a hub for Ojai’s professional acting community — OYES was launched in 2012 as a youth-focused branch. Its musical theater programs were built around a once-weekly rehearsal schedule for children to easily access the performing arts while balancing homework, sports and family time.
“Within a couple of years,” said Santoyo, “what began as a branch soon became the heart of our mission.”
But in 2015, OYES had to relocate from its downtown space. It was at that time that Santoyo and Sicotte-Kelly were invited to steward the organization into its next chapter.
“We told ourselves, ‘This can’t be another youth arts program that comes and goes,’” said Santoyo. “We both grew up deeply impacted by theater and we wanted the program to be something lasting for Ojai’s youth.”
