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Spring 2026
Young Actors Ensemble
Young Actors Ensemble (YAE) builds on the foundation of OYES’ youth theatre program by inviting older students to take on more complex material and performance challenges. Material ranges from straight plays, to Shakespeare, to musicals.
Our programs operate within a conservatory-style model—see the Programs/About page to learn more.
This Program is supported in part by the City of Ojai Arts Commission.
The Lightning Thief
A Theatre for young audiences Production
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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).
Discover the Music
Discover Programs Performing with this Production
CAMP HALF-BLOOD DANCE ENSEMBLE
OLYMPIANS CHOIR (Chorus)
Production 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
Priority Registration*
For Returning Students only: Opens Thursday, March 12, 7am.
*Fall Waitlist students will be contacted directly about access.
Registration
For new and returning students: Opens Sunday, March 15, 9am
Waitlist
Available once classes are full
FAQ
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A: Unfortunately, no. 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).
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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.
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Enrollment caps protect the quality of the program. We sometimes adjust to accommodate more students, but space is not guaranteed.
Production Calendar by Cast
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 $18-$25
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THE LIGHTNING THIEF: PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL
Cast A Schedule | Grade 6-10 (Bears)
March
Fri Mar 27 – 3:00–6:00pm – Auditions by appointment
Sat Mar 28 – 2:00–6:00pm – Auditions by appointment
Sun Mar 29 – 3:00–7:00pm – Auditions by appointment
April
● Sat Apr 11 – 1:00–4:00pm – Casting, Music & Movement Workshop
● Sat Apr 18 – 9:00am–12:00pm – Music Rehearsal
● Sat Apr 25 – 9:00am–12:00pm – Music Rehearsal
May
● Sat May 2 – 9:00am–12:00pm – Music Rehearsal
● Wed May 6 – 4:00–7:00pm – Choreography Rehearsal
● Sat May 9 – 9:00am–12:00pm – Music Rehearsal
● Wed May 13 – 4:00–7:00pm – Choreography Rehearsal
● Sat May 16 – 9:00am–12:00pm – Music Rehearsal
● Wed May 20 – 4:00–7:00pm – Choreography Rehearsal
● Wed May 27 – 4:00–7:00pm – Choreography Rehearsal
June
● Mon Jun 1 – 4:00–8:00pm – Rehearsal
● Wed Jun 3 – 4:00–8:00pm – Rehearsal
● Fri Jun 5 – 4:00–8:00pm – Rehearsal
● Sat Jun 6 – 9:00am–12:00pm – Rehearsal
● Mon Jun 8 – 4:00–8:00pm – Rehearsal
● Tue Jun 9 – 4:00–8:00pm – Rehearsal
● Wed Jun 10 – 4:00–8:00pm – Rehearsal
● Sat Jun 13 – 9:00am–3:00pm – Rehearsal
Tech Week - NO ABSENCES
Mon, Jun 15 - Thu, Jun 18 · 2:00–7:00pm - Dress Rehearsals
Performances
Fri, Jun 19 - Sun, Jun 21
CAST B: YOUNG ACTORS ENSEMBLE
SUGGESTED AGE 14-17
Calendar Overview
Auditions by Appointment: March 27-29
Saturday & Sunday Rehearsals [start 04/12]: 9am-12pm
Weekly Rehearsals [start 05/07]: 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 $18-$25
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THE LIGHTNING THIEF: PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL
Cast B Schedule | Young Actors Ensemble | Suggested age 14-17
March
Fri Mar 27 – 3:00–6:00pm – Auditions by appointment
Sat Mar 28 – 2:00–6:00pm – Auditions by appointment
Sun Mar 29 – 3:00–7:00pm – Auditions by appointment
April
● Sat Apr 11 – 9:00am–12:00pm – Casting, Music & Movement Workshop
● Sun Apr 19 – 9:00am–12:00pm – Music Rehearsal
● Sun Apr 26 – 9:00am–12:00pm – Music Rehearsal
May
● Sat May 2 – 12:00–3:00pm – Music Rehearsal
● Thu May 7 – 5:00–8:00pm – Choreography Rehearsal
● Sun May 10 – 12:00–3:00pm – Music Rehearsal
● Thu May 14 – 5:00–8:00pm – Choreography Rehearsal
● Sun May 17 – 12:00–3:00pm – Music Rehearsal
● Thu May 21 – 5:00–8:00pm – Choreography Rehearsal
● Thu May 28 – 5:00–8:00pm – Choreography Rehearsal
June
● Tue Jun 2 – 4:00–8:00pm – Rehearsal
● Thu Jun 4 – 4:00–8:00pm – Rehearsal
● Sat Jun 6 – 1:00–4:00pm – Rehearsal
● Fri Jun 12 – 10:00am–2:00pm – Rehearsal
● Mon Jun 15 – 9:00am–1:00pm – Rehearsal + Music
● Tue Jun 16 – 9:00am–1:00pm – Rehearsal + Music
● Wed Jun 17 – 9:00am–1:00pm – Rehearsal + Music
Tech Week - NO ABSENCES
Mon, Jun 22 - Thu, Jun 25 · 3:00–8:00pm
Performances
Fri, Jun 26 - Sun, Jun 28
Before you join…
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 Fall session (Sep-Jan) and 1 planned absence during the Spring (Feb-May) or Summer (Jun-Aug) session .
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 actor must have a parent or guardian volunteer representative (if a minor).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, licenses, scripts, materials).
Inclusive rate 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, including costumes and props.
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
Priority Registration
Opens for returning students only: Thursday, March 12, 7am
Registration
Open to Public: Sunday, March 15, 9am
Any new students who sign up before March 15 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.
