Spring 2026

Young Actors Ensemble

Musical Theater Program

OYES’ after-school theater program works much like music, dance, or sports classes: students attend weekly rehearsals that lead up to a weekend of showcase performances. Rehearsals combine drama games, skill-building exercises, and focused time to learn songs, staging, and choreography. Along the way, young actors build confidence, communication, and organizational skills while exploring their creativity through the theatrical process.

Because the Spring K-5 musical is geared toward younger actors, there will be no Bears cast this session. Bears-aged students will instead merge with our Young Actors Ensemble program for the production of The Lightning Thief.

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.

The Lightning Thief

A Theatre for young audiences Production

As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure “worthy of the gods” (Time Out New York).

Characters

Descriptions [CLICK HERE]

Skills and Learning Goals

• Voice: Pitch, volume, proper singing technique and breath support

• Stage presence: The Actor’s Toolkit (body, voice, imagination), Emotions, Stage Directions

• Themes: Play/Improvisation/Creation vs Rehearsal, Repetition of learned material, Storytelling as a collective

• Movement and Body: Fight choreography, Puppetry, Physical acting choices

Workshops

• Tableaus (stage picture and levels)

• Scene Study

• Improv!

• Laban Movement Efforts

LABAN FEATURED WORKSHOP FOR THE LIGHTNING THIEF:

With specialized training in the Laban system and her extensive dance education, Emma-Rose Allen will guide students to grow and enhance their performance skills in focused Laban workshops.  We will dive deep into expressing emotions to tell a story,  and how to make engaging, unique choices, that bring our acting roles to life! We will explore Laban’s eight efforts through weight, space, time, and flow to create unforgettable performances that will shine in any audition or show.

To learn more about the Laban movement course, click here

Directorial Team

We are eager to share some announcements about our Spring team! The Lightning Thief will be directed by Daena Santoyo and a team of wonderful educators. Joining us as Assistant Directors/Educators are Chaney Holland and Chiya Newman. Music and Vocal Directors Amanda Moir, Emily Hall, and Angelica Smith are excited to bring their expertise and energy to the program, and Emma-Rose Allen is thrilled to be back to lead Choreography and Movement Workshops.

Registration Guide

Registration opens March 10th for returning students and Fall Waitlist students. Registration opens March 14 for new students (space permitting).

NEW: Students who are placed on the Spring Program waitlist will receive priority access to Summer registration. Summer registration opens April 10.

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 and Fall ‘25 waitlist students only: Opens Sunday, March 10.

• Registration

  For new and returning students: Opens Thursday, March 12

• 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!

PARTICIPATION CAPS

Caps are in place to ensure that:

• Every actor has a chance to receive a speaking part

• Each actor feels integral to telling the story

• Rehearsals remain productive and manageable

• Technical aspects can be met

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we “squeeze in” if a cast is full?

A: When registration reaches capacity, a waitlist sign-up will be provided. While we would love to add “just one more,” even 1–2 extra students can cause major challenges. Additional enrollment increases unplanned costs such as extra mic rentals, extended rehearsal time, more instructors, and technical limits (our sound board only supports 28 channels, and upgrading would require thousands in new equipment and skilled technicians).

Q: We joined, but our friends are in a different cast. Can we switch?

A: Switching is only possible if space is available in the preferred cast. If that cast is full, your student will need to join the waitlist. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that friends will be placed together once a cast has filled.

Enrollment caps protect the quality of the program. We sometimes adjust to accommodate more students, but space is not guaranteed.

Production Calendar by Cast

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

CAST A: YOUNG ACTORS ENSEMBLE (Bears)

Grades 6-10

Calendar Overview

Auditions by Appointment: March 27-29

• Saturday Rehearsals [start 04/11]: 9am-12pm

• Weekly Rehearsals [start 05/06]: Wednesdays, 4pm-7pm

• Additional weekdays (Mon-Fri) begin in June

Tech Week Rehearsals- REQUIRED. NO ABSENCES PERMITTED:

• Mon, Jun 15 - Thu, Jun 18 · 2:00–7:00pm - Dress Rehearsals

Performances:

• Fri, Jun 19 - Sun, Jun 21

Friday evening show, Saturday matinee, Saturday evening, Sunday matinee | Tickets $15-$18

CAST B: YOUNG ACTORS ENSEMBLE

Suggested AGE 14-17

Calendar Overview

Auditions by Appointment: March 27-29

• Sunday Rehearsals [start 04/12]: 9am-12pm

• Weekly Rehearsals [start 05/06]: Thursdays, 5pm-8pm

• Additional weekdays (Mon-Fri) begin in June

Tech Week Rehearsals- REQUIRED. NO ABSENCES PERMITTED:

• Mon, Jun 22 - Thu, Jun 25 · 3:00–8:00pm

Performances:

• Fri, Jun 26 - Sun, Jun 28

Friday evening show, Saturday matinee, Saturday evening, Sunday matinee | Tickets $15-$18

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

• Each cast member may have up to 2 planned absences during the Spring Session.

• 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 actor 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 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

Each cast member participates in 75+ hours of instruction, rehearsal, and performance preparation. To keep the program accessible, we are introducing a tiered tuition model.

Base Tuition – $775

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

• Inclusive rate ($9/hr) to keep the program accessible.

  
  

Supportive Tuition – $895

• 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 – $1,250

• 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: March 18

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: March 10

Registration

Open to Public: March 14

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.