This Program is supported in part by the City of Ojai Arts Commission, whose commitment to the arts helps bring creative opportunities to youth and audiences across Ojai.
💡 What’s a radio play?
A radio play is a theatrical performance created entirely through sound with voices, music, and effects to spark the listener’s imagination. The most famous example, War of the Worlds (1938), captivated audiences when Orson Welles’ dramatic broadcast made listeners believe aliens were invading Earth!
Youth Radio Play SPRING PROGRAM
In this special Radio Play 5-week course, students will step into the imaginative world of classic radio storytelling while working on an original companion piece to the Spring Musical production.
Young performers will learn the art of voice acting, character creation, and live Foley sound effects as they bring a short audio story to life. Throughout the workshops, students will rehearse and record their radio play, experimenting with character creation, sound design, and expressive vocal performance.
The finished recording will be featured as a special broadcast during the Spring Musical performances, giving participants the thrill of hearing their work shared with a live theater audience.
Skills and Learning Goals
Voice Acting
Character creation
Foley Sound Design
Recording technique
Registration Guide
Registration
For new and returning students: Opens Saturday, March 14
Waitlist
Available once classes are full [waitlist students will receive priority access to summer reg]
*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
March 30 - April 27
Auditions: Roles will be assigned during the rehearsal process
Weekly Rehearsal Workshops:
Mondays, 3:30–5:30pm
Saturday Rehearsals:
1-2 Rehearsals TBA
Radio Plays for the Summer and Fall 2026
OYES is developing Radio Plays programming to continue into the Summer and Fall sessions — to be streamed on www.ojairadio.org
Students will explore the art of voice acting, sound design, and live performance as they bring original and classic radio scripts to life.
Participants will develop character voices, explore microphone techniques, and discover student foley technque to create imaginative sound effects, while rehearsing and performing a full radio play.
Culminates in a live studio performance for an audience, while broadcast live on local radio and streamed online.
This unique class blends acting, storytelling, and technical artistry. A perfect opportunity for young performers, storytellers, and sound enthusiasts ready to explore a new creative challenge!
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!
About 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
Radio Plays spring session is short, and requires attendance for all rehearsals planned.
A Conflict Form listing all planned absences must be submitted. 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.
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 program participation any time before the program begins, however, your cancellation must be received in writing within 48 hours of registration to receive a cash refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. After the 48-hour grace period, you may receive a credit (minus the $25 fee) to be used toward future OYES programming.
If there are not enough students enrolled in a class, OYES reserves the right to cancel the class and provide a full cash refund.
There are no refunds or credits for missed classes. No refunds should a class be cancelled due to circumstances beyond OYES’ control (natural disaster, pandemic, etc.).
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 • Radio Play
Each cast member participates in 40+ hours of instruction, rehearsal, and performance preparation. To keep the program accessible, we are introducing a tiered tuition model.
Base Tuition – $225
Covers essentials (instruction, materials).
Inclusive rate to keep the program accessible.
Supportive Tuition – $315
Recommended for families who are able to pay full cost.
Helps sustain high-quality program with professional staff and technical resources.
Sustainer Tuition – $425
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 by May 1st
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: March 18th
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/semester. Email admin@oyespresents.org
Registration Portal
opening soon
Priority Registration
Opens for returning students only: Wednesday, Sept 3 at 10am
Registration
Open to Public: Friday, Sept 5 at 10am
Any new students who sign up before September 5 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.
